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We're Opening Doors of Opportunity ...Join HUB/The Insurance Exchange and The Arc Montgomery County for our first Opening Doors Networking Breakfast on March 26. Discover what our organization does for the Montgomery County community, and launch your day with breakfast and the opportunity to network with local business leaders while positively impacting the lives of nearly 600 children, youth, adults & seniors with and without disabilities who are supported by The Arc Montgomery County! Click here to learn more about this event, register to attend, or become a sponsor.
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Take Action: 4% Increase for DDA Services NeededImmediate action is needed! The Governor's proposed budget provides only a 2% increase for DDA Services, but 4% is necessary to fund our Direct Support Professionals. Without adequate funding for a vital DSP workforce, services for people with disabilities and their families will not exist. Act now--call, write, or visit your legislators! Click here to learn more and find out who represents you!
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Support Services College Fair
Howard Community College Project Access is hosting a college fair highlighting academic and disability support services for students on March 7 from 10 am-1 pm. Attend workshops on topics including financial aid, technology tools, and college selection; speak with admissions representatives and service providers. Over 30 colleges and organizations will be present! Click here to learn more.
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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness MonthDevelopmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a great time to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with I/DD in all aspects of community life. Follow us on social media in the weeks ahead to learn more about the individuals and families we support, the amazing staff who are commited to empowering others, and the advocacy work that is crucial to creating inclusive communities and fulfilling lives!
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Road to Independence Resource Fair
The Transition Work Group of Montgomery County and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington are hosting a resource fair on Sunday, March 15, from 1-3:30 pm. 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.
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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 choose from several time slots and 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.
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Advocacy Alert: Inadequate Timeline for System ChangesWe need your help! Maryland’s DDA is moving forward with MAJOR systems changes that impact services, funding, billing, regulations, and more. Many changes are positive, but the proposed July 1, 2020 implementation date is not reasonable. A sample pilot program has raised concerns, and training is not yet in place for the new system (which itself hasn't been finished). Call, write, or visit your legislators to ask them to delay implementation until July 1, 2021. Proper planning and training are absolutely essential to ensure people supported and providers are not adversely impacted.
Click here to find out who represents you and contact them today.
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Tax Season Got You Stressed? Here's HelpThere is a resource for MoCo families and seniors who need help completing their taxes. RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide provides free federal and state (Maryland) tax preparation services for low-to-moderate income taxpayers who live or work in Montgomery County. Special attention is given to those 60 years old and older. The program runs during tax season. Click here for more information.
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Healthcare Transition WorkshopMain Street is offering an interactive workshop on healthcare transition for young adults with disabilities on March 8 from 10-11:30 am. The workshop is geared towards parents and caregivers, as well as youth and young adults with disabilities. Click here for more information.
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Let's Celebrate!Celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families for World Down Syndrome Day! Come to the State House on Friday, March 20th starting at 10:15 am, as the Governor's Office, House of Delegates, and Senate issue proclamations declaring Saturday, March 21st Down Syndrome Day in Maryland. Click here to learn more and register to attend.
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Act Now: Unfunded Mandates in LegislatureHB839 (SB539) is a well-intended bill that would create hardships for some people with disabilities and all DDA providers in Maryland. For example, it mandates a benefit insurance plan without providing increased funding to support the mandate. Implementation of this bill will cost The Arc Montgomery County almost $250,000 each year, and other agencies will be similarly impacted.
Call, write or visit members of the House Economic Matters Committee and ask them to vote AGAINST the Time to Care Act, because it will cost Maryland employers millions of dollars and further destabilize DDA provider services! Click here to learn more.
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Upcoming DatesMarch 11— Transition Times Meeting
March 12-15— Urban Thrift St. Patrick's Day Sale
March 13 — Volunteer Orientation
March 15 — Road to Independence Resource Fair
March 26 — Opening Doors Networking Breakfast
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