The Arc Maryland, with its statewide partners, provides a school inclusion program called “Together We’re Better” (TWB) to raise awareness of the value and importance of inclusion of students with disabilities. One program component is our Art Contest for elementary and middle school students. Each year, we invite students from across Maryland to submit artwork that incorporates the themes below!
Artwork Themes
- The National Inclusive Schools Theme this year is “CHILDREN FIRST – Building a Stronger Tomorrow.”
- We are better together.
- Respect and care for others; support student’s needs, embrace their unique abilities, and foster a sense of belonging.
- Our different abilities make our school communities stronger.
2024-25 Submission Highlights
Highlights include elementary and middle school artwork contests and high school drawing contest winners.
Who May Enter
Elementary School:
Students in grades K – 5 in a public, parochial, or private elementary school in Maryland may submit a piece of artwork. Home-schooled children who reside in Maryland, grades K- 5 are also eligible. This includes students with and without disabilities.
Middle School:
Students in grades 6-8 in a public, parochial, or private middle school in Maryland may submit a piece of artwork. Home-schooled children who reside in Maryland, grades 6- 8 are also eligible. This includes students with and without disabilities.
Timeline for the Art Contest
- All submissions of Art are due by January 14, 2026. Any entries received after the stated deadline shall not be considered for an award. Submissions can be submitted digitally via email (a scan of the artwork or a high-quality photo) or physically mailed.
- The Art will be judged in late January 2026.
- The judges include members and staff from The Maryland State Department of Education, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, the Maryland Department of Disabilities, and The Arc Maryland.
- An awards celebration for honorees will take place on February 18, 2026, during DD Day at the Legislature. DD Day is a gathering of advocates with and without disabilities, Maryland Elected Officials, and the Governor’s Office
Additional Information
The Arc Maryland has compiled links and information to our “Together We’re Better” Toolkit, which you can access here, to help teachers and/or parents in preparing lesson plans and activities for students to celebrate the capacities and abilities of all students. For questions or additional information, contact Sharon Dols at sdols@thearcmd.org.
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 $1,262,502 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.