Maryland Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition - MDAC

11/19/2025

ACTION ALERT!🚨

11/19/2025

11/06/2025

This Saturday is a FREE IEP CLINIC with Special Education Attorney Allie Rosenblatt. It is virtual - completely accessible as long as one has access to the Internet.

RSVP TODAY by 12 noon - if we do not have at least 6 sign-ups, we will cancel out of respect for Attorney Rosenblatt's time: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/downsyndromeassocmaryland/event/iepclinic/

https://www.facebook.com/events/1421956579007962/?active_tab=discussion

IEP Clinic Join us for a personalized IEP (Individualized Education Program) Clinic designed to support families and caregivers navigating the special education process. During this small group session, you'll have the opportunity to meet with experienced professionals who can review your child’s ...

11/05/2025

Please view my statement on today’s SNAP benefits update.

11/02/2025

National Down Syndrome Congress, together with other national organizations, invites you to join a Virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET.

Recent actions at the U.S. Department of Education threaten the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the rights of over 8 million children with disabilities.

This urgent conversation will bring together parents, educators, and advocates to stand up for students with disabilities and to protect IDEA — the cornerstone law ensuring every child has the right to a free appropriate public education.

💬 Learn what’s happening now and what you can do
🤝 Connect with others who care.
📣 Take action to protect children with disabilities and the law that protects them.
🔗 Register now (space is limited):
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ROjpXDrPS76Hm2y3udCXbg #/registration

Co-Hosted by COPAA, Center for Learner Equity, The Arc, Council for Exceptional Children, National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Down Syndrome Congress

09/29/2025

A group of Medicaid recipients has sued the Maryland Department of Health for a "dysfunctional" system of determining eligibility for services that they say has denied services to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

09/27/2025

You're invited! Attend a workgroup meeting to learn all about what MDAC is currently working on as well as our goals for the future. All advocates and self-advocates are welcome!

> Adult Policy Workgroup: 1st Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. (EST)
> K-12 Education Workgroup: 4th Monday of the month at 12 p.m. (EST)
> Birth-5 Workgroup: 4th Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. (EST)

*Email MarylandDSAdvocacyCoalition@gmail.com to request a meeting link(s).*

09/09/2025

It’s back to school season!

As students head back to school, we’re sharing resources to strengthen inclusive education.

These briefs were co-authored by NDSC Senior Education Policy Advisor, Ricki Sabia, in collaboration with the TIES Center at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration. TIES develops evidence-based tools and partners with states, districts, and schools to help ensure students with disabilities, especially those with significant cognitive disabilities—are fully included in general education and community life.

Practical guidance for building stronger, more inclusive school communities for students with Down syndrome and all learners:
🔵 10 Reasons to Support Inclusive School Communities for ALL Students: https://ndsccenter.org/file_download/inline/ee844103-206e-4927-83c4-0b26a94bc4e1
🟡 Taking the Alternate Assessment Does NOT Mean Education in a Separate Setting!: https://ndsccenter.org/file_download/inline/7696be13-6660-4a5d-b6c0-e36b95ce57b2
🔵 Developing IEPs that Support Inclusive Education for Students with the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities: https://ndsccenter.org/file_download/inline/c94481a6-0311-4f1d-8154-4e3f4f16a115

Explore more resources: https://ndsccenter.org/file_download/inline/717ebd38-15e7-4f39-8a4f-02ce92c48d36

09/04/2025

As we reflect on the year gone by and take a collective deep breath in preparation for the year ahead, we want to thank you each and every one of you for being a part of MDAC - for responding to our calls for action, for showing up, for reading, learning, and sharing what’s happening with others, and for sharing your stories with us and with policymakers.

Our collective voice is unwavering and only growing stronger. We appreciate the opportunity to advocate alongside you.

We're pleased to share with you MDAC's 2025 Annual Update:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17_fRYN-x92Ol3Z_1Ks3l-ySGseGQrgQH/view?usp=sharing

08/02/2025

🎉 Advocacy WIN – but our work isn’t done yet!

On July 31, the Senate Committee passed a bipartisan FY 2026 Labor-HHS-Education funding bill (26–3), a major victory for students with disabilities and IDEA funding.
Thanks to NDSC and advocates nationwide, the committee report:
🔵 Protects IDEA funds from being block granted or eliminated, as proposed by the White House.
🟡 Keeps IDEA implementation within the Dept. of Education, not shifted to HHS.
🔵 Ensures funding is distributed as intended and avoids staffing cuts that could delay services.

A special shout-out to NDSC Policy & Advocacy Co-Director Stephanie Smith Lee, who led a bipartisan letter from former Dept of Education officials urging Congress to safeguard special education and to every advocate who contacted their Members of Congress to share their stories. Your advocacy made a difference!

Read the letter from former Dept of Education officials here: https://ndsccenter.org/file_download/inline/2225fa54-45a5-4f33-a538-ef4c36391648

But we can’t stop now! The full Senate still needs to vote, and the House must draft its bill. It’s possible the administration could try to rescind (stop appropriated funds from being spent) IDEA funds later.

📢 Take action today: https://bit.ly/NDSCActionAlerts
📖 Read more: https://www.k12dive.com/news/senate-appropriations-rejects-k-12-grant-consolidations-in-fy-26-bill/756504/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202025-08-01%20K-12%20Dive%20%5Bissue:75511%5D&utm_term=K-12%20Dive

08/01/2025

🌟 Celebrating the Laura Lee Advocacy Award 🌟

The Laura Lee Advocacy Award recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of Laura Lee - her unwavering advocacy, courage, and deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.

Named in her memory, this award honors leaders who are paving the way toward a more inclusive and equitable world. This year’s recipient has long championed inclusive education and equal opportunities throughout her exceptional leadership and advocacy.

MDAC is thrilled to announce that Liz Zogby, MDAC Co-Chair, was honored with this prestigious award last week at the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention in Dallas, Texas!

Please join us in celebrating and thanking Liz for her tireless advocacy, her powerful voice, and her unshakable leadership. Liz is reshaping what advocacy looks like - bold, inclusive, and unapologetically driven by the voices that matter most - we are so grateful.

(Pictured (L-R) are self-advocate Adrian Forsythe - MDAC Adult Workgroup Co-Chair, Liz Zogby - MDAC Co-Chair, and Stephanie Smith Lee - NDSC Policy & Advocacy Co-Director)

07/31/2025

On Tuesday, MDAC advocates and self-advocates returned to the Maryland State Board of Education to deliver a united message:

✊ Our students deserve better. Our schools can do better. We are READY for change.

Maryland continues to rank among the worst in the country in terms of inclusion for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in general education classrooms. The data is clear: the system is failing far too many and it is time for urgent, statewide reform.

Today, we’re sharing individual videos of each advocate and self-advocate who gave public testimony. Their voices deserve to be heard and shared.

🎥 Watch them now on the MDAC YouTube page and give a share:
🔗 https://youtube.com/?feature=shared