Checking In with The Arc Maryland
Thank you Veterans for serving our country and protecting our freedoms! While we may not know you all, we owe you all.
Love, The Arc Maryland

Resources for Veteran parents of children with disabilities:
SpArc Tank: Grants to Ignite Innovation
Calling all innovators!  We are searching for individuals and community-based organizations looking to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through our new small grant initiative,  SpArc Tank .

SpArc Tank is a unique opportunity to obtain seed funding to bring your great ideas to fruition and advance the mission of The Arc Maryland;  to create a world where children and adults have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities.  We are looking for people interested in submitting proposals to  ignite change through new products, resources, studies, projects, training or other initiatives designed to benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about this funding opportunity and process, we invite you to join us for an information call this Thursday, November 14 at 10 AM . To participate in the information call, please contact Arylon Brooks at  abrooks@thearcmd.org  no later than noon on November 13. The deadline for grant proposals is 5 PM on December 2, 2019.
Together We're Better:
School Inclusion Schools Presentations Kick-Off!
Last month, The Arc Maryland, along with our program partners at the Maryland Department of Disabilities, The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, and the Maryland State Department of Education, kicked off our "Together We're Better" (TWB) Inclusive Schools presentations for preschool, elementary and middle schoolers on the Eastern Shore and in Anne Arundel County. For presentations, we team up with presenters with developmental disabilities to share information about what it is like to grow up with a disability and the importance of inclusion at school and elsewhere. Thank you to Vivian (pictured below) for her presentations at Chapel District Elementary and Vienna Elementary, and to our recent Partners in Policymaking graduate Paul (pictured above, left) for his presentations at Old Mill North Middle School.

Are you interested in scheduling a TWB Presentation at your school? Email Sharon Dols at sdols@thearcmd.org to get started! Also, don't forget about our TWB Art Contest. Submissions are due by December 16th. Read more about it on our website.
Self-Advocate Vivian Greer gives a presentation on inclusion in schools to students at Chapel District Elementary School.
2020 Partners in Policymaking Class Members Attend Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training Program
The Arc Maryland, recently offered partial scholarships to The Partners in Policymaking Class of 2020 to attend the Wrightslaw Training Program featuring Pete Wright, Esq. which was sponsored by Parents’ Place of Maryland. This one-day special education law and advocacy program focused on four areas:
  • Special education law, rights and responsibilities
  • Tests and measurements to measure progress & regression
  • SMART Individualized Education Programs
  • Introduction to tactics & strategies for effective advocacy

Wrightslaw programs are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates, and attorneys who represent children with disabilities regarding special education. Three class members were able to attend.

Rico Winston commented after the session, “Attending the Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training Program, was an empowering experience. I left the training with additional tools needed to strengthen my advocacy tool box.”

Laura Pawulak wrote, “I have wanted to attend a Wrightslaw course for many years, but having a child with unique challenges limits any activities beyond the normal day- to- day ones of just surviving and maintaining sanity. Thank you for the opportunity to obtain the scholarship to attend the course; I really enjoyed the class.”

It is a breath of fresh air to read a part of the law that is solely dedicated to the people with differing abilities. Seeing this side of the law makes me see the positive side of this world," said Milie Torrijos-Santos.

For more information about our Partners in Policymaking program, click Here!
The MCE Leadership Class of 2020 Visits Annapolis
In October, The Maryland Conference of Executives of The Arc (MCE) Leadership Class spent the day in Annapolis, learning about advocacy and the legislative process. The day featured training on conducting effective advocacy, speaking with legislators, a mock hearing, and even included a surprise visit from  Senator Guy Guzzone. Next stop for MCE Leadership: the nation's capital for a visit with The Arc United States to learn about the work of our national chapter and our impact on a national level.
Save the Date: Legislative Calendar Day
January 9th, 2020
Achieve, respect, celebrate!
Looking for an opportunity to speak with your elected representatives at the Maryland General Assembly? Calendar Day is the perfect opportunity for having your voice heard as Senators and Delegates gear up for the 2020 Legislative session!

Prior to the 9th, email your representatives to make appointments to drop in, then meet with Arc members from across the state on January 9th to review legislative priorities for the year and then pass out calendars.

The Arc Maryland celebrates 60 years of service in the community; working to create a world where children and adults have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities! We received dozens of ideas for our calendar theme this year and are excited to announce that the Board of The Arc Maryland selected Achieve, respect, celebrate! as our 2020 theme! Stay up to date with The Arc Maryland by email and through Facebook on how you can join in the fun on Calendar Day. We hope to see you there!
Maryland Medicaid IED Program Survey
The Maryland Department of Health is considering some potential changes to the eligibility for Maryland's medicaid buy-In program also known as the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program. EID allows individuals with disabilities to work and earn more without loss of Medicaid, in terms of eligibility. A survey is being disseminated to obtain feedback from a broad range of stakeholders; to get input regarding proposed changes. The survey is available by clicking the button below, and will remain open through November 13th.
The Arc Montgomery County's Grand Opening of New Office
The Arc Montgomery County opened the doors to its new office in Rockville on Halloween, in grand fashion. Please stop by and see their state of the art training and meeting spaces, and learn more about their programs today! We wish them the best as they settle in, and know they will enjoy their new space for years to come!
Pumpkins in The Arc Montgomery County's new office spelling out "The Arc."
The cutting of the ribbon outside The Arc Montgomery County's new office.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month Wraps Up
Throughout the month of October, we celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by highlighting some of Maryland's workforce members who are supported by chapters of The Arc.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who took part in NDEAM outreach; we are proud to work alongside you in our unceasing efforts to promote EmployAbility .

Click the button below to find your local chapter of The Arc and explore their employment services today!
In the News
Senator Bill Ferguson to become next Maryland Senate President
Current President of the Maryland Senate, Mike Miller, announced that he will be stepping down from his leadership position at the start of legislative session in January 2020 after serving in the position for 32 years. His decision came as he has been battling a serious illness. Senator Bill Ferguson of Baltimore City has been endorsed by Senate Democrats to assume his position at the helm of the Senate when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.
Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities Establishing Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities
The Maryland Center for Disabilities (MCDD) is teaming up with a coalition of seven other organizations dedicated to the healthcare of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The coalition will operate a Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities. Through the center, the coalition aims to shape a more educated group of healthcare professionals on the civil rights and support needs of people with disabilities. The center is backed by the Administration for Community Living through a 1.5 million dollar grant.
Google Invests $5.3 Million in Inclusive Housing
Last month, it was announced that Google is leveraging funding in the development of inclusive housing in San Jose, California. The apartment complex, into which the company has invested heavily, will feature affordable units for residents, including a dedication to 25% of apartment units for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inclusive, accessible and affordable housing is severely lacking throughout the nation and this has impacts on many, and particularly on people with disabilities. We are excited to see affordable and inclusive housing developments sprout up in places like California and also in our own state ( Main Street, Montgomery County).
Upcoming Events
The Horizon Foundation and the United Way of Central Maryland will announce the winners of the 2019 Changemaker Challenge tonight. The Arc of Howard County is one of 9 finalists selected from a field of 56 applicants. All finalists have the opportunity to share their ideas in this final round of the challenge for a chance to win up to $25,000! 

Registration is unfortunately closed, but please send positive vibes to Liz Burrage, Bryan Sorrentino (The Arc Howard County) and parent Colette Jackson for their proposal to bring adult changing places to Howard County; "Community Accessibility with Dignity."
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region's Pizza and More Pizza Fundraiser on December 12th from 11 AM to 9 PM at Ledo Pizza in Millersville.
Get your popcorn ready! The Sprout Film & Art Festival highlights the many talents of people with differing abilities. Enjoy work from artists throughout Harford County at The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region's art gallery and view artistic and memorable films from the renowned NYC company, Sprout. Special musical performances will be featured throughout the evening! Sponsorship opportunities for the event are also available.
Sprout Film Festival. November 13, 2019 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Water's Edge Events Center. Art. Music. Film.
The Arc of Frederick County is excited to announce their 2019 European Holiday Market will be held on Saturday, November 16th at 555 South Market Street! There will be a variety of craft and food truck vendors for you to explore. This is the perfect time to shop for holiday necessities and also sample some local food. All proceeds support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities!
3 Images with assortments of holiday gifts, gingerbread, candy canes, and candles. European Holiday Market. Saturday, November 16th 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 555 South Market Street, Frederick MD 21701
Get your laugh on as The Arc Carroll County welcomes back the Political Satire Performance Group the Capital Steps for a hysterical performance. The show starts at 7:30 PM on Saturday, November 23rd, at Winters Mill High School. Tickets to the event can be purchased at the Carroll Arts Center, all branches of the Carroll County Public Library, or from The Arc Carroll County both in person and online.
The Lyin' Kings. Uncle Sam holding up a bag of money over a cliff as a democratic donkey and republican elephant watch from behind in suites. The Capital Steps.