Three state legislators received the “Champion for Real Lives” Award from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition at the 2013 Annual Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature in Annapolis on February 19, 2013. Senator Edward Kasemeyer, Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton, and Delegate James Hubbard were honored for their extraordinary leadership over the last 15 years on major issues affecting people with developmental disabilities, including the closure of state institutions, addressing the long waiting list for community services, and initiatives to increase the wages of direct support staff.
Ken Capone, Public Policy Coordinator for People on the Go, said, “Throughout his tenure in the Maryland General Assembly, Senator Kasemeyer has been a tireless advocate for the issues most important to Marylanders with developmental disabilities. Senator Kasemeyer is a true champion for real lives for people with developmental disabilities, and he is extremely deserving of this award.”
In her presentation to Senator Middleton, Tiffany Young said, “You not only led the fight for direct support wages, but you have been a part of so many important efforts in Maryland – to help people leave institutions, to help people on the Waiting List get services, and to help make community services better.”
“Delegate Hubbard has, for so many years, done what’s right. It has meant that people with disabilities are now living as valued members of their communities. This was not always true. On behalf of my friends and me, we are thankful for Delegate Hubbard’s support to make it so,” said Tracy Wright, of The Arc Maryland’s Self Advocate’s Network (SAN).
Brian Cox, Executive Director of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council added, “These honorees have demonstrated the true meaning of ‘champion.’ They were the unanimous choice for this award having led the way for many years with a strong dedication to improving the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities.”
According to Laura Howell, Chair of the Developmental Disabilities Coalition, the three honorees have made a major difference in the lives of thousands of Marylanders. “They have led the way for advances made in funding and policies to help people with developmental disabilities to live and work in their communities.”
The Developmental Disabilities Coalition is comprised of five organizations that advocate for issues affecting people with developmental disabilities in Maryland. The five organizations include The Arc Maryland, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, Maryland Disability Law Center, People on the Go of Maryland, and the Maryland Association of Community Services.
The Arc advocates for and serves people with
