A Message From Our CEO ...

During this challenging time, our essential organization is working harder than ever to ensure the health, safety, and general well-being of the people we support and our employees. Please click here to read a letter from our CEO, Chrissy Shawver, explaining how we have mobilized our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expressing Our Thanks

Maryland's 2020 Legislative Session was demanding, and there was a lot at stake for the disabilities community. Our advocates worked hard to make their voices heard, and our legislators listened. Today, we thank our state lawmakers for responding to our concerns, and we ask you to do the same. Click here to learn more.

Plain Language Resource on Coronavirus

We all have questions about the Coronavirus. What is it? How does it spread? How can I prevent it? How do I pass my time while I'm isolating? The Arc Maryland and Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council have created a resource to provide answers in easy to understand language, appropriate for anyone but tailored to people with I/DD. Click here to download the guide.

Respite for Families with Children with Disabilities

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the corresponding closure of schools and services which typically support families who have children with disabilities, income eligibility requirements for in-home respite provided to these families has been waived through June 30, 2020.

For applications submitted between April 1-June 30, 2020 and for which the income eligibility and other requirements have waived, all respite care must be delivered by an approved home health care agency which is already a member of The Arc’s Respite Consortium. Please note that individuals who receive any county, state or federal funding for in-home support services are not eligible for respite. Click here for an application.

Scam to Steal Stimulus Checks

Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot warns Marylanders not to fall victim to scammers trying to steal stimulus checks. Individuals and tax preparers are being targeted by phone, email, and text message. Click here to learn more.

Engage@HOME Helps You Nest Well During Social Distancing

Montgomery County's Caregiver Support Program has created a YouTube channel, Engage@HOME, to provide opportunities for caregivers and their loved ones to maintain personal wellness, with links to trusted County updates. Content is free, non-commercial, and provides resources to help you remain informed, productive, and engaged while following the current stay at home protocols. Click here to access the channel.

Calling All Students!

Summertime is just around the corner and we are looking for volunteers. Our program is a great way to earn SSL hours in an energetic, hands-on environment. Students can set their own weekly schedules to accommodate summer vacations or other activities. We need lots of willing hands to support our child care and youth enrichment summer programs! Click here to learn more, and watch for Volunteer Orientation sessions to return to our calendar once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

When There's A Need,
We Deliver!

While you are doing your part during this crisis by isolating at home, our teams are still hard at work supporting Montgomery County's most vulnerable citizens! Our dedicated staff have been delivering groceries and supplies to our homes, ensuring that everyone has what they need while observing social distancing.

This is a challenging time and we will rise to meet it, but we need YOUR help. Your donation today helps us meet unbudgeted expenses brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, like masks, gloves, electronic thermometers and additional food and other supplies. Please click here to donate to our Covid-19 Emergency Fund and support our vital work in the community.

More Reductions in
Ride On Bus Service

MCDOT will further reduce service for Ride On buses beginning Sunday, March 29. This reduced Essential Service Plan includes 35 critical routes so that residents can take Ride On for essential trips during the COVID-19 health crisis. The Essential Service Plan will apply seven days a week, with no differentiation between weekdays and weekends. Click here for details.

Maryland Income Tax Payment Date Extended

Following the federal government's lead, Maryland individual income tax returns will not be due until July 15, 2020, and no interest or penalty for late payments will be imposed on Marylanders if 2019 tax payments are made by that filing deadline. Click here to learn more.

Road to Independence Resource Fair - Rescheduled

The Transition Work Group of Montgomery County and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington are hosting a resource fair on May 17, from 1-3:30 pm. (Note that this is rescheduled from the original March date.) Join us, and over 35 local organizations, for time to network and gather information about post-high school employment, social, and recreational programs. This event is FREE, but registration is required. Click here to learn more.