Checking In with The Arc Maryland
Our Annual Report is Now Available
It was a busy year for The Arc Maryland! There is quite a bit to share including changes to the legislative landscape, disability policy, and our growing education and development programs for families, advocates and other leaders.

Check out our "highlight reel" of last year's activities by taking a look at  our 2019 Annual Report, available now by clicking the button below!
With our 2019 Annual Report, we are also releasing the second chance portion of our Annual Giving Campaign. Help us keep our advocacy and training efforts strong through your gift today! Everything we have been able to accomplish would not have been possible without the generous support of our community partners... including you!

Thank you for your support of The Arc Maryland as we all work together in fulfillment of our mission to create a world where children and adults have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities! Click the donate button at the bottom of our website to continue your support!
The Maryland Partners in Policymaking Program renewed for 2 More Years, Thanks to a Grant from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council!
We are exciting to announce that The Arc Maryland has received a two year funding extension for the Partners in Policymaking Program!

Partners is a program that prepares adults with I/DD and parents of children with I/DD to be effective advocates at local, state and national levels.

After a long hiatus, The Arc Maryland had the opportunity once again to facilitate Maryland's Partners in Policymaking program in 2018-2019. Our class of 29 participants from around Maryland is nearing the finish line, and with that we will begin the search for our next class!

Applications for the 2019-2020 Maryland Partners in Policymaking Class will be opening soon. Please spread the word about this incredible opportunity and stay on the lookout for the open application announcement from The Arc Maryland! Click below to read the official press release from The Arc Maryland.
Partners in Policymaking: Class Member Spotlight
Boonsboro, Maryland resident Angie Auldridge is in the current class of Maryland Partners in Policymaking, an eight-month training program that teaches disability law and policies, and advocacy skills to parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Angie and her husband Isaac are raising their three children, Jillian (8), Mark (6), and Luke (2). In 2015, their middle child, Mark, who was 20 months at the time, was diagnosed with autism, and a rare genetic syndrome, SCN2A. Upon receiving their son's diagnoses and embarking on this journey in the world of parenting a child with multiple disabilities, the family has launched into educating themselves and advocating for their son, and others with disabilities. Through Angie’s job as a Disability Advisor at a community college, and her personal blog,  MightyandtheBean.com , which chronicles the family’s experience and which has connected them with families all over the world, her eyes have been opened to the tremendous need for advocacy and change.

“I was thrilled to be selected for the recently returned Partners in Policymaking program in Maryland. I have soaked up so much from my time thus far,” said Angie after a recent session of Partners in Policymaking. She continued, “I feel so fortunate to have been able to participate alongside so many seasoned advocates and self-advocates so early in our journey. From person-centered planning to effective policy advocacy, to partnering with my child's school for the best education experience possible, among many other topics; this has given me the tools in my toolkit that I wasn't aware I needed. Connecting with the guest speakers, staff, and the other Partners has been a treasure and a powerful networking opportunity, making this an invaluable experience and one that I hope will allow me to be a change-maker for my son and others.”

Limited to 30 participants selected by a panel of program graduates, disability advocacy partners and representatives of the funders, Angie’s class was selected last fall from among 72 applicants from across Maryland. The Arc Maryland is proud to be partnering with  People On The Go of Maryland  with funding provided by the  Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council  to make this program possible! 

We are proud of the Partners class of 2019; the next generation of policy and advocacy leaders who will ultimately make positive change to further the rights of people with disabilities and their families!
In the News
Costco Shooting is Worst Nightmare for Families of Children with Developmental Disabilities
On Friday, June 14, Kenneth French, a California resident who did not use words to communicate, was shot and killed by an off-duty police officer at a local Costco following an alleged altercation. French's parents were also shot and injured during the incident.

The national news has since led a surge in discussions related to concerns about safety with first responder involvement. Marylanders have expressed shock and dismay that several years after tragic death of Ethan Saylor (2013), people with developmental disabilities continue to be victimized and killed. In the article below, hear from the parent of an individual with I/DD who has dealt with similar alterations in the past, what is known about the incident at this time, and other historic instances of police interaction with people with Intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Local Events
Calling all golfers! Join The Arc Carroll County for a full day of golf and fun. The $125 per golfer or $500 per foursome entry fee entitles you to:

  • 18 holes of golf, fees and cart
  • Gift awards for winning players and teams
  • Closest to the pin contest
  • Long drive prizes
  • Coffee & donuts during registration
  • Hot dog at the turn
  • Refreshments on course
  • “19th” hole buffet lunch followed by awards ceremony

Tournament format will be scramble. Your foursome will compete with other foursomes on the course. Team scores will be adjusted based on the “A” player’s handicap for each foursome. Soft spikes are required.
Come  Pull! for The Arc  on September 20th on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Enjoy local foods, craft beverages, and friendly competition for a great cause. All proceeds benefit The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, proudly serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Anne Arundel, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot and Queen Anne’s counties.

You don’t need to bring a thing!
Tickets include 50 targets, guns, shells, ear and eye protection, breakfast, and lunch.
Can’t make it to the shoot? Lunch tickets sold separately.

Sponsorships are available!   Contact   events@thearcccr.org  or 410-384-4072 for more information.