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. We count on the creativity of high school students around Maryland to create coloring book pages for elementary school students demonstrating inclusion!
Drawing Contest Themes
- In recognition of National Inclusive Schools Week, students are asked to incorporate the theme “Every Voice Matters.”
- We are better together.
- We are more alike than different.
- Respect and care for others.
- Our different abilities make us stronger
2024-25 Submission Highlights
Highlights include high school drawing contest and elementary and middle school artwork contest winners.
Who May Enter
Students in grades 9 – 12 in a public, parochial, or private high school in Maryland may submit drawings in black and white. The winning drawings will be compiled into a coloring book for young children. Home-school children who reside in Maryland, grades 9-12 are also eligible including students with and without disabilities.
Timeline for the Art Contest
- 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 13, 2025, 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 “Diversity Celebration Toolkit,” which you can access here, to help teachers and/or parents in preparing lesson plans and activities for students to celebrate the diverse capacities and abilities of all students. Any questions or for additional information, please contact Sharon Dols at The Arc Maryland, 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.