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July is Disability Culture and Achievements Month in Maryland

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.

To honor this month, the Maryland Department of Disabilities and the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council announced 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 by July 31, 2022! You may nominate multiple people, and must complete a separate form for each entry. 

Click here to access the Nomination Form

Source: MDOD