On May 29th, over 320 members of The Arc and fellow self-advocates, family members, professionals, volunteer leaders, and partners from other nonprofits and government agencies joined together at The Arc Maryland’s 2025 Statewide Convention & Awards Banquet Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City.
Our 2025 Convention theme was Opening Doors for 65 Years! Since 1960, we have been passionate about supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the lives they choose. The Arc is not simply a service provider or advocacy organization: our mission takes us further. We support families and people with IDD to realize their fullest potential and Open Doors to new possibilities for people with IDD. Whether someone is looking for a meaningful career or employment, a home they can call their own, or a new way to channel their passions, The Arc is there, opening doors, making connections, and leading the way forward. We empower people with the tools and knowledge needed to make impactful decisions in life. From a momentous occasion like applying for a dream job to a day-to-day experience like learning a new recipe, we are there to help open those doors; you just need to tell us which one!
Tickets to the 2025 Statewide Convention & Awards Banquet have now closed. Consider supporting The Arc Maryland through our 65th Anniversary Fundraiser here!
Meet Our Plenary Speaker – Loretta Claiborne:
Loretta, a woman of faith, a Special Olympics athlete, and a gifted motivational speaker, shares her life story that carries a heartfelt message of acceptance and hope worldwide for all people with different abilities. Loretta was born with physical and intellectual disabilities and did not walk or talk until four years old. Doctors told her mother that Loretta belonged in an institution because she would never survive in the “regular” world. Her mother refused and chose to raise her the same as her other seven children. Despite her [different] abilities, which led to years of strife, she credits Special Olympics as the positive force that turned her life around.
Early on, Loretta discovered a passion for running and has completed 26 marathons including the Boston Marathon (x2) with her personal best of 3:03. Some of her noted accolades include Disney Production’s made-for-TV “The Loretta Claiborne Story” (now found on YouTube), the 1996 ESPY – Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, 3 Honorary Doctorate degrees (Quinnipiac University, Villanova University, and York College of PA), and was recently recognized as USA Today’s 2023 Women of the Year, just to name a few. Her life’s contributions are immeasurable. Loretta shares her message with many world leaders, including 6 US Presidents, the Pope, the Royal Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Warren Buffett, Oprah, and many other influencers. She continues to champion worldwide inclusion for all persons with different abilities. Loretta continues to compete in Special Olympics and most recently earned the gold medal in tennis at the Special Olympics 2023 World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany (at age 70!). For more information, please visit www.lorettaclaiborne.com.
Thank You To Our 2025 Sponsors!
Change Agents
Champions
Advocates
Friends
Sharon and Kevin Dols
Ande and Marc Kolp
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 $1,265,982 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.