Presented for demonstrating outstanding service in governmental affairs and public policy in one or more of The Arc’s priority goal areas.
Greg Snyder, Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS)
Greg Snyder, Vice President of Government Relations for MACS, is driven by his passion for the rights and opportunities of people with developmental disabilities. During this incredibly challenging legislative session (his second session as a member of the DD Coalition), he worked tirelessly to support people with IDD, family members, and community providers to make their voices heard with elected leaders.
Especially impactful was his work, in collaboration with The Arc Maryland, to organize “Families for Community Providers”. This is a vital group of grassroots advocates, but also a group that hasn’t been as present in Annapolis as in past years. Greg worked nonstop with each person who was willing to testify before committees, speak at rallies, tell their story to the media, or write letters and make calls. Many of the family members were older and needed extra support, and Greg’s kindness and patience shone through in each interaction. His hard work, in concert with others, resulted in a compelling and impressive presence of people with IDD and families in Annapolis. The faces and voices of family members truly made an impact, helping to ensure a balanced and compelling presence throughout session.
Greg is also a stellar coalition partner. He approaches advocacy in a way that is collaborative, supportive, and most importantly, driven by our shared values that put the needs and opportunities for people with IDD front and center. Greg is always available to provide the extra support needed to help someone with IDD lift their advocacy voice. Greg brings strong relationships, strategy, and writing skills, and a deep commitment to making a difference through advocacy.
Elizabeth K. Graham
Lizzy Graham is compassionately dedicated to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. She is the Service Coordinator, Maryland Medicaid Waiver for Children with Autism, for The Arc Prince George’s County.
During this extremely difficult Maryland Legislative Session, Lizzy submitted testimonies on many of the Bills that The Arc Maryland was supporting, including SB0742- Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Developmental Disabilities Administration – Home- and Community-Based Services Eligibility Determinations (Maryland Protecting People with Disabilities Act), HB1423 Maryland Department of Health -Workgroup on Home- and Community-Based Services, and many more. She has supported advocacy efforts in Annapolis several times this session, meeting with Legislative Staffers and participating in the Disability Rallies on Lawyers Mall. She is always fighting for people with IDD to make their voices heard with our elected leaders.
Additionally, Lizzy is the Maryland Representative for The Arc of the United States National Council of Self-Advocates. Not only does she fight for the disability community in Maryland, but she is also a strong advocate on Federal Hill. In March, she was part of the Disability Policy Seminar and the Federal Day on the Hill. She was one of the Captains for the meetings with Maryland’s Senators and Legislators in the House of Representatives. She led the discussion with Congresswoman Elfreth’s team, pushing for fully-funded disability programs and Education with IDEA, and concerns about dismantling the Department of Education. In meetings with Senator Van Hollen & his team, Lizzy wasn’t afraid to speak up to let the Senator know the concerns our community has with Medicaid Services. She is a knowledgeable, eloquent, and persuasive speaker, always using her voice to protect the rights of people with IDD. When you think of a person who is always advocating on the local, state, and federal levels, Lizzy always comes to mind.