Posted on January 23, 2026
At Penn-Mar, our commitment to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and encourage them to live courageously never changes. What does change is the environment around us. Policies shift. Funding priorities move. And the systems people with IDD rely on are often shaped by decisions made far from their everyday lives.
Gregory Miller
President/CEO Penn-Mar Human Services
Advocacy is how we bridge that gap. It is how we help decision-makers understand the real impact of their choices on real people.
As we enter a new legislative session, our advocacy efforts directed at the decision makers in both Maryland and Pennsylvania will play an increasingly important role.
When legislators make funding decisions, it’s imperative that they understand there are real lives behind those choices. That’s why we must continue telling the stories of the people we support and the families who rely on these services every day.
As we move ahead, a clear strategic vision is necessary to ensure that everyone understands and values what we bring to the system, and that any barriers to providing the highest quality support to people with IDD are eliminated.
Last February, our advocacy efforts were working to prevent the proposed elimination of Maryland’s Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program, funding that was improving quality of life for over 2,000 families, helping them increase or maintain independence and participate in their communities.
Your powerful advocacy voices helped the LISS program survive — but at a 50 percent decrease. My goal this year is to see that the legislators restore it to the original funding that was provided, at minimum. We need to be crystal clear to help decision makers understand the impact of potential cuts on the program and how it will hurt hundreds, if not thousands, of families supporting a child with IDD.
Tina Chan Sweenie, Penn-Mar’s Associate Director of Development, Volunteer and Donor Relations, has done a remarkable job engaging our families in advocacy and building the Penn-Mar Advocacy Collective (PMAC).
PMAC exists to help lawmakers see the people behind their policy decisions. By sharing real stories, we bring humanity and context to issues that are often only discussed on paper.
In November, the group hosted an inspiring and empowering Legislative Roundtable discussion with our Pennsylvania representatives. The conversation was led by a team of Penn-Mar self-advocates, families, and team members.
The Roundtable showcased PMAC’s operating principles, and alongside the Pennsylvania Advocates and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (PAR), shared real-life experiences that show how policies and regulations impact people in real time.
On February 11, PMAC will host its annual Advocacy Training to update families on policy changes that affect their loved ones. The session will share easy, effective strategies to make each person’s advocacy efforts impactful.
PAR is currently inviting people who live in Pennsylvania to share their stories that are critical to ensuring policymakers understand the real-world impact of their budget decisions.
And in Maryland, to coincide with Maryland Developmental Disabilities Day on February 18, there will be an event dedicated to making a difference for people with developmental disabilities. Self-advocates, families, and team members will speak with legislators virtually to discuss key issues and advocate for restoring full funding to the LISS Program.
The purpose of advocacy is to help people understand how this system works. It’s to explain what’s effective, what isn’t, and where change is needed. Funding matters, but it’s also important to consider the way that resources are used and if they truly support people in their everyday lives. That responsibility is one I take seriously.
If you want to learn more about the Penn-Mar Advocacy Collective or take part in upcoming advocacy opportunities, reach out to Tina Chan Sweenie TinaChanSweenie@Penn-Mar.org.
Your voice truly matters!