Inclusive Education Campaign
Make an impact in classroom inclusion with Together We’re Better (TWB)! Inclusive education significantly contributes to the educational experience of all students and enriches classroom learning, providing all students expanded opportunities for a better understanding of the world, those around them, and themselves.
The Arc Maryland, along with its statewide partners, shares the TWB program with you to raise awareness of the value and importance of inclusion of students with disabilities. TWB includes a variety of resources for students, teachers, and parents alike!
Together We’re Better is possible with support from our program partners – the Maryland Department of Disabilities, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, and the Maryland State Department of Education.
Together We’re Better Program Resources
Together We’re Better Toolkit
This toolkit, updated each school year, contains sample lesson plans for teachers, classroom activities, videos, books, and other resources to promote inclusion in schools and in the community!
Inclusive Education School Presentations
The Arc Maryland offers inclusive education school presentations led by advocates with disabilities throughout the school year. These interactive presentations are available for students from kindergarten through high school!
Elementary and Middle School Artwork Contest
Elementary and middle school students are invited to share their vision of inclusion through our artwork contest! The top three submissions will be rewarded with prizes for themselves and their schools. They will also be honored live at Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature in February.
High School Coloring Book Drawing Contest
High school students are also invited to share their vision of inclusion through our coloring book drawing contest! Top drawings will be included in a coloring book for younger students across Maryland! Additionally, the top three submissions will be rewarded with prizes for themselves and their schools. They will also be honored live at Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature in February.
Public & Virtual Artwork Displays throughout Maryland
Displays of student artwork will be shared throughout public libraries, websites, and other community areas.
The goals of the TWB program align with National Inclusive Schools Week, which provides an important opportunity for educators, students, and parents to come together to celebrate students with all needs, build empathy and understanding, and work toward the common goal of successfully educating and including children with a range of abilities.
The theme this year is “Together We Learn.”
Every classroom is stronger when every student is welcomed, valued, and given meaningful opportunities to learn alongside their peers. Inclusive education is about more than where students are taught. It is about creating learning communities where every student participates, contributes, and grows while benefiting from the unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences of others.
Together We Learn, recognizes that inclusion enriches learning for everyone. When students with diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives learn together, they develop stronger academic skills, deeper empathy, greater respect for one another, and the confidence to collaborate in an increasingly diverse world.
During Inclusive Schools Week 2026, schools across the United States and around the world will celebrate the relationships, practices, and shared experiences that make inclusive schools successful. Through classroom activities, schoolwide events, family engagement, and student leadership opportunities, educators and students will demonstrate how learning together builds stronger classrooms, stronger schools, and stronger communities.
Together, we celebrate the belief that every student has something to contribute, every voice matters, and everyone belongs.
Learning grows stronger when we learn together.
For questions or additional information about the “Together We’re Better” program or to schedule a virtual (or in-person) school/classroom workshop, please contact Natalie Brooks at nbrooks@thearcmd.org. All disability awareness workshops are co-facilitated by a member of The Arc Maryland and a person with disabilities.
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 $1,254,032. 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.