Congratulations Donald!

Donald Johnson was recognized for his professional accomplishments at the MACS Awards Dinner in May. He has been working as a team member with Ben Lewis Plumbing in Clarksburg for nearly four years, and has developed into a peer leader for other staff. (Pictured with Maryland DDA Director Bernie Simons and MACS Executive Director Laura Howell.)

Help Us Start a FIRE!

Do you know young professionals who would like to join a new networking group and put their enthusiasm and creativity behind a good cause? Tell them about FIRE! Our kick-off happy hour is Wednesday, June 5. We'll provide the bar food and first round of beer or wine. It'll be a great place to meet like-minded young professionals, share networking, social, service and educational opportunities, and have a few laughs. Click here to learn more.

How Can You Say "Thanks?"
By nominating a well-deserving colleague, community member, or volunteer for an award! We've extended the deadline to Friday, June 7. Categories include Self-Advocate of the Year, Community Inclusion, Volunteer of the Year, Employee of the Year, Rising Star and many more. If you know someone who goes above and beyond, please help us to put a smile on their face. Click here for details and a nomination form.

Slate of Nominations Published

The FY2020 Board of Directors slate of nominations will be voted on at our membership meeting on Wednesday, June 26. Each applicant was vetted by the Governance Committee, and the slate is composed of people from all walks of life who are passionate about our mission. Click here to view the slate of nominations.

Support Equal Pay for People with Disabilities

The US Department of Labor wants your opinion about the impact of sub-minimum wages to people with disabilities. Created in 1938, Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act is generally viewed as outdated and discriminatory and relevant only to situations where people with disabilities are segregated from the broader community. While Maryland has abolished sub-minimum wages, they remain in effect in many states. Please take a moment to make your voice heard on this issue, and help to abolish this unfair and harmful practice. Click here to learn more or share your opinion.

Share Your Thoughts

If you are a parent or caregiver of a young child, a teacher of children ages 0-5, or a member of the community who cares about early childhood education, Maryland wants to hear from you. The state was awarded a $10.6 million birth-through-five grant to strengthen its early care and education system, and the Maryland Department of Education is conducting a survey to collect information about your views and experiences. Please click here to participate.

Award Winning Smiles

Members of our staff attended The Arc Maryland's 2019 Convention in May. They shared ideas, learned a few new things, and some came home with awards! Elizabeth Edwards, Joe & Judy Pauley, Deborah Mark, Karen Leggett Abouraya, and members of The Church of Latter Day Saints, Silver Spring were all recognized at the awards luncheon. These folks are doing great work in our community, and we are grateful for their dedication and proud of their achievements!

ABLE Now Accounts
How much do you know about the ABLE savings program? ABLE Now accounts don't affect eligibility for benefit programs such as Medicaid and SSI, they are tax-advantaged, so earnings grow free from federal taxes, and they can accept contributions from anyone (the account owner, family and friends). These accounts aim to enhance the account owner's quality of life and remove many of the financial barriers encountered by people with disabilities. ABLE accounts are available to eligible individuals in all 50 states. Click here to learn more.

Ride On Flex:
On Demand Service

Beginning June 26, the county’s new on demand transit service can help you get around in defined Rockville and Glenmont/Wheaton zones. If your trip begins and ends within a single zone, Flex is a great option for you. This pilot program will allow riders to request trips from a designated pick up and drop off location using an app on their mobile phones. Click here to learn more.

Free Access Passes to National Parks

Before summer vacation begins, find out if you or your family member is eligible for a free access pass to national parks. The America the Beautiful Pass provideds free access to national parks for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Click here to learn more about how to apply.

Governor Hogan Signs Legislation Strengthening Child Care Tax Credit

The Governor signed into law a major expansion of Maryland’s Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. The law applies to tax year 2019 and beyond. It raises the income eligibility cap from $50,000 to $143,000 for married couples and to $92,000 for individuals. For the first time, the tax credit is refundable, meaning that filers will be eligible for a refund if their credit exceeds their tax liability. This is great news for Maryland parents struggling with the high cost of child care, which ranks among the top three household expenses all across the State.