Public Policy

To view our legislative guide, please click here.


Arc Advocacy
As part of our mission, The Arc of Baltimore engages in public policy activities (also sometimes known as “governmental affairs”). These activities are aimed at:

• securing new and expanded funding for needed services for all persons with developmental disabilities
• promoting laws and regulations that assure equal rights, opportunity and treatment for all persons with developmental disabilities
• securing well-funded and integrated public education programs for students with developmental disabilities (including other needed services for children and youth such as day care, foster care, infants and toddlers programs, respite care, etc.)
• preserving and advancing publicly supported benefits (including income, housing, health services and other necessary supports) for individuals with developmental disabilities who are not able to (fully) support themselves with income from working
• other matters that improve the quality of life for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families

The Arc of Baltimore’s public policy/governmental affairs activities are “grassroots” activities that inform our members, staff and others associated with The Arc about key matters and that suggest some action aimed at influencing a legislative, executive or regulatory outcome. These activities may involve all branches and levels of Government.

Join the Network
“The Arc Network” refers to members of The Arc of Baltimore who have a special interest in public policy/governmental affairs issues. We keep Network members current with the latest happenings in the Maryland General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. We let Network members know when letters, e-mails, or phonecalls are needed on key issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities. To join the Network, please send us an e-mail at thearcnetwork@arcofbaltimore.org and give us your contact information and we’ll be sure you receive action alerts and important updates.

Make Your Voice Heard
To further assist you in making phone calls or sending letters and e-mails, click here to see the the legislative guide with a roster of State legislators and their addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Also, for the latest updates on bills under consideration by the Maryland General Assembly along with hearing dates and other information visit the Maryland General Assembly home page This site also offers assistance determining your legislative districts and representatives in case you’re unsure.

Use Our Coalitions
The Arc of Baltimore’s public policy/governmental affairs activities are carried out in coordination and cooperation with The Arc of Maryland, The Arc of the United States and other state and national advocacy and coalition groups pursuing common and related public policy objectives.

To review the current public policy/governmental affairs goals of The Arc of Maryland, click here. To review the current public policy/governmental affairs goals of The Arc of the United States, click here.

Network Members and others are encouraged to visit The Arc of the United States website frequently. Click on Action Center you can see the latest relevant activities in the Congress and quickly generate e-mails on the latest issues.

Coalition Launches End the Wait Now Campaign
Want to do something about the 16,000 people currently on the MD Developmental Disabilities Administration waiting list for community services. Join the End the Wait Now Campaign.  For more information, visit www.endthewaitnow.com