The State of Maryland legislative session has begun – from now through mid-April, elected officials from across the state have descended on Annapolis to introduce and enact Maryland’s laws.

The session runs from January 11 through April 10, 2023.

The Arc will continue to monitor new legislation as it is introduced and advocate for policies that create greater opportunity and access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Leading Boldly, The Arc’s new self-advocacy group that supports people to make self-determined decisions in all areas of their daily lives will be a strong, active voice throughout the session. A core area of Living Boldly’s focus is to create conversations and discuss policy decisions that affect people with IDD.

How can you ensure your elected officials make people with IDD a priority?

• Sign up to receive Action Alerts from The Arc. Throughout the session, The Arc will periodically send time-sensitive emails alerting you to specific actions you can take on policies that affect people with IDD. Examples include calling or emailing your elected officials, writing letters of support, or even providing testimonials. You can sign up to receive Action Alerts here.
• Attend Developmental Disabilities Day. On Wednesday, February 22, people with IDD from across the state will gather to raise awareness about the critical issues impacting people with IDD. Join The Arc, Living Boldly, and other supporters as we meet with lawmakers to share our personal stories. You can register for this event here.
• Join Living Boldly. The Arc wants people with IDD to be bold! Our self-advocacy group, Living Boldly, encourages people with IDD to communicate for and represent themselves. The group meets monthly with in-person and virtual sessions. To join the group, contact livingboldly@thearcccr.org.

Contact us if you have any questions about the legislative process or The Arc’s priorities for this session.