Erin is a 23-year-old self-advocate who lives in Laurel. As a student with Down syndrome, learning among her typical peers in general education classrooms since kindergarten, Erin has been a self-advocate in training, from simple advocacy-by-example in her early years, to later proactive advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. Those included street demonstrations, testifying before the Maryland General Assembly on behalf of Rosa's Law, and a number of "Buddy Walks On Washington" with the National Down Syndrome Society where she interacted directly with members of Congress. Those federal efforts had a strong focus on the ABLE Act. So it was a privilege for Erin to be present in the House Chamber in 2014 to witness the historic vote that passed that landmark legislation. Erin was also honored to be in the White House with Rosa Marcelino's family when President Barack Obama signed the federal version of Rosa's Law. Erin spoke at the Ethan Saylor Commission that was formed by Gov. Martin O'Malley, and out of which came the Ethan Saylor Alliance for Self-Advocates as Educators. She participated in the initial pilot training video for the Alliance, and Erin looks forward to working with the Alliance and other groups to change hearts and minds towards people with disabilities.
View Erin McLaughlin's Presentation (PDF).
