BREAKING BARRIERS
AWARDS GALA
The Breaking Barriers Awards Gala is DRM’s signature annual event bringing together attorneys, corporate and foundation leaders, government representatives and disability advocates. We honor and celebrate visionary leaders whose unwavering dedication to disability rights has resulted in meaningful progress towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
ACCESSIBILITY: Our goal is to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all people to engage fully. We choose venues that are wheelchair accessible, provide valet parking and have an on-site sign language interpreter(s). We ask all guests to please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. Additional accomodations can be requested.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023
Click photo to see full album.
MEET OUR 2023 HONOREES
Funds raised at the Gala directly support DRM’s mission to protect and advance the rights of Marylanders with disabilities.
Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) is a non-profit organization and the designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organization in Maryland. DRM provides legal representation, engages in systemic advocacy and empowers people to become self-advocates through education. DRM works to ensure individuals are protected from abuse, neglect and unnecessary institutionalization.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 SPONSORS
Bruce Murphy in honor of his sister, Robin Murphy, for her dedicated leadership and tireless contributions to the mission of DRM
Beth Pepper and her children Celia Neustadt and David Neustadt
BREAKING BARRIERS FORMER HONOREES
2022 Honorees:
- Dr. Harolyn Belcher; Distinguished Public Service Healthcare Award
- Congressman Jamie Raskin; Judith Heumann Champion of Justice Award
- Gregg Beratan, Ph.D, Alice Wong, Andrew Pulrang; Gayle Hafner Grassroots Leadership Award
- Keyonna Mayo, Susan Goodlaxson, Janice Jackson; Excellence in Advocacy Leadership Award
2020 Honorees:
- Wade Henderson; Judith Heumann Champion of Justice Award
- Floyd Hartley, Gayle Hafner Grassroots Advocacy Award
- Andrew D. Levy, Lorraine Sheehan Lifetime Achievement Award
2019 Honorees:
- U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Public Policy Award
- Jennifer Bruton & Daniel O’Brien, Venable; Legal Advocacy Awards
- Stephanie Hales, Sidley Austin LLP, Legal Advocacy Awards
- Patti Saylor, Gayle Hafner Grassroots Advocacy Award
- Erica Green, Excellence in Journalism Award
2018 Honorees:
- Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, Public Policy Award
- Curt Decker, Lorraine Sheehan Lifetime Achievement Award
- Tatyana McFadden, Influencer Award
- Regina Lee & Dominic Radcliff, Advocacy Leadership Award
2015 Honorees:
- Congressman Steny H. Hoyer, Public Policy Award
- Sidley Austin LLP, Legal Advocacy Award
- Thomas Hicks, Gayle Hafner Grassroots Advocacy Award
- Judith Heumann, Lorraine Sheehan Lifetime Achievement Award
2012 Honorees:
- Maryland Senator Verna Jones-Rodwell, Public Policy Award
- Maryland Senator Richard Madaleno, Public Policy Award
- Raymond Marshall, Legal Advocacy Award
- Kenneth Capone, Grassroots Advocacy Award
2011 Honorees:
- Maryland Delegate James W. Hubbard, Public Policy Award
- Venable LLP, Legal Advocacy Award
- Sandra Spears, Grassroots Advocacy Award:
- U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, Lorraine Sheehan Lifetime Achievement Award
2010 Honorees:
- Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger, Public Policy Award
- Earl Bartgis, Jr., Legal Advocacy Award
- Floyd Hartley, Grassroots Advocacy Award
- Lorraine Sheehan, posthumously, Lifetime Achievement Award
(presented by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin)
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About DRM
Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization advocating to improve the lives of Marylanders with disabilities. Combined Federal Campaign #76352; United Way/Maryland Charities Campaign #5178.
The information on this website is not offered as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional legal advice. No information on this website creates an attorney-client relationship with you.