On Feb. 18, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition hosted the annual Developmental Disabilities Day (DD Day) at the Legislature in Annapolis. DD Day provides an opportunity for self-advocates, family members, providers and trainees to come together in support of key issues affecting the lives of people with disabilities in Maryland.
In the weeks leading up to the event, Kennedy Krieger trainees participated in preparation meetings led by staff members and self-advocates, where they learned how to translate their lived and professional experiences into clear, educational stories for legislators. These sessions also included discussion of the broader context surrounding legislation introduced during the current session and analysis of how proposed policies may expand or limit opportunities for people with disabilities to fully participate in their communities.
After the program concluded at the Graduate Annapolis Hotel, some trainees traveled to Lawyers Mall for the “These Are Our Lives” rally, where hundreds gathered to advocate for restoring proposed budget cuts to services provided by the Developmental Disabilities Administration. The groups then proceeded to their scheduled legislative visits, led by experienced Maryland self-advocates or family members who supported the trainees by sharing their expertise during meetings with elected officials. Self-advocates, staff members and trainees participated in 12 legislative meetings.
The day concluded at the Boathouse at St. John’s College with a lunch-and-learn panel focused on federal and state policy updates, as well as a self-advocate’s perspective. Shoshana Marin, public policy fellow for the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), and Liz Weintraub, AUCD senior advocacy specialist, provided federal perspectives. Kim McKay, assistant secretary of programs for the Maryland Department of Disabilities, and Anne Blackfield, deputy secretary for the Maryland Department of Disabilities, offered state perspectives. Tracy Wright, deputy director of People On the Go Maryland, shared her personal journey to advocacy.
Staff members of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities, the Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND) Program, and the Center for Excellence in Public Health Leadership are grateful to the panelists for sharing their time, experiences and insights with this year’s cohort. The day ended in strong spirits, grounded in meaningful conversations and connections.
DD Day remains an annual call to action, encouraging Marylanders with disabilities and their allies to share their stories and engage directly in the legislative process. The event provides an opportunity to advocate for policies that strengthen services and supports across the state while informing lawmakers about proposed legislation and budget decisions that may limit the disability community’s opportunities for the future.
