The Maryland state legislative session for 2025 was an especially successful one for the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition, a group of community organizations that advocates for policies aiding Maryland residents with disabilities. In addition to several inclusive laws being passed, the coalition’s efforts to work with the local government have led to an allocation of more than $1 billion to support helpful resources for people with disabilities.
Some of the bills passed during the legislative session, which ended on April 8, were ones that the coalition has championed. These include “Right to Repair – Powered Wheelchairs,” which requires wheelchair manufacturers to make certain parts readily available to wheelchair users so they can perform their own repairs, and “Ace’s Law – Student Elopement Reporting,” which requires schools to notify parents when a child with disabilities attempts to leave school.
“This was a difficult session, but a transformative one for Marylanders with disabilities,” says Laura Howell, chief executive officer of the Maryland Association of Community Services, in a news release. “We want to thank the budget leaders, the governor’s team and the Maryland General Assembly for working with us to support the needs of the more than 18,000 Marylanders who live with disabilities.”
The budget secured during this session will support causes like the End the Wait Act, which will see a reduced wait time for people to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, as well as support for people who rely on caregivers with dedicated working hours.
“This year’s successes mark a turning point for disability services and rights in Maryland,” says Ande Kolp, executive director of The Arc Maryland, in the release. “The DD Coalition remains committed to building a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future where all people with developmental disabilities can live with dignity, independence and full community participation.”
