The Arc Maryland Announces Winner to Statewide "Together We're Better:Celebrating Diversity" Program

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Feb. 11, 2015 - PRLog -- The largest statewide advocacy organization dedicated to the rights of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities is excited to announce the three winning schools of the 2015 “Together We’re Better Celebrating Diversity” media contest! They are: Cranberry Station Elementary School in Carroll County, Cannon Road Elementary School and Westover Elementary School both in Montgomery County.

The Arc Maryland in collaboration with the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Department of Disabilities developed the “Together We’re Better: Celebrating Diversity” program and contest to include classroom modules on bullying and respect of individuals with disabilities. The curriculum includes instructional resources for use with classes, videos, a comic strip and other media to engage students. The “Together We’re Better” program culminated in a statewide media competition open to all Maryland public schools whose classes are inclusive of students with disabilities. “These awareness activities promote a positive school climate where all students are engaged in learning together so they can progress and become ready for college, careers, and community living,” stated Marcella Franczkowski, Assistant State Superintendent, Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education and Early Intervention Services.

The winning classes of students and teachers will be recognized at the Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature sponsored by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition on February 19, 2015 in Annapolis, MD. The honorees will receive Resolutions and Citations issued by the State Senate and House of Delegates.

“The Arc Maryland’s vision is to create a world where children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (such as Down syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy) live, learn, play and grow up with their typical peers,” according to Cristine Marchand, The Arc Maryland’s Executive Director. “It starts with children and students in their neighborhood schools – that’s why The Arc is delighted to recognize these winning schools and a new generation of leaders.”

About The Arc Maryland:

The Arc of Maryland, with ten local chapters in 18 counties, is the state’s largest nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to the rights and quality of life of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Find out more about The Arc Maryland’s “Together We’re Better” program and competition:  www.thearcmd.org/TWB