Another inspiring day for the annual Developmental Disabilities Day (DD Day) in Annapolis!

Attendees got to hear from speakers and talk to legislators. This year, our community is once again facing budget cuts -- $155 million including cuts to dedicated hours. It's time to let your stories be heard! The Arc Montgomery County's Liz Eisner shared her family's story during a rally on DD Day and she was also featured on WMAR 2 News and in Maryland Matters. 

So...be like Liz and tell your story! Tuesday, March 3 is DDA Budget Action Day and The Arc Montgomery County, The Arc Maryland and MACS are calling on the voices of all advocates to contact your legislators in Annapolis and let them know how you feel about these cuts. The time is now! 

Join us for Groovin’ for Good, a disco‑themed night of music, joy, and impact, all in support of The Arc Montgomery County.

Dance the night away with a DJ, show off your best retro look in the disco costume contest, jump into the Soul Train line, enjoy live performers, and try your luck in the 50/50 raffle. We can't wait to see you there!

Date/Time: Saturday April 18 from 7 pm-10 pm

Location: Leisure World Clubhouse 1 in Crystal Ballroom, 3700 Rossmoor Blvd. Silver Spring, MD 20906

Tickets: $25/ticket, Table Price: $500 - Click and get your ticket today!

Add this to your calendar--The Arc Montgomery County’s Multicultural Senior Resource Fair! This FREE event is designed to connect aging adults and their caregivers with essential community resources in a welcoming, culturally inclusive environment.

Attendees will have access to informational booths, engaging presentations, and support services tailored specifically for seniors. To ensure accessibility for our diverse community, in-person interpreters will be available, and materials will be provided in multiple languages including Spanish, French, Amharic, Chinese, Russian and Tagalog.

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 12 from 10 am-2 pm

Location: Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Ave. Gaithersburg, MD 20877

If you’re interested in serving as a sponsor or vendor, click here to sign up today!

Did you know -- Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was established almost 40 years ago?! It’s an opportunity to honor the diverse talents, dreams, and achievements of people with developmental disabilities.

So, what can you do this (and every) month? Share a story, volunteer, speak out, advocate! On social media, use the hashtag #DDAwareness2026

The Maryland Senate, House of Delegates, and the Governor’s Office will honor persons with Down syndrome and their families with declarations recognizing March 21 as World Down syndrome Day. With it landing on a weekend, The Arc Maryland will have its annual celebration on March 19.

World Down Syndrome Day Celebration

Thursday, March 19 in Annapolis, MD.

2 pm-3 pm on Lawyer's Mall

3:30 pm-5 pm Dance Party at St. Anne's Parish

And don't forget to rock your wild, colorful, mismatched socks--a World Down syndrome Day tradition! 🧦

The next elections will be here before you know it. Every vote and every voice counts! Maryland Disability Forum, in partnership with The Arc Maryland, is having a free, in-person Voter Education Workshop designed for people with disabilities. Learn about accessible voting options, your rights as a voter, and how voter guardianship works.

Date: March 14 from 10 am-12 pm.

Location: Utopia Entertainment - 5270 Randolph Rd, Rockville, MD 20852.

Register here.

Looking ahead--April is Autism Acceptance Month. Various agencies and organizations (including The Arc Montgomery County) from across the county are “shining brighter together” at a fun, family-friendly event at Wheaton Regional Park! Participate in hands-on, sensory-friendly activities while learning about the variety of resources available in the county. ☀️

Date: Saturday, April 18 from 11 am-2 pm.

Location: Wheaton Regional Park

Come, hang out, chat with friends, and bring your friends! Hangout Hub is a new, social club for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) from Montgomery County Public Library. Attendees can listen to stories, connect, enjoy snacks, play games, and explore arts and crafts in a relaxed, inclusive environment.

Date: Wednesday March 11 (and then every other Wednesday) from 11 am-12 pm.

Location: Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library in Silver Spring, MD.

If you're planning a trip to NYC, put a visit to the Museum of Disability History on your list. This one-of-a-kind museum chronicling disability history is now open in Albertson, NY, with exhibits showcasing the history of the disability rights movement from its inception through today.

Many have been waiting for this museum to reopen. It had been located in Buffalo, NY, but had to close because of the Covid pandemic. Admission is $7/ticket.

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