Ignite Innovations with SpArc Tank Grant Funding! Applications Now Open

The Arc Maryland's SpArc Tank offers opportunities for organizations and individuals to pitch ideas for funding of innovative projects, new technology, resources, and more to enhance the lives of children and adults with IDD in Maryland.

Funding of up to $7,500 is available, and you can apply today! We are searching for projects that have statewide impact, or local impact with possible future statewide replication. Read more below and apply by October 8th through the button below!

Get Tickets to SpArc Tank Ig-Nite

November 21st from 6 to 8:30 PM

Step into a world where brilliance ignites and possibilities "SpArc" at SpArc Tank Ig-Nite! This year’s event theme is Catching Fire, and it promises to be an extraordinary evening dedicated to showcasing the latest in innovation and creativity! Join us at Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville for an innovations showcase and live SpArc Tank “pitches” where attendees vote on projects for The Arc Maryland to fund, cocktails, a silent auction, wine pull, and networking. Get Early Bird tickets now on sale for $60 each. Don't delay!

Elevate Your Advocacy Through Partners in Policymaking®

Applications Due August 31st

Maryland’s year-long Partners in Policymaking® program prepares adults with IDD and family members to be effective advocates. Through 12 sessions, class members will learn about systems change: creating, working towards, and achieving a vision of equity and inclusion in all aspects of life for people with disabilities. Apply by August 31st for consideration!

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 $1,262,502 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.

Virtual Governmental Affairs Retreat

September 26th, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Join The Arc Maryland on the morning of Thursday, September 26th, to share input, refine our legislative priorities for the year, and put together an action plan to prepare for Maryland's 2025 Legislative Session! Register for the virtual Governmental Affairs Retreat through the button below to receive the zoom link to attend.

EMPOWER Monthly News for Self-Advocacy Groups in Maryland

Find the latest news for Self-Advocacy Groups in Maryland through EMPOWER, a monthly newsletter from Dominique Palmer, Advocacy Specialist for The Arc Maryland! Check it out through the button below. Each edition features opportunities and resources for Self-Advocates to get connected in Maryland. You can also find a Self-Advocacy Group near you!

Erroneous Disability Waiver Terminations Stoke Anger, Confusion for Family Members

Several weeks ago, it was brought to our attention that people were receiving word that their medical assistance and waiver eligibility were being closed: some without receiving prior notice and others with just a few days notice. After the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition flagged the issue to the Maryland Department of Health at the beginning of July, the state investigated and discovered that it had incorrectly ended coverage for many of the roughly 300 individuals who were impacted. While many individuals have since had their coverage reinstated, some are still in limbo. Check on your Medicaid status below, and read the article from Maryland Matters for more information. Please reach out to your CCS for assistance and share your experiences with The Arc Maryland for continued advocacy!

Join a Local Voter Workshop to Exercise Your Right to Vote!

September 24th in Prince George's County

October 9th in Washington County

Attend a voter workshop tailored for individuals with disabilities and gain valuable insights into accessible voting options, your rights as a voter, and how to make sure your voice is heard at the polls. Knowledge is power! Join the Maryland Disabilities Forum and Disability Rights Maryland to learn, connect, and make a difference in your community! Two local Voter Workshops are taking place - on September 24th in Prince George's County, and on October 9th in Washington County! Download the flyer for details and sign up to attend!

Nationwide Shortage of Special Educators Plagues Districts

Thirty-nine states, including Maryland, are facing a shortage of special education teachers, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Education. With many districts struggling to fill positions, some are resorting to reallocating resources, hiring temporary staff, or using non-credentialed personnel under the supervision of certified teachers. The situation has improved slightly since last year, but the shortage remains a challenge for schools nationwide, as the demand for special education has continued to rise. Read the full article below.

The Arc Submits Comments Urging DSP Occupational Code

The Arc of the United States submitted comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) urging them to include a code for direct support professionals (DSPs) in its revision of the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) manual.

Currently, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal care aides have an SOC code, but DSPs do not. This omission leads to a lack of data on the DSP workforce, devalues careers and DSP work as a profession, and likely leads to under-representation of critical functions which contributes to lower service reimbursement rates.

Casting Call for Sephora Video

The Arc is one of Sephora’s charity partners, and they are coming to The Arc for help sourcing talent for an upcoming video shoot that will feature holiday looks. Selected individuals may have makeup, skincare, and haircare applied to themselves by Sephora makeup artists for educational content for clients, and the videos will be shared on social media (here is an example).

Here’s what you need to know:

• Location: Sephora LA Studio in West Hollywood, CA (talent must be able to get themselves to and from the shoot location in LA)
• Timing: Between October 1st and 4th (full shoot will be 2–3 hours)
• Stipend: $1,500 (Sephora will need W-4, I-9, and CA WTPA forms for payment)
• Casting call is for a female/female presenting individual that is 18 years old or older

Those interested should submit casting information by Thursday, August 29th, at 3 PM (EST). If you apply, please note that you are affiliated with both a local chapter and The Arc US. The selected person will be notified in September.

The Arc Partners with the LIDS Foundation to Raise Awareness & Support for People with IDD

How You Can Help

• Buy a hat or other merchandise at a Lids store, and round up to the nearest dollar at the register. Your donation will go to The Arc of the United States.
• Get a hat with The Arc’s logo! You can get our logo custom embroidered on any Lids hat—and $7 from your purchase will go straight to our mission.

Photo Contest - Win Prizes!

Enter for a chance to win an iPad, noise-canceling headphones, hats from Lids, and more! In the final days of August, visit a Lids store and take a photo of yourself inside or in front of the store. (No purchase necessary) Upload the photo to your Instagram with #LidsGives or submit your photo to The Arc US via the link below. You’ll support The Arc's partnership and have a chance to win great prizes!

Ande Kolp Selected for The Arc NCE's Executive Excellence Award

We are ecstatic to share that The Arc Maryland's Executive Director, Ande Kolp, was selected to receive The Arc National Council of Executives: Executive Excellence Award for her distinguished professional career achievements! The NCE Distinguished Professional Award is a nationally prestigious award that recognizes leaders who have changed lives and inspired others to do the same. Ande will be honored in November at The Arc of the United States' Annual Convention in Columbus, Ohio.

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