Empower your October!
October 2020 Newsletter

Please read through the entire newsletter to get the most information!
OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT

We hope that you and your families are safe, well, and happy. The Fall season is upon us. The Summer may be over but the fun has just begun. It’s time to break out the crock pot and your favorite Fall sweater. We’ve got everything else covered. From health and learning resources, to fun virtual activities, you will find things that will keep your family happy, healthy, and Empowered. We will continue to support you in any way we can. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact an Arc staff member by clicking the appropriate link below. Thank you.
16th Annual After d'Arc Gala Going Virtual

Save the Date for the 16th Annual After d' Arc Gala- Let's Get Wild to be held virtually on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Check out this short video (below) from Shawn Kros, CEO of The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, to hear more about the plans for this exciting virtual event. You are not going to want to miss it!
 
The virtual event will be a mission-driven evening focusing on the Fund the Need campaign supporting our Family Support Services Program at The Arc NCR. The evening will include options with your ticket to either pick up a delicious boxed dinner at Water's Edge Events Center, or to receive 3 tickets for our Saxon's Jewelry Raffle, or to donate to our campaign. All attendees who purchase a ticket or sponsor will receive an email the day before the After d'Arc Gala with a link to a private event webpage to watch the virtual event. Let's Get Wild will include a short program, entertainment, jewelry raffle, silent auction items to bid on and much more! The event will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2020.

To learn all about Let's Get Wild visit https://afterdarc.org/.
 
For questions regarding the 16th Annual After d' Arc Gala, please contact development@arcncnr.org
Survey for Parents of Students With Disabilities Attending School During COVID-19

The National Center on Health Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) is conducting a survey to gather information about the needs of parents of students with disabilities around schooling during COVID-19. The survey will be open through October 8, 2020.

CHECK IT OUT
Agency websites for additional resource info:
Check out our Covid-19 page for agency updates and resource links.
Get Covid-19 updates in Harford County.

They are offering grants up to $5,000!
Check out this website for informative articles about people with differing abilities.
Get information about opening an account that helps people with differing abilities save on disability-related expenses.
Are you looking for funding for a loved one who is not already supported by DDA? LISS is a great option. Apply now.
Get wellness, nutrition, and housing information.
Get updates on school reopenings and other updates.
Get information on HUD housing, including public and private housing opportunities, including The CARES rental assistance program, which could pay up to 3 months of rent for those who lost income due to Covid-19.
New Fall Social Skills Programs

The Arc NCR Family Support Services is now offering Virtual Social Skills Programs. The programs are intended to provide facilitated platforms for children and youth to safely practice and build their social skills, create new friendships and better understand emotions and how they affect others.

These 8-week sessions begin the week of September 28th and are scheduled as follows:

Elementary School Aged Students: Thursday Evenings from 5-5:50 PM

Transition Aged Students (Middle/High School): Monday Evenings from 6-6:50 PM

Young Adults: Monday Evenings from 7-8 PM

The elementary school aged group works in a fun and supportive environment, to build friendship skills and learning emotional regulation, balanced with playing games and completing crafts.

The older groups focus on building on to those early social skills through more advanced friendship skills, with continued understanding of managing emotions and other social challenges. Each night ends with a fun filled game played by all. Programming for each age group will be tailored to the needs of that age group.

The cost of the program is $100.00. FSS received a grant from the Community Foundation of Harford County which can cover the cost for families in need.

Any questions about the FSS Social Programs or grant funded scholarships can be directed to FSS@arcncr.org.
Parent Chat

Family Support Services continues to provide Parent Chat. Parent Chat is held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday evening each month beginning in October 2020, from 7:30-8:30 PM. Parent Chat is provided as a free outlet for parents to gather virtually. They can bring concerns about their children, schooling, or other stressors. Parent Chat is intended to be a safe, supportive, “adults only” gathering, where parents can laugh, cry, share, vent or just connect with others. We hope you will consider joining in the next Parent Chat!

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 556 528 8866
Passcode: 462011

Any questions about the Parent Chat can be directed to FSS@arcncr.org.
Below are links to funding resources that may be utilized for services.
Need respite funding? Click on the link below for an application.
Education and Creativity

October 1, 2020, from 6:30 - 8:30PM, Harford County SECAC presents: Tools to Assist with Online Learning (Emotional and Virtual Platform Overview)

October 8, 2020, from 2:00 - 3:00PM, The Arc U.S. presents: Instructional Planning for School and Distance Learning for Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Inclusive Environments. Registration required.

October 12, 2020, 10:00 - 11:30AM -Mental Health and Anxiety
Join Gillian Simon, a Cecil County Public Schools psychologist, will teach parents strategies how to handle daily stressors and give their children tools to handle those stressors as well.

October 13, 2020, 6:30PM- Cecil County SECAC Meeting
Rebecca Miller from CCPS will be presenting on basic principles of behavior, how to manage adult feelings, and attitudes to support student feelings and attitudes. Also Ashley Lankford from CCPS will join us and discuss tips on wearing masks for kids with sensory issues. Contact christine@cecilsecac.com
for the link to attend.

October 19, 2020 In-person learning returns in Harford County Public Schools. Go to the HCPS website for more details.

Harford County Public Library is offering free virtual events, grab and go books and prints, and more!
HCPL  
Fall Fun

Check out ‘The Genius of Play’, for fun activity ideas, including 'Marshmallow Sculpture’, ‘Polka Dot Slime’, and more!

Looking for more fun activities for the kiddos? Take a look at ‘Nickelodeon Parents’, for educational activities, puzzles, and even paper planes!

You didn’t get to take that wonderful vacation that you were planning this Summer. Don’t fret, you can still see a wonderful “live” performance of Disney Cruise Line’s ‘Tangled: The Musical’

Check out this amazing gravity-defying “live” performance of Cirque du Soleil | Zed!

Fun Outdoor Activities

Looking for more outdoor activities, mosey on over to ‘Visit Maryland’ for the most up-to-date family excursions.

Fun with Food

How sweet it is! Learn to bake with Nestle’s Head Baker, Meredith Thompson, and others!

Kids love to help cook and prepare food. Get your mini chef ready to make some super fun food!

Have you every wondered how chefs make their plates so appetizing? It truly is an art form. Learn how to design plates and more…they added in some awesome barbeque classes for good measure!

Virtual/Indoor Halloween Activities

Looking for ideas like a horror movie marathon or a virtual costume contest? Check out:

Here are more spooky ideas!

Socially-distant Halloween Activities

Why not try something unique, like a candy chute or a glow in the dark egg hunt?

Adaptive Technology

Maryland Department of Disabilities is offering adaptive tech webinars. For more information and to register, visit:


Adapted Dining - October 1, 2020 at 10:00AM
Check out the latest adaptive tech that helps with dining.

Let's Talk Reuse - October 7, 2020 at 11:00AM 
Reduce, reuse, and recycle. If you have used adaptive tech and would like to connect with someone who could use it or if you are in need of adaptive tech but do not want to pay full price, check out this webinar!

What's New in Wearable AAC? - October 15, 2020 at 2:00PM
Check out the newest wearables!

Wanna Game? We got AT for that!’ - October 29, 2020 at 2:00PM
Gamers unite! Join this webinar for the latest in adaptive gaming tech and meet fellow gamers!
Health and Wellness

1 In 52 Has Autism, Who do you Know?’, November 9, 2020, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Join Pathfinders for Autism as they present an introductory course on Autism. They will provide valuable information and resources to the community.

Special Olympics and your Child’- December 14, 2020, 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Join Mackenzie Irvin as she presents information on the Special Olympics and how you and your children can get involved!

Get up and move! Check out ‘Yappy Hour, which has fun music and movement activities, that are deigned to develop gross motor skills. For more information, click the links below!
 
Monday’s 4:30-5:00PM
 
Wednesday’s 4:30-5:00PM
 
Friday’s 10:00-10:30AM

'Yappy Hour’ Replay

Join Debbie Allen @ the Debbie Allen Dance Academy for free virtual dance classes including Hip Hop, Yoga, and Ballet!

Are you looking for Pilates classes, meditation, and more? Check out Emerson Wellness.

We are all in the midst of this pandemic. Mentally, it takes a toll on us as well as our children. Check out ‘Talking to your child about Covid-19

If you are looking for more resources, the Huffington Post has compiled a list of helpful reading materials for the little ones.
17 Children’s Books for Anxious Kids

Harford County Parks and Recreation


Thanks for reading our newsletter. Stay safe and well. See you next month!
The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region
4513 Philadelphia Road Aberdeen, MD 21001

Questions about anything you've read? Contact Family Supports,