The Arc Maryland Announces Inclusive Schools Contest Honorees

Annapolis, MD - The Arc Maryland, in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Department of Disabilities, and the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, is pleased to announce the awardees of the “Together We’re Better” Inclusive Education Campaign and Artwork Contest. The Arc Maryland is the largest statewide advocacy organization dedicated to the rights and quality of the lives of children and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

“By supporting this initiative, we are expanding our message about raising expectations of people with developmental disabilities, said Brian Cox, executive director of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, “By advocating for more inclusion, this contest fosters greater acceptance among students, and ultimately higher expectations about classmates with disabilities."

The Together We’re Better Inclusive Education Campaign and Artwork Contest provides Maryland’s elementary and middle schools with an opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse abilities and talents of classmates with differing abilities. “The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness of the importance of including of all students in every aspect of school life,” said Ande Kolp, The Arc Maryland’s Executive Director. “We are so pleased with the participation of so many schools throughout the state and the dedication of the teachers, staff, and students to utilizing the Inclusive Schools Toolkit and bringing this campaign to life.”

Secretary Carol Beatty from the Maryland Department of Disabilities added, "Anytime we have an opportunity to not only celebrate diversity but to teach our children that our communities are strongest when we value the unique contributions of each member, we know we are changing Maryland for the better. Congratulations to all those selected and all who participated in this unique initiative."

The full list of awardees includes:

· First Place – Kennard Elementary School, (Queen Anne’s County) and Chesapeake Terrace Elementary School, (Baltimore County);

· Second Place – Matapeake Elementary School, (Queen Anne’s County) and Kennard Elementary School, (Queen Anne’s County)

· Third Place - Rock Creek School, (Frederick County) and Kennard Elementary School, (Queen Anne’s County)

Honorable Mentions – Kennard Elementary School (Queen Anne’s County) and Chesapeake Terrace Elementary School (Baltimore County).

The artwork of all students will be displayed throughout Maryland at libraries and other public venues. The final exhibit will be on June 8th at The Arc Maryland Annual State Convention at Turf Valley Resort (Ellicott City) where an award ceremony will honor some of the student artists and their schools.

To view all the 2017-2018 artwork submissions, please visit The Arc Maryland website. Together We’re Better! www.thearcmd.org.