On May 28th, The Arc Maryland, fellow self-advocates, family members, professionals, volunteer leaders, and partners from other nonprofits and government agencies joined together at our 2026 Statewide Convention & Awards Banquet at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City!
For many decades, The Arc has been a constant, enduring force for families. We advocate and educate to advance civil rights, equity, inclusion, accessibility, kindness, and more—because we must. When the going gets tough, we get moving, powered by people: the inherent value of each human being in our ecosystem, and we embrace the beautiful differences of all. This year’s Convention theme, Limitless, was a reflection of how we see people with IDD, their families, and the communities we build together.
While the world may sometimes focus on perceived limitations of those around us, we see endless possibilities. Every day, individuals with IDD show us what’s possible when opportunity, support, and belief come together. Limitless celebrates their courage, creativity, and strength, and reminds us that when barriers are removed, potential knows no bounds. Together, we will continue to expand inclusion, break down barriers, and inspire fellow Marylanders to see what we have always known to be true: there are no limits to what our community can achieve.
Congratulations to this Year’s Statewide Awardees!
During our 2026 Convention & Awards Banquet, we honored statewide awardees and celebrated their achievements alongside representatives of the community that they so greatly impact. Check out the full list of 2026 awardees through the button below.
Event Schedule
Pre-Convention Self-Advocate Summit
| Wednesday, May 27th | Details |
| 9:30 AM | Check-in for Self-Advocate Summit Opens |
| 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM | Self-Advocate Summit Part 1 |
| 12:30 to 1:30 PM | Summit Lunch |
| 1:30 to 4:00 PM | Self-Advocate Summit Part 2 |
Statewide Convention & Awards Banquet
Read more in our Convention Program here.
| Thursday, May 28th | Details |
| 7:30 AM | Registration and Exhibitor Tables for Statewide Convention Open |
| 8:00 to 9:30 AM | The Arc Maryland Annual Meeting and Chapter Volunteer of the Year Awards Breakfast |
| 9:30 to 10:15 AM | Plenary Session (click here for presentation and speaker information) |
| 10:30 to 11:15 AM | Breakout Session 1 (click here for presentation and speaker information) |
| 11:20 to 11:50 AM | Micro Session (Legislative Wrap Up) and Break (click here for presentation and speaker information) |
| 12:00 to 2:00 PM | Luncheon & Statewide Awards Celebration (click here for awards information) |
| 2:15 to 3:00 PM | Breakout Session 2 (click here for presentation and speaker information) |
| 3:15 to 4:00 PM | Breakout Session 3 (click here for presentation and speaker information) |
| 3:30 to 4:45 PM | Evolving Leaders Program Happy Hour (Invite-only, for past, current, and prospective Evolving Leaders Program participants, and chapter leaders.) |
Thank You To Our 2026 Convention Sponsors!
Change Agents
Champions
Advocates
Friends
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,262,422 with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.