Three Cheers for DSPs!

A message from Chrissy Shawver, CEO and Daria Cervantes, COO

As we approach the second anniversary of our appointments, we find ourselves returning to one particular sentiment: gratitude.

As this is written, our DSPs are on the front line of a pandemic. They are literally risking their own lives to make sure that the people we support in 36 homes stay safe and healthy. The passion and integrity they demonstrate every single day leaves us in awe, and sometimes in tears.

DSPs are the backbone of provider agencies like The Arc. Despite the fact that their work requires complex skills, thoughtful compassion, diverse care, and deep medical knowledge, there is a systemic failure to recognize this position appropriately. And yet, these amazing people come to work every day and do their best to provide comfort, support, and encouragement.

DSPs make a difference every day in the lives of people with disabilities, and in our lives, and we are profoundly grateful. We hope you will help us support them by making a donation on Giving Tuesday, May 5 (additional details below).

Click here to read the full article.

Giving Tuesday Now

#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and gratitude that will take place on May 5, as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. We are all confronting challenges, and this is an opportunity to band together and engage in ways that will have great impact in our local community. Join us and make a donation to support the purchase of cleaning supplies, Personal Protective Equipment, meals for our residents, or hazard pay for our Direct Support Professionals.

Click here to make your #GivingTuesdayNow donation.

What Does The CARES Act Mean for You?

Do you have questions about how the new 2020 Corona Virus Relief Act and other changes may effect your benefits? Questions like: Does getting the $1200 check mean I will lose my benefits? With Social Security and Medicaid offices closed, how can I get help? The Arc Montgomery County has a Disability Benefits Counselor who can help answer your questions. Please contact John Shatto at 301.984.7777 x2227 or JohnS@arcmontmd.org.

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.

Webinar Series Supporting Families

This May and June, the DDA hosts the Maryland Community of Practice (CoP) for Supporting Families interactive bi-weekly webinar series Supporting Families. The webinar will cover topics such as Connecting with Family Members during COVID-19; Lessening the Trauma of COVID- 19; activities to do when home and practicing social distancing; virtual Person Centered Planning meetings; Transition; and Self-Care/Caring for the Caregiver. The next webinar is scheduled for May 13, May 27, June 10 and June 24. Click here to register.

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.

More Reductions in
Ride On Bus Service

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will further reduce hours of operation for Ride On buses beginning Sunday, April 26. MCDOT’s Essential Service Plan, which has been implemented during the COVID-19 health crisis, continues to include 36 critical routes that have been in service since late March. However, service will end earlier each night and riders should view the updated online service schedules. Click here for more details.

CFC and Covid Response

OPM has established an Emergency Covid-19 Relief Fund and Campaign for Federal, military employees and retirees who may wish to make supplemental pledges to charities that may be hard hit by the COVID-19 emergency, as well as charities on the front-line providing emergency healthcare needs to citizens affected by this pandemic. OPM will re-open the CFC giving platform and mobile device applications to allow one-time gifts, separate from 2019 CFC pledges. Click here to read more about this campaign.

Road to Independence Resource Fair - Virtual Event

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. Because of Covid-19, this is now a virtual event. Join us, and over 35 local organizations, for the opportunity to gather information about post-high school employment, social, and recreational programs. This event is FREE. Watch our website for more details.

Survey: Impact of COVID-19 on Caregivers

The University of Connecticut Center of Excellence in Disabilities seeks to identify gaps in the current information about COVID-19 specific to families and caregivers of people with disabilities and to identify issues facing parents during this time. Click here to learn more or take the survey.