The Arc Maryland Unveils Together We're Better Celebrating Diversity 2013 Pilot Program

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Oct. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- In celebration of October National Bullying Prevention Month The Arc Maryland, the state’s largest non-for-profit statewide grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has unveiled a comprehensive new program on bullying and disability awareness as part of their ongoing “Together We’re Better: Celebrating Diversity” Toolkit and statewide contest.

The 2013 “Together We’re Better” Pilot Program includes classroom modules on bullying and respect of individuals with disabilities with the new “Stop Bullying and Show Respect!” curriculum for Grades 1 through 12 .  The new curriculum is aligned with recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). In August, 2013, OSERS issued a formal guidance stating bullying of any student by another student, for any reason, cannot be tolerated in schools and that addressing and reporting bullying is critical.

Children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable as targets of bullying and are two to three times more likely to be bullied compared to children without disabilities, according to a study by The Pacer Center  (“Disabilities: Insights from Across Fields and Around the World,” 2009).  Forty percent of children with autism and 60 percent of children with Asperger's Syndrome have experienced bullying, according to The Autism Society.

Kate Fialkowski, The Arc Maryland’s Executive Director remarked: “In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month, I’m pleased to announce the enhanced “Together We’re Better Stop Bullying and Show Respect!” curriculum.  The Arc Maryland is excited to partner with State agencies to educate students, parents and citizens on bullying awareness and respect.  These programs are vital to protecting our vulnerable population from bullying, harassment and victimization.  We need to ensure all students have the opportunity to learn in a safe and respectful environment – with an appreciation for all individuals regardless of their disability or differences.”

According to the Maryland State Department of Education a total of 5,213 bullying incidents were reported for the 2011-2012 school year, an increase of 535 reported bullying incidents from the 2010-2011 school year which is a positive occurrence.  “Whether you are an educator, student, family member or an individual who cares about youth, bullying/relational aggression is a family and public health issue that affects us all and must not be permitted in any environment,” stated Marcella  Franczkowski,  Assistant State Superintendent, Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education and Early Intervention Services.

In partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Department of Disabilities, the “Together We’re Better: Celebrating Diversity” curriculum for students and the Maryland Out of School Time Network (MOOST) includes instructional resources for use with classes, videos, a comic strip and other media to engage students. “The Maryland Department of Disabilities is pleased to be a part of the “Together We’re Better” campaign,” said Secretary Catherine A. Raggio.  “Celebrating our diversity and increasing disability awareness in our schools is an excellent way to encourage all of our students to work, learn and grow together.” The “Together We’re Better: Celebrating Diversity” program culminates in a statewide competition and award ceremony held in Annapolis  on Developmental Disabilities Day, February 18, 2014, hosted by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition and coalition member The Arc Maryland.

About The Arc Maryland:

The Arc Maryland is a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to creating a world where children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities. Find out more about The Arc Maryland’s “Together We’re Better: Celebrating Diversity” Pilot Program and associated awareness at  www.thearcmd.org