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SpArc Tank Ig-NiteIt was a win for The Arc Montgomery County! Employees Stephanie Benedetti and Doreen Engel wowed the panel of judges at The Arc Maryland’s SpArc Tank Ig-Nite event with their pitch. The event, which drew around 100 people, offered four teams of finalists the opportunity to pitch their proposed innovations for people with IDD for funding. The Arc Montgomery County was awarded full funding, $5,000, to offer in-person technology and media literacy classes for teens with IDD in the summer of 2024.
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Welcome HomeIn early November, The Arc Montgomery County hosted a successful and joyous launch party for Welcome Home at the Rock Creek Mansion in Bethesda. New this year, Welcome Home is our corporate partnership program that connects area businesses with homes supported by The Arc for an annual volunteer commitment. Businesses get to forge meaningful connections while supporting home maintenance projects.
The event drew in representatives from Capitol One, M&T, Kaiser Permanente, Mutual of America, Suburban Hospital, and many other organizations interested in learning about this exciting new opportunity. We were even joined by Connie Morella, former Representative to the U.S. House of Representatives and appointee to the American Battle Monuments Commission. We are looking forward to the new partnerships just around the corner.
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Strategic Plan Update
The new year marks a new opportunity for reflection. When we started on our strategic planning journey in 2022 we chose six opportunity areas that would position us for future success and committed ourselves to a transparent process that ensured we would be held accountable.
Join us on Monday, January 22 from 7–8 pm on Zoom as we take a deep dive into the progress that's been made on implementing the strategic plan and share next steps.
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Next Chapter Book ClubLooking for your next book? Adults and adolescents with IDD are invited to join the Next Chapter Book Club on Sunday afternoons at the Rockville Barnes & Noble in Congressional Plaza. Being a strong reader is not required, facilitators can help as needed, but you must love books!
For more information and to find out the next read, contact Communications@arcmontmd.org.
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Accessibility-Friendly MapsMap your route with confidence. Google Maps is launching a series of updates to increase accessibility with their products and the world. By toggling on “wheelchair-accessible” under route options users can chart a path free from stairs and other obstacles. Google is also rolling out the “Lens” feature that pairs screen reader capabilities with augmented reality to allow users to orient themselves to their surroundings in new neighborhoods before their visit.
These updates complement previous moves towards accessibility, such as a wider roll-out of business and place page accessibility info on maps.
Click here for more information on these updates and other accessibility features.
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Sensory-Friendly HoursAfter a successful trial period earlier this year, Walmart is extending its sensory-friendly hours. Just in time for the holiday season, Walmart will be dimming the lights, turning the TVs to static images, and turning off the radios from 8 am to 10 am daily, with no end date in sight. Walmart is joining many other major retailers in the move to accommodate people with sensory-processing disabilities.
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Montgomery County Bike ShareHave a bike you don’t need or need a bike you don’t have? BikeMatchMoCo is connecting people in Montgomery County who have a bike to donate with people who need one. Fill out their form and get connected with the other half of the equation, reducing waste and getting bikes to those who need them.
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CARL THE COLLECTORPBS Kids announced “CARL THE COLLECTOR” their newest TV series, and the first to feature a lead character on the autism spectrum. The animated series targets ages 4-8 and follows a raccoon named Carl and his friends on their everyday adventures. With both neurodiverse and typically-developing characters, the show highlights inclusion and empathy and will air in fall 2024.
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Year-End Socials It’s the festive season and what better way is there to celebrate than coming together and making merry? Montgomery County Recreation is hosting three social events at the Holiday Park Senior Center this December for people with disabilities.
On December 9, from 1–3 pm, people of all ages are welcomed to Santa’s North Pole. Make crafts, play games and enjoy holiday treats. Click here to sign up.
Also on December 9, from 3:30–6:30 pm, adults 18 and older can join in a Holiday Celebration social with refreshments and games. Come wearing a holiday sweater and be prepared to have fun. Click here to sign up.
And on December 30, from 6:30–9:30 pm, people ages 15 and older are invited to the New Year’s Celebration Dance. Everyone gets a party hat as participants dance out 2023 and welcome in the new year. There will be a DJ, dancing, pizza, and other food to enjoy. Click here to sign up.
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Holiday Light DisplaysLooking for a bit of light to brighten up those dark December nights? Montgomery County has two notable annual light displays to fit your fancy.
For a wheelchair-accessible stroll, visit Brookside Gardens. The flowers might not be blooming right now, but the Garden of Lights is full of color and life. More than a million LEDs transform the landscape in varying displays. The event will be open nightly through December 31. Click here to reserve your tickets.
For a drive, Seneca Creek State Park’s Winter Lights Festival should fit your fancy. More than 450 displays illuminate your car against the backdrop of the leafless trees. The event will be open nightly through December 31. Click here to reserve your tickets.
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Montgomery County Holiday EventsStill looking for the right festive event for you? MoCo360 has a roundup of winter events throughout the county, where you’re sure to find something of interest. From holiday concerts to trolley rides with Santa, a variety of events will certainly have something to fit everyone’s jolly.
Click here to see offerings throughout the county.
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