The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) was founded in 1961 by a group of parents who wanted their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to have greater choices, opportunities, and the same rights and freedoms as others in their community. More than six decades later, The Arc continues to lead the way in advocating for those rights, working tirelessly to remove barriers to equity and access and build the services people tell us they want and need. 

The Arc’s commitment to advocacy is not just about reacting to changes—it’s about proactively creating the future that the people we support and believe in. One of the many ways The Arc works to make the community stronger is through advocating for policy changes. As the 2025 legislative session approaches, we will continue to champion the issues that matter most to the people and communities we serve. 

Looking Back: Legislative Wins from 2024  

2024 was a year of significant progress for people with IDD, and The Arc is proud of the legislative victories that have had a direct, positive impact on the lives of the people we support. 

Here are some key legislative successes from 2024: 

• HB538: Housing Expansion & Affordability Act of 2024 – This important legislation, which The Arc supported in partnership with Chesapeake Neighbors, introduced density bonuses that will significantly expand affordable housing opportunities. These bonuses allow for more housing units in single-family, multi-family, and mixed-use zones, helping nonprofit developers, like The Arc’s enterprise, provide more housing for the community.  

• HB336/SB592: Maryland ABLE Program – This bill requires local school systems to provide families with information about the Maryland ABLE Program during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, allowing them to plan for their child’s future with greater ease. It’s a crucial step in ensuring that families have the resources they need to make sound financial decisions for their children with disabilities. 

• HB420: Accessible Parks – The introduction of communication boards at state parks, mandated by this legislation, is a game-changer for accessibility. These boards enable people with disabilities to engage more easily with their surroundings, making outdoor spaces more inclusive and allowing for a richer, more interactive experience. 

• SB92: Movie Theater Captioning – With this law, movie theaters in Maryland are now required to provide closed captioning technology for every screening, ensuring that people who are deaf or hard of hearing can enjoy entertainment on an equal footing with others. 

These victories are more than just policy wins—they represent real, tangible improvements in the lives of people with IDD and people throughout the community. As we continue to advocate for the rights of people with IDD, we celebrate these successes as part of a larger, ongoing effort to create a more inclusive and accessible world for all. 

Looking Ahead: State-Level Priorities for 2025 

As the 2025 Maryland legislative session begins on January 8, The Arc will continue to advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusion for people with IDD. With the state facing significant budget challenges, the focus will inevitably be on fiscal responsibility, but there are key areas where we will push for change: 

• Improving DDA Services – We will advocate for greater transparency and efficiency within the Maryland Department of Health and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), especially concerning self-directed services funding. 

• Affordable Housing – Building on last year’s housing reforms, The Arc will work to strengthen Maryland’s affordable housing policies while opposing efforts that could weaken them. Affordable housing remains a critical issue for people with disabilities, and we will continue to push for solutions that meet their needs. 

Rylie Shewbridge, Director of Government Relations, emphasizes, “As we move forward, it is crucial to maintain a robust state budget for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Prioritizing funding for the services and supports that people with IDD rely on is essential for their well-being and success. Our advocacy efforts this session are focused on securing the resources necessary to provide people with IDD the opportunities they deserve. We’ve always believed in leading by example, and by addressing the accessibility needs within our own facilities, we hope to inspire others to do the same.”

Federal Advocacy: Protecting Essential Supports 

In addition to our state efforts, The Arc is also focusing on federal advocacy, particularly around the preservation of Medicaid funding, which is vital for people with IDD. Some of the major federal initiatives we are supporting include: 

• Protecting Medicaid Funding – Medicaid is a lifeline for people with IDD, and we will continue to advocate to ensure it remains strong and fully funded. 
• Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Workforce Act – This bill seeks to create a separate occupational category for DSPs, addressing workforce shortages and improving conditions for the essential staff who support people with IDD. 
• ABLE Tomorrow Act – This bill strengthens tax-advantaged 529A accounts for people with IDD, allowing them to save for disability-related expenses without jeopardizing public benefits. 
• Phasing Out Subminimum Wages – We will engage in efforts to eliminate 14(c) certificates, which allow employers to pay subminimum wages to people with IDD. 

Join Us in Advocacy 

As we head into the 2025 legislative session, The Arc invites you to join our efforts. Whether it’s contacting your representatives, attending advocacy events, or simply staying informed, your involvement matters. Together, we can continue to push for policies that make a meaningful difference for people with IDD and their families. 

To stay in the loop about policy priorities and advocacy alerts, sign up to receive The Arc’s monthly newsletter.