| National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! Each person brings something unique to the table, makes valuable contributions, has talent to share, skills to use and a heart to make a difference. The people employed through our Employment & Meaningful Day program work in a variety of job fields, making a positive impact on their workplace and community. We are proud to recognize them this month and every month.
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| Celebrating our Direct Support Professionals!
September 11–September 15 was Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Week. Every year we mark this week by celebrating the integral role DSPs play in the lives of the people they support. To celebrate this year, employees and board members filled and delivered gift boxes and handwritten thank you cards to worksites, and thanks to generous donations The Arc was able to do daily prize raffles!
While DSP Week may be over, we continue to express our appreciation to DSPs for the important work they do every day!
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Become a MemberNow’s the time for a membership with The Arc Montgomery County!
We need you to support the initiatives and valuable programs offered by The Arc. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve to be included and have their voices heard.
It’s not just the knowledge of the valuable programs benefitting over 1,100 children, youth, adults, seniors, and their families you’re supporting. As a member of The Arc Montgomery County, you’ll receive the biannual newsletter and annual report, voting rights at annual chapter elections and membership meetings, and memberships in The Arc Maryland and The Arc of the United States.
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Join STAND TogetherReady to get involved? Join STAND Together, a self-advocacy group by and for people with IDD in Montgomery County. On the second Wednesday of each month join the group for a safe space to discuss different topics of interest and items of concern.
The next meeting is Wednesday, October 11 from 4–5 pm on Zoom.
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Become a Partner in
Policymaking ® Don’t miss your chance to join the latest class of Partners in Policymaking®. Through 12 sessions, The Arc Maryland’s year-long program prepares adults with IDD and parents and family members to become advocates. Participants will learn to become agents of systems change for a more empowered vision of people with disabilities.
Partners in Policymaking® is free for participants due to the incredible financial support of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, with each spot in the program valued at over $6,000.
Apply by October 16 at noon for your opportunity to join the 2023–24 Partners class.
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New! Braille LegosOctober is World Blindness Awareness Month and in recognition, Lego has expanded their offerings to include a set of Braille Bricks. These bricks are each topped with a character from the Braille alphabet and a visible label. Intended as teaching tools for people with and without vision impairment, the set is accompanied by a reference sheet and simple projects to get started with.
The set marks an exciting entry of the company into the realm of inclusive learning through play experiences. Aimed at children six and older, the set is now available for purchase on their website.
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Birdability WeekDo you want more birdsong in your life? October 15–October 22 is Birdability Week and Montgomery Parks is celebrating everyone in the birding community. Encouraging accessibility and embracing the diversity of those who love birds, Montgomery Parks will be offering a suite of inclusive programming throughout the week.
Visit a vulture, go on an accessible birding walk, or sit and watch the birds while enjoying light refreshments. There’s an option for every interested birder during this week of programming.
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Not So Scary EventsOctober means it’s the spooky season! Join Montgomery County Recreation for two Halloween-themed events for people with disabilities and their families.
On October 28 from 1–3 pm, at the Holiday Park Senior Center, join the Therapeutic Recreation Family Spooktacular Saturday. Dress in costume and trick-or-treat at a not-so-spooky haunted house and enjoy family-friendly games and fun.
On October 28 from 6:30–9:30 pm, at the Holiday Park Senior Center, join the Therapeutic Recreation Enchanted Evening Dance. For people with disabilities ages 15 and up, come dressed as your favorite enchanted character and enjoy a DJ, dancing, games, and refreshments.
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MC Harvest FestMontgomery College is hosting Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 28 from 10 am–2 pm at the Rockville Campus. A free event that promises fun for the whole family. Attendees will enjoy kids’ activities like face painting and games, an art show, dancing, music, ice cream, and more. Information will also be available on health, financial wellness, and career options.
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| Inclusive Art ClassesLooking for a supportive and inclusive environment to make art? VisArts in Rockville offers artists with autism and IDD the space and resources they need to create art and develop skills for working in the arts field.
Interested artists can stop by the Lab at the VisArts Pop-Up at 36F Maryland Avenue, Monday–Thursday from 10 am–2 pm. Lab artists work in a variety of media in an informal yet professional setting for full- or half-day sessions.
Accessible multimedia art classes are also offered for ages 14 and up, at varying dates and times with the next set of sessions starting in early November. Curriculums are developed with disabilities in mind and additional support is provided as needed. Artists will get to develop skills in multiple areas such as painting, collage, drawing, printmaking, and more.
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