News and Information

Celebrate Disability Culture and Achievements Month


Governor Hogan signed an Executive Order last year making every July "Disability Culture and Achievements Month" (DCAM) in Maryland. DCAM promotes the efforts of Marylanders who work to change our state for the better by promoting equality of opportunity, access, and choice for individuals with disabilities. This is a fitting month to recognize DCAM as we celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation that ensures access, equality, and inclusion for people with disabilities. Thank you to Governor Hogan for recognizing the important contributions of Marylanders with disabilities to our state. 

Secretary Beatty stands behind Governor who is seated as he signs executive order.

To honor this month, we are announcing two new awards, the first annual-Governor's Award for Disability Culture and the Governor's Award for Disability Achievements. These awards will highlight how individuals with disabilities live, learn, work, and play in the community. Tell us how your nominee expands, creates, or improves disability culture or achievements in Maryland.  

The Governor’s Award for Disability Culture will focus on the arts, and could include painting, sculpture, music, theater, performance, etc.  

The Governor’s Award for Disability Achievements will be broader, and focused on nominees who have successfully promoted equal opportunity, access, and choice in their lives or the lives of others. 

Complete a nomination form to send us your nominee. You may nominate multiple people, and must complete a separate form for each entry. 


Deadline for nominations is July 31, 2022!  

Nomination Form

The awards are sponsored by the Maryland Department of Disabilities and the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.  

Maryland Department of Disabilities logo with maryland flag graphic
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council logo