Roundtable gathers to discuss the benefits and challenges of employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Secretary Carol Beatty presents The Arc Southern Maryland with a proclamation from Governor Hogan for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. From left to right: Judy Pattick, Regional Director, Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA); Jim Rzepkowski, Assistant Secretary for Workforce Development & Adult Learning, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR); Carol Beatty, Secretary, Maryland Department of Disabilities; Terry Long, CEO, The Arc Southern Maryland; Ahna Miller, Community Coordinator, End Hunger; Bob Salta, Co-founder, DirectMail.com; Alan Crawley, Labor Exchange Administrator, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR); Tracy Jones, Manager, World Gym; Sue Page Assistant State Superintendent, Maryland State Department of Education Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month brings attention to many matters impacting individuals with developmental disabilities each March. One of the ongoing challenges for these individuals is employment – often facing unemployment or underemployment despite their ability, desire, or willingness to work in the community.

In light of this, The Arc Southern Maryland was delighted at the opportunity to host a roundtable, giving local employers – DirectMail.com, End Hunger, and World Gym, and The Arc themselves – the opportunity to speak about the benefits and challenges of employing people with IDD.  Their feedback would be heard by roundtable attendees, including Carol Beatty, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities; Terry Long, CEO of The Arc Southern Maryland; and representatives from state agency partners, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR); and the Maryland State Department of Education Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS).

Secretary Beatty began the discussion by emphasizing the importance of ensuring that “individuals with disabilities have opportunities alongside other citizens in Maryland for great careers and great jobs.” She thanked the employers for attending and for taking part in a discussion about what makes them exemplary employers, what works for them, what challenges they face, and for providing feedback on ways the Department of Disabilities and state agency partners could become a resource and partner to the employers.

Feedback from the employers was overwhelmingly positive. “We find it very, very rewarding,” Bob Salta, co-founder of DirectMail.com, said of employing those with IDD. “I’ve been employing individuals with disabilities since the early seventies,” said Salta, “I just have a passion.” Salta went on to explain that there was a time when there was no support for individuals with IDD seeking employment within the community. At the time, training these individuals, while managing some of their unique needs, could be a challenge. He was grateful that progress had since been made by agencies, such as The Arc, in providing staff that support individuals with IDD to gain and maintain employment, often assisting them directly on the job site. “I would say they’re incredibly dependable,” said Salta of individuals he has employed, “it’s been a tremendous benefit to my company.” All the employers at the table expressed a desire to expand their workforce to include more individuals with differing abilities. Over 200 people with IDD receive day and vocational services at The Arc and strong partnerships with local employers, like DirectMail.com, have enabled The Arc to place 32% of these individuals in some type of competitive employment, exceeding the state’s rate of 20%.

During the meeting, Secretary Beatty presented The Arc Southern Maryland with a proclamation, signed by Governor Hogan, recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. “This is a time for us to recognize that Maryland citizens and citizens across the country with developmental disabilities can live, work, and thrive in the community,” said Secretary Beatty. “This brings attention to their accomplishments, as well as to the ways that all of us can help to create a better state for people with developmental disabilities, and this organization is doing a tremendous job here in this part of the state,” she said, praising the work of The Arc Southern Maryland. Terry Long, CEO of The Arc Southern Maryland accepted the proclamation. “We are incredibly proud of the strides we, and the employers we work with in Southern Maryland, have been able to make to employ individuals with IDD in our community. We hope these successes will enable more employers to recognize the strengths and benefits that individuals with diverse abilities can bring to the table in each and every workplace,” said Long.

For more information about employment for people with IDD or to become a trusted partner and employer, contact The Arc Southern Maryland at (410) 535-2413 or online.

There were many celebrating the rise of an underdog at the end of yesterday’s Super Bowl. We want to recognize the other underdog.

This year we saw a distinct trend outside the norm. Those multi-million dollar 30-60 second ad spots were utilizing some of that time to focus our attention on giving back!

The Arc Southern Maryland has welcomed Renée Seigley as Director of Development. This role is vital to ensuring financial stability for The Arc Southern Maryland through business development and fundraising activities.

Renée brings 20 years of experience, including former roles as Vice President of sales and marketing for a leading residential developer and National Director of sales and marketing for one of the nation’s top home builders.

“We are excited and fortunate to bring Renée on board at The Arc,” says CEO, Terry Long. “We believe she will bring us to new heights, increasing communications and connecting us to the people that have a true and vested interest in The Arc, including the families and people we support.” Renée’s expertise includes developing and implementing successful on and off line marketing campaigns, managing marketing and operational budgets, and direct P&L responsibility. Renée has always been passionate about nonprofit interests. She has served as a board member and chaired several nonprofit committees, leading efforts to raise funds which supported the mission of those organizations.

Renée says she feels “privileged to have the opportunity to work with The Arc and serve its consumers” and she looks forward to “creating efficient and compelling opportunities for donors to support The Arc and making the experience of giving satisfying and rewarding.” Renée holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and lives in North Beach, MD with her 5 year old daughter.

Giving “2s”day Raises $3700

Funds raised will have local and national impact

Photo: #Giving2sday funds will enable The Arc to install a mobility lift in Jamie Stallings’ home, affording him more independence.

When setting out to participate in the sixth annual worldwide giving movement, Giving Tuesday, The Arc Southern Maryland set a goal to raise $3500 with a dual impact in mind, inspiring the campaign hashtag, “#Giving2sday.” Leading up to Giving Tuesday on November 28th, The Arc tweeted and shared the “#Giving2sday” and “JoinTheMovement” hashtags, inspiring donors to “Donate once. Give twice.” For a dual impact, The Arc committed to donating a portion of funds raised to benefit nationwide disaster relief efforts. The remaining funds would help The Arc in their mission to support people with different abilities – repairing a roof for one of its residences, repairing a van that provides transportation for people with limited mobility, and installing a mobility lift that would help one individual get out of bed on his own, affording him more independence.

Renee Seigley, Director of Development for The Arc Southern Maryland said “most donations for natural disasters are given during the first 2 weeks, with very little being given after the first month.” However, people are still suffering the effects of the hurricanes in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico while the devastating fires in California continue to steal the lives and homes of many. The Arc felt this campaign would be an opportunity to give back across the country.

Thanks to many of The Arc’s social media followers sharing, re-tweeting, and engaging with the “#Giving2sday” movement, The Arc was able to exceed their goal, raising $3700 by the end of the campaign. Some donors chose for their gifts to go twice the distance, designating a portion of their gift to relief efforts in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, or California. The Arc is currently organizing the funds to be donated to Red Cross, the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, the Miami Fund, and the Sonoma County Resilience Fund.

Connie Willoughby was promoted to Vocational Manager at The Arc Southern Maryland. In her new role, Connie is furthering The Arc’s mission in Charles County to “create opportunities for independence and personal success for individuals with different abilities in inclusive communities.” Connie manages a team of vocational staff who dedicate themselves to finding employment and volunteer opportunities for the 200+ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) whom The Arc supports.

Connie began working at The Arc in 2009 as an Employment Team Specialist. She has since developed a passion for advocacy and she leads The Arc’s People on the Go (POG) group – comprised of individuals with IDD – to facilitate their self-advocacy efforts. POG of Calvert has since become active with their members in legislative sessions in Annapolis, advocating for the ABLE Act, IDD training for law enforcement, and raising wages for direct care workers.

The Arc has recognized Connie’s work and passion for advocacy. “Connie has the innate ability to identify the strengths of her team and the people she supports. This enables her to attain the highest level of success,” says Director Ron Mould. In 2011, Connie received a Humanitarian Award, followed by a Meritorious Service Award in 2013. Connie successfully completed Virginia Commonwealth University’s eight week course focusing on customized employment. Connie also participated in The Arc’s leadership training, graduating from the program in 2014.

In 2016, Connie became a certified instructor through Maryland’s Police and Correctional Training Commission to teach law enforcement officers “Understanding Core Characteristics of IDD” with self-advocates. She has since taught over 230 law enforcement and corrections officers about interacting appropriately with individuals with IDD in a variety of scenarios. Because of this program’s success, The Arc SOMD is now meeting requests from throughout the state of Maryland to implement this training in other regions.

Connie holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Coastal Carolina University.

Norma Dallas has been promoted to Assistant Director of Community Supports (ADCS) with The Arc Southern Maryland, an organization that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) throughout Southern Maryland. In her new role, Norma oversees staff and vocational programs in three offices, located in St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties.

Norma is passionate about ensuring that people with IDD are provided opportunities to live, work and thrive in their communities, meeting with youth as they transition from high school and begin their journey with The Arc as young adults. Norma also works with local businesses and partners to ensure inclusion, through work and volunteer opportunities, for individuals supported by The Arc.

Director Ron Mould says “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Norma for years as she has been promoted through our organization. Norma is a true team player whose keen insight and positive attitude are invaluable.” Norma began working with The Arc in 2008 as an Employment Team Specialist. Since then, she has been promoted multiple times and has been recognized as both Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year. Norma recently graduated from The Arc’s leadership training program, which is attended by rising employees of The Arc nationwide.

Prior to her employment with The Arc, Norma worked with locally based company, Direct Mail, most recently serving as their Production Manager for about four years. Collectively, Norma has over twenty-five years of supervisory and management experience. During her time with Direct Mail, Norma had the opportunity to work with and hire individuals from The Arc, which sparked her connection with the agency and its mission.

Norma was born in Washington, D.C., but was raised in Calvert County, graduating from Calvert High School.

Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc of the United States, paid a visit to The Arc Southern Maryland to see “what the world looks like at the local level where the real work is being done.”  The Arc Southern Maryland is one of nearly 700 chapters of The Arc – a nonprofit organization which is present in 47 states – providing support and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

During Berns’ visit, he sat with employees and members of the leadership team at The Arc Southern Maryland.  He spent time learning about the strides being made by the local chapter to create opportunities throughout Southern Maryland for people with various abilities to find employment, achieve academically, and to be included and valued for their unique abilities and strengths.  Berns also toured the computer lab the chapter recently added, which has allowed them the opportunity to become a Tech Coaching center, teaching people with IDD how to use technology in all areas of their lives, from grocery shopping to the work environment, to every day social interactions.

During the latter part of his visit, Berns spoke during a meeting with The Arc Southern Maryland’s Board of Directors and leadership team about the organization’s goals and challenges.  “In the immediate short term, we hope to prevent the new congress and administration from dismantling everything we’ve worked to build over the last 67 years,” Berns said.  People receiving services from The Arc are being especially challenged by the impending healthcare changes, particularly those that threaten to cap and cut Medicaid, potentially removing $880 billion over the next eight years out of discretionary funds – of which of The Arc’s work is focused on the support provided to individuals in their daily lives,The Arc – both nationally and locally – continues to advocate for and educate the public on the impact public policy may have on people with IDD.  “One of the unique things about The Arc, as opposed to other provider organizations, is that it really approaches things from a civil rights perspective,” said Berns.

While the visit from the national organization’s CEO was a treat to The Arc Southern Maryland, it’s not uncommon to find Berns visiting chapters all across the country.  Berns said he enjoys visiting each of the individual chapters “that are – day in and day out – supporting individuals with disabilities to achieve their dreams.”

The Arc Southern Maryland is a non-profit organization affiliated at the state level with The Arc of Maryland and at the national level with The Arc of the United States, which is the world’s largest grass roots organization of, and for, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome,autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy and other diagnoses.  Since 1975, The Arc Southern Maryland has provided quality support and programs aimed at creating opportunities for independence and personal success for people with different abilities in inclusive communities.  For information about The Arc of Southern Maryland’s programs and services or to make a donation, visit www.arcsomd.org or call (410) 535-2413.

Staff and self-advocates from The Arc of Southern Maryland were among the more than 600 registered participants for the 2016 Developmental Disabilities Day (DD Day) of Advocacy in Annapolis. This annual event brings together representatives from developmental disability organizations from across Maryland. The attendees meet with their elected state officials, inform and advocate about legislation that impacts the DD community.

Every day tens of thousands of Marylanders with DD and their families are impacted by the public policy decisions made by the Legislature. DD Day, provides them an opportunity to communicate with their elected representatives. Some of the issues include, but are not limited, to the amount of funding available for DD services, civil rights issues like housing and transportation accessibility, and education (including higher education).

Some of advocacy efforts this year will focus on legislation for the ABLE Act, Equal EmploymentOpportunity Act, Waiting List, Direct Support Staff Wage, the Governor’sProposed Budget and more!
 

In 1987 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March“Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.” This proclamation was the result of years of advocacy on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc as a national organization has been at the forefront of this movement. To this day, The Arcof Southern Maryland is continuing that legacy to provide community inclusion, employment opportunities, legislative advocacy and educational support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living and working in Calvert,Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties.

During the month of March, The Arc of SouthernMaryland will increase awareness in a variety of ways. Back by popular demand,the DD Awareness Fun Fact will again be posted each week via The Arc’s socialmedia outlets (Facebook and Twitter). The fun facts again will consist of aquestion with multiple choice answers. This year, there will be a twist to thefun facts. This year, in celebration of the 40^th anniversary, thefun facts will be about The Arc. People who submit the correct answer will qualifyat the end of each week to win an Arc prize pack. Additionally throughout themonth of March consumers, staff, and community partners will be highlighted.The Arc will take this opportunity to spotlight the achievements of consumers, dedicatedstaff and members of the community.

TheArc of Southern Maryland promotes community involvement, independence andpersonal success for children and adults with intellectual and developmentaldisabilities. The Arc of Southern Maryland is the leading advocate for childrenand adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living and workingin Southern Maryland. Founded in1975, The Arc of Southern Maryland is a private501(c)(3) organization affiliated at the state level with The Arc of Marylandand at the national level with The Arc US.

40th Logo designed by Monica Sanjur

April is National Autism Awareness Month and The Arc of Southern Maryland consumers and staff proudly displayed their blue in support of the national awareness campaign. Each year April 2 is designated as World Autism Awareness Day.

In an effort to create awareness about Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) the Autism Society launched a national campaign nearly 24 years ago. The goal is to increase awareness about autism, help provide acceptance andopportunities for inclusion for individuals on the spectrum.

Today nearly one in every 68 children in America arediagnosed on the Autism spectrum. The Autism Awareness Puzzle and the color blue are the signature color and logo recognized with the awareness campaign.

As the leading advocate for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living and working in SouthernMaryland, The Arc is dedicated to creating awareness and inclusion for all citizens.