Sponsored Projects

Maryland Disability Caucus The Maryland Disability Caucus (MDC) is a project of the Maryland SILC. The Caucus is not a typical disability grassroots organization. We do not believe that the lack of transportation is a transportation issue, we believe it is a power issue, we do not believe a lack of accessible housing is a housing issue, we believe it is a power issue, etc……power issue, we believe all issues important to people with disabilities are power issues.

When we speak of power we mean political power. People with disabilities have historically not registered to vote and when they were registered they didn’t vote. In our society we the people have the power, every few years we can change our government, the government of the most powerful nation in the world! A revolution we call an election. The Caucus plans to teach and motivate individuals with disabilities to be engaged in the political arena at the City, County & State level.

Youth Leadership Forum The mission of the MD-YLF is to identify High School students with disabilities who have demonstrated these qualities –

• Leadership potential
• Academic success
• Involvement in their school and community

- and provide them with training and experiences, role models, and mentors to assist them in becoming tomorrow's leaders. What does the Youth Leadership Forum Training include?

• an overview of leadership principles
• the history of the disability rights movement
• career presentations
• an exhibit of assistive technology
• a meeting with State government officials
• a legislative activity
• a mentors' luncheon
• self-advocacy presentations
• development of a personal leadership plan