Developmental Disabilities Day (DD Day)
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
8:00 am – 11:00 am Morning Activities: Breakfast/Program
Sponsored by Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
Location: Graduate by Hilton Annapolis 126 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401
Ticketed Event: Doors open at 7:15 AM with registration. Breakfast service begins at 7:30 AM. Program approximately at 8:15 AM.
If you are attending, you must check in to receive your materials and name tag, which will give you access to the event. Security will prevent you from entering the atrium and ballroom without your nametag on you. Registration check-in will be done by last name Registration is located in the Trophy Room, on the left-hand side of the hotel’s main entrance, in the hotel’s restaurant.
The morning events at the Graduate for DD Day are sold out. If you bring additional guests who were not registered to attend, we will not be able to sell tickets on site.
It is instead encouraged for them to watch the livestream of the event on the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition’s Facebook page, which will begin at the same time as the morning program.
11:15 am Rally
After the main event, the These Are Our Lives Rally is scheduled to take place at Lawyer’s Mall. All are welcome to attend the rally.
Post-Rally
Many participants will also be at the Maryland House and Senate to meet with representatives and their staff to talk about issues important to you.
If you plan to visit the Statehouse, Senate, or House of Delegates buildings, you will need a valid, state-issued ID to enter! Security will check all bags and backpacks at entry points. Stay calm and patient, as you may encounter large crowds throughout the event.
Dress
In Annapolis, the weather will be in the 50’s, so please dress accordingly for the outdoors to stay warm, and wear appropriate footwear. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking. Please note that sidewalks may be made of brick or stone and can be uneven, so use extra care if you have mobility concerns.
Important Destinations
Maryland State House – 100 State Circle
The Lowe House Office Building – 6 Bladen Street
The Miller and James Senate Office Building – 11 Bladen Street
The Graduate Hotel- 126 West Street
Key Accessibility Information
Annapolis is mostly handicap accessible. All government buildings are handicap accessible.
State House Access: The main handicap-accessible entrance is on the Lawyer's Mall side of State Circle. Visitors use the ground-level door to the right of the main stairs leading to an elevator for access to the lower level and first floor. Stroller and wheelchair friendly, access to the Rotunda, Original Senate Chamber and House of Delegates.
Lowe House Office Building: Accessible entry is available at the main entrance on Bladen Street and features wheelchair-accessible entrances.
Chamber Accessibility: The House of Delegates Chamber features a universally accessible design, including a pull-out ramp for the lower section.
Parking Information
If you have mobility challenges: consider garages located closer to your destination for easier access. Please plan parking accordingly by researching the parking garages below online – their prices, their location, shuttle services and their procedures.
Many of these garages DO NOT accept cash.
Here is the link for the Parking Garages:
https://www.annapolisparking.com/parking-locations/
Calvert Street Garage (19 St. John’s Street) – conveniently located near the legislative buildings.
Gott’s Court Garage (25 Northwest Street) – just steps from the State House; tickets can be purchased online.
The Graduate Hotel – ARC Event Venue
If you plan to park directly at The Graduate, it’s best to arrive by 7:00 am to secure a spot. Valet Parking: $39 per day, Self-Parking: $35 per day, In/Out Privileges: Both parking options allow you to come and go as you please, providing flexibility during your visit. With approximately 800 attendees expected; parking is not guaranteed.
John Whitemore Parking Garage (37 Clay Street) is another convenient parking option.
Knighton Garage (1A Colonial Avenue) is the nearest parking facility to The Graduate Hotel. You can purchase tickets ahead of time online. A complimentary Magenta Accessible Shuttle is available for convenient downtown transportation.
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Avenue) also provides parking, with accessible shuttle service to downtown. https://www.navystadiumparking.com/public-parking
Legislative Visits
Bring your one-pagers and handouts from the Concerned Citizens Legislative Visits site to provide to legislators during your visit.
Keep in mind you may be meeting with legislative staff rather than the legislators themselves. Maintain a polite and courteous demeanor throughout your interactions.
Discuss the issues that are most impacting on you/your participant, explain the significance, history, and how the legislator can help. Make your message personal.
If you do not know an answer to a legislator’s /staff’s question, be truthful and please let them know that you will follow up. Concerned Citizens is happy to help you with your follow-up.
Show appreciation for their time and service and politely ask for their support.
Always have an “ASK” for your legislator and/or their team.
If you need assistance with any legislative office, please contact Concerned Citizens by [email protected] before or after DD Day. On the day of, please contact Anne Vlearbone at 443-536-3190 or Shari Dexter at 301-908-3120. You can also find other information on our website at ccsdsmd.org.
Thank you for making your voice heard! We appreciate the support.