FY2014 Public Policy Platform Public Policy Platform Priorities FY2014 | Page 3
The Arc Maryland works to create a world where children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)
have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities
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Take into account the protection and promotion of the human rights of persons with
disabilities in all policies and programs;
Take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability by
any person, organization or private enterprise;
Undertake or promote research and development of universally designed learning,
goods, services, equipment and facilities, which should require the minimum possible
adaptation and the least cost to meet the specific needs of all people including those
with I/DD, to promote their availability and use, and to promote universal design in the
development of standards and guidelines;
Undertake or promote research and development of, and to support the availability and
use of new technologies, including information and communications technologies,
mobility aids, devices and assistive technologies, suitable for persons with I/DD, giving
priority to technologies at an affordable cost;
Provide accessible information to persons with I/DD about mobility aids, devices and
assistive technologies, including new technologies, as well as other forms of assistance,
support services and facilities;
Promote the training of professionals and staff working with persons with I/DD in the
rights recognized under this document so as to better provide the assistance and
services guaranteed by those rights; and
To closely consult with and actively involve persons with I/DD, including children with
I/DD, through their representative advocacy organizations in the development and
implementation of legislation and policies to implement these rights.
POLICY ISSUES
EQUALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
? We reaffirm that all persons are equal before and under the law and are entitled
without any discrimination to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law.
? We advocate:
o Prohibition of all discrimination on the basis of disability and guarantee to
persons with I/DD equal and effective legal protection against discrimination on
all grounds;
o Promotion of equality and elimination of discrimination, and therefore submit
Maryland is obligated to take all appropriate steps to ensure that reasonable
accommodation is provided;
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Board Ratified
October 2013