The Arc Maryland Welcomes Hari Kannan as New Board Member

The Arc Maryland's newest Board Member, Hari Kannan, is a 22-year-old self-advocate from Montgomery County who is passionate about advocating for inclusion for people with disabilities in our schools, colleges, and communities. Hari is a 2021 graduate of Maryland’s Partners in Policymaking® program, and a graduate of the TerpsEXCEED program at the University of Maryland, College Park. He is also a state ambassador with Best Buddies Maryland, an assistant trainer with Spirit Club, and a student at Montgomery College.

Meet The Arc Maryland's FY2025 Board Leadership

Our Board of Directors Executive Committee for Fiscal Year 2025 is set! This group from around Maryland will be leading our Board of Directors over the next year and beyond, pictured below from left to right:

President: Guy Stephens, Calvert County

Vice-President: Tony Zanfordino, Prince George's County

Treasurer: Eugene Mark, Montgomery County

Treasurer: Kim Tart, Prince George's County

Immediate Past President: Lori Scott, Howard County

July is Disability Pride Month!

Celebrate Disability Pride Month this July, where across the country, we honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. The 2024 theme is "We Want a Life Like Yours," which comes from The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates. It reflects the disability community’s dreams for life experiences that they are too often denied. Find ways to celebrate below!

Save the Date: SpArc Tank Ig-Nite

November 21st

The Arc Maryland's signature event, SpArc Tank Ig-Nite, is back! Through the SpArc Tank grant initiative, we support the development of new technology, resources, devices, and other initiatives to enhance the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland. At SpArc Tank Ig-Nite on November 21st in Clarksville, MD, The Arc Maryland will award funding to top projects live - We hope to see you there! To learn more about the program, check out our impact report below, and stay tuned for grant application opportunities!

Teach Kids About Inclusion Through Our Together We're Better Coloring Book!

Looking for a fun and easy rainy-day summer activity for your kids? Get out those crayons and bring images of inclusion to life in our free Together We're Better Coloring Book! Each page within was drawn by high school students from around the state. Download and print it at home by clicking the button below.

Together We're Better is an initiative done in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Department of Disabilities, and the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.

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.

Digital Literacy Bootcamp with The Arc Montgomery County

The Arc Montgomery County is hosting a free digital literacy camp for people ages 11-21 with IDD. The in-person camp, which runs the week of July 22nd, is led by Dr. Mary Jo Krile, PhD, an expert specializing in teaching digital literacy to young adults with IDD. Learn about risks and benefits of tech tools in a fun and safe environment! Interested in attending? Fill out the survey below, or email engagement@arcmontmd.org.

2024 Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Conference

September 24th

The Parents' Place of Maryland is holding its 4th annual Wrighslaw Conference virtually this September. Join them for a full day on topics including special education law, tests and measurements, smart IEPs, and effective advocacy tactics. The webinar event will take place from 9 AM to 4:30 PM on Zoom. Purchase your discounted tickets now below!

Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Application Period Closing June 30th

Time is running out for FY2025 Round 1 LISS applications! The application period for the Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) program closes in just a couple of days on June 30th. LISS provides up to $2,000 in support to enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more and apply today:

Maryland Equips Launches to Provide Free Equipment and Tech to People with Disabilities

Do you or someone you know need medical equipment or assistive technology to help with daily living needs? Maryland Equips is a joint initiative between the Maryland Department of Aging and the Maryland Department of Disabilities to provide free medical equipment and assistive technology to Marylanders with any disability, illness, or injury who need additional support to remain comfortable and connected.​​ Check out the available inventory and how to apply for this free equipment through the button below!

Changes to Maryland Medicaid Prescription Drug Coverage Coming On July 1st

On July 1, 2024, Maryland Medicaid will deny all pharmacy claims at the point-of-sale for unenrolled prescribing practitioners​. ​

What Does This Mean For You?

Due to federal requirements, The State Medicaid agency must require all ordering or referring physicians to be enrolled as participating Medicaid providers. Doctors can enroll as ORP (Ordering, Referring, or Prescribing) Providers only. This means they can still take private insurance payments or private pay for their appointments, but Medicaid can cover the prescriptions they issue.

Check out the FAQs through the button below which includes ways to check to see if your doctor is enrolled. Please do this before July 1st to try to avoid any disruption in prescription drug coverage.

Executive Director Ande Kolp Selected for WeAchieve Leadership Award

We are excited to share that our Executive Director, Ande Kolp, is being honored today, June 27th, by WeAchieve for their 2024 Leadership Award—a distinction recognizing state and local leaders who have paved the way to full community inclusion for people with disabilities. Congratulations, Ande!

Support The Arc Maryland

Are you looking for ways to support the work of The Arc Maryland? We have many opportunities for ways in which you can give! See below or contact 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