This year on Thursday, Feb. 24, the Capitol Hill Advocacy Day was a virtual event. Student representatives Mepper Beshears, Sabrina Firl, Alaina Solazzo, and Alina Williamson, accompanied by Jr. NAD sponsor Janna DiBiase, met with Maryland Senators on Zoom to advocate for four essential items: IDEA Full Funding Act, Cogswell-Macy Act, Fund Personnel Preparation, and joining the Congressional Deaf Caucus.
Typically, due to the senators' and congress members' busy schedules, their Educational Legislative Assistants meet with our students in their place. This year, our students were honored to meet with Senator Chris Van Hollen and his legislative assistants. It was an incredible experience for our students, who did a great job advocating for these necessary items on CEASD's agenda. Our students experienced the democratic process firsthand through their interaction with Maryland legislators. They also learned more about the tools and preparation needed to advocate for a cause.