Disability Pride Month is here, and we are taking a role in helping the public understand what this month means.

This year's theme, “The World Works Better With Us,” was chosen by The Arc’s council of people with disabilities from across the country. The theme reflects what people with disabilities know from lived experience: when they are included, respected, and supported, communities work better for everyone!

This theme is especially important this year. Disability Pride Month gives us a chance to celebrate people with disabilities while also telling the truth about what's at risk. With rights and services on the line, July is one of the clearest opportunities we have to show our communities what inclusion really means.

You can celebrate Disability Pride Month by connecting with people with disabilities, learning about disability history and advocating for disability rights and inclusion by contacting your elected officials!

We did it again — and then some! The Arc Montgomery County has been named a Top Workplace for the second year in a row, earning recognition from both WTOP and USA Today this year!

These honors are especially meaningful because they are based entirely on employee feedback. Through the workplace survey, employees shared their experiences, perspectives, and insights, and their voices helped make this achievement possible.

Being recognized by not one, but two respected organizations is a testament to the culture we have built together!

Thank you to all involved for helping us achieve this incredible milestone and for making The Arc Montgomery County one of the best places to work in the region — two years running!

If you want to know if your museum is accessible, then ask a person with a disability! That's just what the National Geographic Museum of Exploration did in preparation for its opening June 26. Some from our Employment & Meaningful Day Services (E&MDS) program were given a sneak peek at the museum and asked for their feedback. In return, they each received $100 gift cards. Check out the video on YouTube now!

The annual E&MDS cookout was a success again this year! It was truly a team effort, and that collaborative spirit was evident throughout the day. It could be seen on each person's beaming face.

Ed Stewart and Alan Higbie (top, center) were recognized for their many years of service and retirements from The Arc.🏆

Thank you to everyone who helped behind the scenes and to the caterers Bangin BBQ and shaved ice truck Bear’s Ice! 🍧

Looking for somewhere to check out free fireworks? This celebration's happening at Albert Einstein High School on July 3 from 7 pm-10 pm with live music at 7:30 pm and the fireworks starting at about 9:30 pm. 

Parking will be available on-site for people with disabilities and there will be food vendors there as well. Lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are all welcome.

Germantown Glory is happening July 4 from 7:30 pm-10 pm at the South Germantown Recreational Park with the fireworks starting at about 9:30 pm.

The City of Rockville's Independence Day Celebration is July 4 from 7 pm-10 pm at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm with fireworks starting at about 9:15 pm. There is an ADA viewing platform and ADA-accessible restrooms.

Volunteer opportunity! On July 2, join Program Access and the Watershed Cleanups Volunteer Program for a meaningful service day at Hillandale Local Park.

Enjoy time outdoors, cleanup trash, and learn more about how we take care of our parks. In addition, celebrate Disability Pride Month with a special activity at the beginning of the program. Registration required.

Time to get those steps in! On Tuesdays, join Montgomery Parks' Trail Trekkers - a walking series for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their friends, family, and community members. Explore accessible trails in Wheaton Regional Park alongside a Master Naturalist.

Walks are about one mile in length and are on paved surface trails.

The program is free and registration is required.

Former Paralympian John McFall is on track to become the first person with a physical disability to enter orbit.

In 2022, McFall was selected as a member of the European Space Agency’s astronaut reserve to participate in a study assessing the feasibility of space flight for astronauts with physical disabilities. McFall is the first astronaut with a disability to receive medical clearance to serve as a fully integrated crew member on a six-month mission to the International Space Station next year.

McFall is a British surgeon and former Paralympic sprinter who had his right leg amputated after a motorbike accident at age 19. He says, "...there should be no limit to what you can achieve — on Earth or in space.”

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