At Laila’s Gift, we believe that grassroots change is most powerful when it blends personal stories with policy expertise. By bringing the lived experiences of Sunflower Families directly to decision-makers, we ensure that the realities of care giving are not only heard,but acted upon.
Our advocacy efforts include:
Through this approach, we work to advance key issues such as:
Collectively, these efforts drive meaningful policy change that uplifts families and ensures care givers have the support they need.
Check out some testimonies submitted by our nonprofit leadership:
Laila’s Gift actively brings the voices of Sunflower Families into the legislative process. Most recently, we testified in support of House Bill 707–Eric’s ID Law during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly. This bill allows individuals with non apparent disabilities to voluntarily add a notation to their state ID, driver’s license, or moped permit—helping first responders recognize when a person may need patience, specialized assistance, or accommodations.
Our advocacy highlighted how families caring for children with rare conditions, autism, and other non apparent disabilities often face unnecessary risks in public interactions with law enforcement or emergency personnel. We emphasized that HB 707 is about safety, dignity, and inclusion, while also supporting privacy protections so medical proof is not required and insurance companies cannot access this information.
This effort reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing legislation that improves everyday life for caregivers, children, and families in the IDD community.
Read our full written testimony in support of HB 707 (2025):
Bill Status: HB 707 has passed in Maryland. It was approved by the Governor and is now part of the law, which includes provisions for vehicle licenses and identification cards to indicate non apparent disabilities.
Laila’s Gift is committed to advocating for legislation that directly protects children and supports families. In 2025, we submitted testimony in strong support of House Bill 1204–Student Elopement Notice and Reporting Requirements. This bill requires public and nonpublic schools to notify parents or guardians if a student attempts or successfully elopes from school grounds.
Elopement is a serious and life – threatening issue for children with disabilities and complex needs. Our testimony emphasized that families deserve timely notification so they can take proactive steps to safeguard their children. We also highlighted how required reporting will:
This advocacy reflects our mission to ensure every Sunflower Family feels supported not only through celebrations, but also through systemic protections that safeguard children in their daily lives.
Read our full written testimony in support of HB 1204 (2025):
Bill Status: HB 1204 passed in Maryland on May 6, 2025, and went into effect on July 1, 2025. The bill requires certain public and nonpublic schools to notify parents or guardians if a student attempts or accomplishes an elopement, and it also mandates schools to review and address certain behaviors in updating a student’s individualized education program or behavior intervention plan.
Laila’s Gift provided testimony in support of House Bill 1053–Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA): Self-Directed Services–Parent Providers. This bill clarifies that parents, family members, and legal guardians can serve as providers within Maryland’s self-directed services program.
Our testimony emphasized that families are often the most consistent and qualified care givers for children and adults with developmental disabilities. HB 1053 recognizes the vital role parents and close family members play, while maintaining accountability through oversight requirements.
Key benefits we highlighted include:
HB 1053 represents a compassionate, practical step toward strengthening Maryland’s self-directed care model and ensuring families have the flexibility and support they need.
Read our full written testimony in support of HB 1053 (2025):
Bill Status: As of now, HB 1053 has not passed in Maryland for 2025. It is still under consideration, and there is no information indicating that it has been signed into law. Please change this picture. I recommend adding a picture of the hosts from one of our episodes. Change the header from “Advocacy” to “Using Our Voices to Advocate” Update this: Laila’s Gift® advocates for Family Caregivers, and their families as part of our mission through our podcast platform Care giving Unboxed.
