| The Countdown is On! Only a Couple More Days 'til the Respite Resource & Health Fair!
Here's just some of what's in store: a sensory zone hosted by the City of Gaithersburg, 55+ senior virtual programs, art classes by Story Tapestries, fitness classes for all abilities with SPIRIT Club, National Capital Therapy Dogs, free health screenings, and giveaways! Also, did we mention...free shaved ice from 11 am to 1 pm?!
This free event is on Saturday, April 5, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Parking is free, too! We hope to see you there and bring a friend!
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Shine Brighter TogetherIn recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, organizations from across the county are “shining brighter together” at an annual fun family-friendly event.
Participate in hands-on, sensory-friendly activities while learning more about autism and the variety of resources available in Montgomery County.
Partners include The Arc Montgomery County, Montgomery Parks and Montgomery Park Police Special Operations, Montgomery County Recreation, Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD Unit, City of Rockville, City of Gaithersburg.
When: Saturday, April 5, from 11 am to 2 pm. Location: Wheaton Regional Park.
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Resource Fair for Teens and Adults with DisabilitiesAt the Joan Karasik Resource Fair for Teens and Adults with Disabilities, more than 70 exhibitors will be on hand to talk about education, job training programs, mental health resources, and social and recreational opportunities. Services will be highlighted for people with and without Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) supports. Government agencies will also be represented - DDA, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), Montgomery County Schools and Human Services, and Social Security.
When: Sunday, April 6, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Location: Montgomery College - Rockville Campus.
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Recognizing the Stars Among UsJoin us in saying “Thank You” to the stars among us: nominate someone special for this year’s Community, Volunteer & Employee Awards! There are many categories to choose from, including Employee of the Year (in each division), Rising Star, Distinguished Service, and Advocate of the Year.
Simply click this link to submit a nomination online. Please note that nominations are due no later than 5 pm on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
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Budget UpdateThe House and Senate in Annapolis have released their versions of the budget, and so far the scenario (massive cuts) we had feared has been avoided. As it currently stands, together with our partners, we have pushed back about $1 billion in potential cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), which is an incredible feat. Thank you to everyone who contacted legislators and/or shared their stories.
At the same time, the Governor’s supplemental budget does eliminate the 1% rate increase for Developmental Disability (DD) community services from the FY 2026 budget. This is a funding reduction of $14.4 million in state funds, as well as an additional $14.3 million in lost matching federal funds. While we have had great success this year in fighting off additional cuts, it is deeply disappointing that we are faced with another challenging reduction when we have already been impacted in the FY 2026 budget.
With less than one week left in the state legislative session, the eyes on Annapolis will shift to Capitol Hill as we keep up our momentum by focusing on the federal budget.
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| The Arc on TV!We are excited to share that Ande Kolp from The Arc Maryland will be live on Fox5 DC this Sunday! Ande, along with a person supported, will be guests on the popular local Sunday morning political show "On The Hill". They will be talking about everything from budget issues and big changes at the federal level, to Autism Acceptance Month. Tune in this Sunday, April 6 at 8:30 am to Fox5 DC, WTTG-TV.
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Autism Acceptance MonthApril has been known as Autism Awareness Month, but has more recently changed to Acceptance Month because sometimes awareness is not enough—active acceptance and meaningful action are what can drive real change. There will be a proclamation declaring Autism Acceptance Month on April 8 with Councilmember Jawando and County Executive Elrich.
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World Down Syndrome DayOn March 21, The Arc Montgomery County, the Maryland Department of Disabilities and many more joined The Arc Maryland in Annapolis, where spring was in full bloom and everyone's dancing shoes were ready to go! As is tradition on World Down Syndrome Day, attendees wore their colorful, mismatched socks and there was a dance party. Joining in on the fun this year was Minnesota Viking Walter Rouse, who had an aunt with Down syndrome and works with a nonprofit that provides free educational and therapeutic programming for people with Down syndrome. We can't wait for next year's celebration!
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