Legislative Archive
People On the Go Maryland (People On the Go) focuses on a specific legislative platform each year in the Maryland State Legislative Sessions. Below is an archive of recent years’ platforms.
2020 Legislative Platform
Closing Institutions
People On the Go believes that all people with disabilities have the right to live in the communities of their choosing alongside people without disabilities. People On the Go will support policies which promote community integration and transition away from segregated, institutional-like settings.
Transportation Access
Access to affordable, reliable transportation for people with disabilities continues to be a significant barrier towards full community inclusion. Therefore, People On the Go will participate in efforts to increase public awareness around the challenges people with disabilities face in finding reliable transportation. People On the Go will also work to promote any policy which might address these issues.
Housing
Currently, there is a housing shortage in Maryland for people with disabilities. People On the Go recognizes this as a fundamental challenge that makes it more difficult for people with disabilities to achieve full community inclusion. Therefore, People On the Go will advocate for legislation during the session which may increase the availability for housing vouchers or other types of assistance that might help individuals with disabilities locate a place to live.
Post-secondary Education
People On the Go recognizes the importance of post-secondary education and access to training and internships for people with disabilities as they transition from school. More emphasis needs to be placed on allowing individuals with disabilities to access integrated post-secondary educational opportunities and training, which will allow more people with disabilities to pursue the lives they want for themselves. People On the Go will support policies which further access to education for people with disabilities.
Developmental Disabilities Administration Budget
A majority of Marylanders with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities receive supports and services through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) budget. Therefore, this is a key priority for People On the Go. People On the Go will monitor the DDA budget and support any efforts to reduce the wait-list for services, which might streamline the process and allow people who need services to receive them faster. People On the Go will also support initiatives which will allow transitioning youth who are moving from school into adult services to be served in a timelier manner.
Central to the DDA budget is making certain that community-based service providers and direct support professionals (DSPs) have appropriate funding in order to support those with disabilities. DSPs must also be given priority because they perform the day-to-day work that allows people with disabilities to live in the community. Therefore, along with community partners, People On the Go will support efforts designed to eliminate funding gaps and reduce DSP staff turnover. People On the Go will oppose any legislative concept which might harm community-based service providers or direct support professionals.
Civil Rights
People On the Go recognizes that policies such as the Ken Capone Equal Employment Act and regulations such as the Home and Community Based Settings rule have helped achieve equality for people with disabilities. However there is still much work to be done. People On the Go, along with community partners, supports policies which are designed to reduce inequality between those with disabilities and those without. People On the Go will also oppose any proposed policy or regulation that does not fit within its mission and goals. Promoting civil rights is acknowledging the unique diversity and experiences of each People On the Go member. As the statewide advocacy group for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, People On the Go will advocate for policies which respect the unique experiences that Marylanders with disabilities have.