The Arc Maryland State Convention

On May 28th, join The Arc Maryland, fellow self-advocates, family members, professionals, volunteer leaders, and partners from other nonprofits and government agencies 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, is 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.

The 2026 Convention will include an exciting plenary presentation, breakout speakers on community partnerships, safety, tech for independence, planning for the future, and more. Our annual statewide advocacy awards luncheon will be held in the middle of the day to honor people, businesses, and teams who have changed the world for the better through their actions. Again this year, we will have a packed exhibitor and resource hall, and a silent auction! Throughout the day, enjoy opportunities to connect, network, and explore limitless possibilities.

New this year, The Arc Maryland is hosting a Pre-Convention Self-Advocate Summit on Wednesday, May 27th. People with IDD are invited to come together to hear from Subject Matter Experts in their communities, and have discussions on important topics such as working and keeping benefits, expanding a personal network, avoiding online fraud and abuse, and utilizing technology for independence. Tickets are now available through the button below! Thanks to generous support from our community partners, the Self-Advocacy Summit is FREE to participants. Registration is still required, as space is limited.

Self-Advocate Scholarships

Need financial support to attend? The Arc Maryland is offering partial scholarships to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their direct support staff. Complete the scholarship form below and submit it to Jackson DeCarlo at jdecarlo@thearcmd.org.

Convention 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
7:30 to 9:30 PM	Talk and Tunes with The Arc (Open to Summit and Convention Attendees – Select this add-on when you are at the ticketing page)

Statewide Convention & Awards Banquet

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
10:30 to 11:15 AM	Breakout Session 1
11:20 to 11:50 AM	Micro Session (Legislative Wrap Up) and Break
12:00 to 2:00 PM	Luncheon & Statewide Awards Celebration
2:15 to 3:00 PM	Breakout Session 2
3:15 to 4:00 PM	Breakout Session 3
3:30 to 4:45 PM	Evolving Leaders Program Happy Hour (Invite-only, for past, current, and prospective Evolving Leaders Program participants, as well as chapter leaders.)

Thank You To Our 2026 Convention Sponsors!

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