The Arc Maryland Holds Annual SpArc Tank Ig-Nite!

What a night to remember! On November 16th, we held our 2023 SpArc Tank Ig-Nite, where close to 100 changemakers gathered to hear and share their innovative ideas to benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Maryland! We were ecstatic to have the amazing support from our community sponsor partners and donors, enabling us to fully fund another four outstanding and innovative projects.

Congratulations to The Arc Montgomery County, the Talent Machine Company, the Villa Maria School, and The Arc Howard County!

Thank you also to everyone who joined us on this special evening to cheer on the "pitchers," network, and participate in our silent auction - raising thousands of dollars for future innovations. Check out our SpArc Tank Impact Report and read about previous projects and outcomes for Marylanders with disabilities!

Maryland's 2024 Partners in Policymaking® Class Kicks Off!

Help us welcome the 2023-2024 Partners in Policymaking® class! The class of advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and family members of children and adults with IDD kicked off their learning journey with a two day retreat earlier this month. We look forward to seeing how they will take their advocacy to new heights on local, state, and national levels over the course of the next year. You can learn more about the program here on our website.

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,265,982 with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Save the Date: Legislative Calendar Day

January 11, 2024

Mark your calendar for Legislative Calendar Day! On the second day of each legislative session, chapters and members of The Arc around Maryland come together in Annapolis to speak with representatives and educate our representatives about what matters to Marylanders with IDD, their families, and Direct Support Professionals. Stay tuned for registration and more information to get involved in the big day!

Attend the Watch Party for An Irish Goodbye, followed by Q&A

December 7th, 6:30 PM

Join The Arc Baltimore, The Arc Maryland, and the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland for a free screening of the Academy Award winning short film, An Irish Goodbye! The film features James Martin, an actor with Down syndrome. Following the film we will also show an equally short Q&A film to gain insight to the film, the story, and those behind it. The film will kick off at 6:30 PM at The Arc Baltimore's Building in Seton Business Park! Register to get more details via the button!

Celebrate Inclusive Schools Week and Participate in Our Art Contests!

Inclusive Schools Week is December 4th to 8th

We invite you to celebrate the importance of diversity and inclusion during National Inclusive Schools Week! December 4th to 8th is also the perfect opportunity for students to share what they know about inclusion by participating in our Together We're Better Art and Drawing Contests! The top 3 submissions from each school level (Elementary, Middle, and High School) will also receive prizes for themselves and their schools! Read more and learn how to participate through the buttons below!

DDA Deputy Secretary Bernie Simons Retiring - Thank You for Your Service in Maryland!

After nearly a decade, Deputy Secretary Bernie Simons will retire from the DDA, with his last official day in the office being December 31st. The Arc Maryland would like to extend a big thank you to Bernie for all of his work and collaboration over the years. The Pandemic was hard on all of us, but the communication and partnership we had with the DDA during his time, and under Bernie's leadership, was really powerful. We are grateful for the progress we have made over his tenure and wish him all the best in his next adventures.

Additional Departure from DDA in 2023 - Resignation of Director of Programs, Nick Burton

Nicholas (Nick) Burton will also be leaving the Department at the end of the calendar year, 2023. Nick joined the DDA in 2019, and most recently served as the Director of Programs at DDA. Accomplishments under Nick's leadership have been immeasurable. During his tenure, he helped improve lines of communication and collaboration between DDA and the people and providers it serves. He can also be credited with the successful creation and launch of the Dual Diagnosis Cohort to improve capacity and supports for people with IDD and Behavioral Health needs. Thank you, Nick, and best of luck in your future!

The Arc of the United States Names Katherine Neas as Next CEO

Beginning this January, Kathy Neas, a 35-year professional in disability policy and nonprofit leadership, will begin as The Arc of the United States CEO. She joins The Arc from the United States Department of Education, where she served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. We are excited to work with Kathy and The Arc US going forward, and wish her the best of luck in the role! You can read more about our new national leader below.

The Arc Maryland Visits the National Convention

What a time in the Big Easy! This month, Ande, Sharon, and Luc joined hundreds of advocates and chapter representatives of The Arc across the country at the National Convention in New Orleans. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect, learn, share best practices, and spend time with our statewide partners and others!

Thank You to Those Who Supported The Arc Maryland On Giving Tuesday!

With Giving Tuesday this week, we want to thank our community who has helped our community by giving, showing kindness, and sharing what they have with those in need! Together, we are working to create a world where children and adults with IDD have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities. If you are still looking for ways to support the work of The Arc Maryland, we have many more opportunities and ways in which you can give! See below or contact sdols@thearcmd.org for more information.

Or mail your donation to:

The Arc Maryland

Attn: Annual Charity Campaign

8601 Robert Fulton Drive, Suite 140

Columbia, MD 21046