The Arc Maryland Statewide Convention & Awards Banquet

Join The Arc Maryland, our partner local chapters of The Arc, people with intellectual & developmental disabilities, family members, professionals, legislators, and partners from around the state at The Arc Maryland's 2025 Statewide Convention & Awards Banquet. The event will take place May 29th at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City!

Our 2025 Convention theme is Opening Doors for 65 Years! Since 1960, The Arc Maryland has been passionate about supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the lives they choose. The Arc Maryland is not simply provider of services or an advocacy organization: our mission takes us further. We support families and people with IDD to realize their fullest potential and Open Doors to new possibilities. Whether someone is looking for a meaningful career or employment, a home they can call their own, or a new way to channel their passions, The Arc is there, opening doors, making connections, and leading the way forward. We are powerful advocates at the local, state, and national level, fighting for rights and services and supports people need to thrive. We empower people with the tools and knowledge needed to make meaningful change in their lives and we are there to help open doors; you just need to tell us which ones!

On May 29th, join us to celebrate what doors we have already opened and get energized as we look to the future and the doors we will open in the next 65+ years!

Schedule:

Meet Our Plenary Speaker - Loretta Claiborne

Loretta, a woman of faith, a Special Olympics athlete, and a gifted motivational speaker, shares her life story that carries a heartfelt message of acceptance and hope worldwide for all people with different abilities. Loretta was born with physical and intellectual disabilities and did not walk or talk until four years old. Doctors told her mother that Loretta belonged in an institution because she would never survive in the "regular" world. Her mother refused and chose to raise her the same as her other seven children. Despite her [different] abilities, which led to years of strife, she credits Special Olympics as the positive force that turned her life around. 

Early on, Loretta discovered a passion for running and has completed 26 marathons including the Boston Marathon (x2) with her personal best of 3:03. Some of her noted accolades include Disney Production’s made-for-TV “The Loretta Claiborne Story” (now found on YouTube), the 1996 ESPY - Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, 3 Honorary Doctorate degrees (Quinnipiac University, Villanova University, and York College of PA), and was recently recognized as USA Today’s 2023 Women of the Year, just to name a few. Her life's contributions are immeasurable. Loretta shares her message with many world leaders, including 6 US Presidents, the Pope, the Royal Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Warren Buffett, Oprah, and many other influencers. She continues to champion worldwide inclusion for all persons with different abilities. Loretta continues to compete in Special Olympics and most recently earned the gold medal in tennis at the Special Olympics 2023 World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany (at age 70!). For more information, please visit www.lorettaclaiborne.com.

Hotel Information:

The Statewide Convention & Awards Banquet takes place at Turf Valley Resort, located at 2700 Turf Valley Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042. The Arc Maryland has a special rate for Convention Attendees on May 28th, the night before the Convention. Use the Group Code 28I7WC when making your reservation. You can get this rate when booking your room on their website here using the group code or by calling Turf Valley at 410-465-1500 or 888-833-8873! The group code is valid for booking until May 3, 2025.

Thank You To Our 2025 Sponsors!

Champions:

Advocates:

Friends: