I was thrilled this week to meet a group of self-advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities currently being supported residentially and vocationally by Compass, Inc., a local nonprofit provider in Prince Georges County. I met individually with each of these adults who wanted to tell their personal stories, share their concerns as Marylanders, and move the collective conversation forward in our state. When asked what he wanted to share with other state residents Brandon noted, "My needs are not special. I want what everyone else wants. My own place, a job, a girlfriend. I want to be happy."

The Maryland Department of Disabilities takes our mission seriously. We advocate for equality of opportunity, access, and choice for Marylanders with disabilities to achieve the same quality of life as every state resident. These advocates all agreed that to make real progress we must move beyond "awareness campaigns" and address real issues of concern which create barriers in our physical and social communities. We appreciate their willingness to share their stories.

Angela

Angela is a political activist, Reiki trainee, and self-trained transportation expert who utilizes a wheelchair for mobility. Angie has a love-hate relationship with public transport. She noted that while the public transport system allows her independence in her community, accommodating her wheelchair does add extra hassle. She must plan her schedule days in advance which can limit her flexibility when responding to job offers and volunteer opportunities. Angie notes that while this can be inconvenient, she is amazed at how many people with disabilities have not even tried to use public transport independently. She stated that once those with intellectual disabilities begin to depend on support staff for travel, it often becomes easier not to try and the idea of independent transportation often fades away. Angie hopes to provide her own stories and experiences as an example and inspiration to others. She hopes to eventually find work as a transportation advisor or travel trainer to assist those with disabilities in maintaining levels of independence which meet their capabilities. Transportation issues, says Angie, are important to those with disabilities as the ability to travel in the community allows for equal access to jobs and social integration. Angie encourages Marylanders with disabilities to review transportation policy and ensure they participate in the political process so these needs are addressed by elected officials.

Brandon

Brandon works as a receptionist, but his dream is to be a chef. He has attended culinary classes at Montgomery College and hopes to attend more as he moves toward his personal goals. Brandon notes progress toward his career aspiration is slow. He attends classes when he can but he is limited by the demands of his current job, staff availability to assist him, and personal resources.

In the meantime, Brandon focuses on many hobbies and projects. One of his passions is teaching individuals with disabilities to find their voice and advocate for themselves. Brandon recently graduated from the Project STIR program which trains self-advocates to provide peer mentorship in their communities. Brandon, with the help of agency staff, is currently organizing a self-advocacy group at his support organization and hopes to bring a voice to others. Brandon talked about the life changing week he encountered with Project STIR last year. He had never before learned about the history of those with disabilities and the treatment encountered in many institutional settings. Brandon wants to bring these stories to others with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they are aware of their past and prepared to advocate for their futures.

Debra

If there is one thing Debra wants you to remember about her, it is that she is responsible, on time, and works hard. Debra is currently employed as a front desk attendant and receptionist part time. She hopes to secure employment in a larger office full time in the future. To work toward this goal, Debra does the best job she can to receive a good recommendation for future positions. When asked if she has applied for other positions, Debra was not sure. She indicated she receives support from her job coach in her current position, but agreed she needed to work more on her future goals.

Unemployment and under employment of individuals with disabilities is an ongoing concern. Our state continues to move forward in addressing these issues but progress is painfully slow to identify the various factors which create these barriers. Educational opportunities, training programs, and sound employment policy hold the key when addressing the employment gap for those with disabilities in our state and nationwide.

We appreciate these advocates for sharing their stories in celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. And we value the work they are doing in their communities to ensure we move beyond awareness to effect real progress. Be sure to follow our blog the whole month of March as we highlight advocacy stories from across Maryland!