News to Use features important information and resources for self-advocates, parents, and professionals to use now!
Around The Arc Maryland
Ignite Innovation with The Arc Maryland's SpArc Tank Grant
Calling all innovators! Our hallmark grant program, SpArc Tank, is back and ready to find innovations around Maryland. You can compete for awards of $5,000 to $10,000 for the development of new technology, resources, devices, and more to enhance the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland. The Arc Maryland's Board of Directors is excited to hear about your innovative ideas! Submit proposals by November 15th at noon for consideration. Check out more about the opportunity below!
Building Inclusive Schools through Together We're Better™
We are excited to announce the launch of our 2022-2023 Together We’re Better™ (TWB) inclusive education program! TWB offers opportunities for students and educators to learn and practice ways to enhance inclusion in schools and the community through a useful toolkit, free in-school presentations, and art and drawing contests for all ages!

Inclusive education significantly contributes to the educational experience of all students and is an important component of creating positive school cultures where all students can succeed. Read more about TWB and how you can participate!

Pictured: Students at Diamond Elementary School work with an educator to identify the qualities of an "includer"; someone who makes sure everyone can participate.
2022-23 Partners in Policymaking Class Successfully Launches!
This month, Partners in Policymaking® Class of 2023 kicked off, with 30 advocates who gathered for a two-day session on the History of Disability Advocacy! We are so excited for another year of learning, dreaming, and building up Maryland's next leaders in disability advocacy. Thank you to our partners at People On the Go of Maryland and the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council for their generous program support. You can read more about the program here.
The project and the following project are supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,201,464 with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Empowering Partners Advocacy Groups Are Reaching
New Membership Heights!
In September and October membership participation soured as Empowering Partners groups around the state held special events to boost membership! The Self-Advocates of Frederick County held their first in-person meeting in October at Spinners Arcade. The group was joined by two new members who were interested in learning more about the group which is facilitated by Kevin Cook. Everyone has a great time and enjoyed pizza, soda, and games! The next in-person meeting at Spinners Arcade will be on November 9th at 5 PM. To RSVP, email Megan Dewing, Chapter Liaison, at [email protected].
 
People On the Go of Southern Maryland held three "End of Summer Socials" in each county supported by The Arc of Southern Maryland (Calvert County, St. Mary's County, and Charles County) to recruit new members. There is power in numbers! Pictured is the Charles County gathering from September. People On the Go of Southern Maryland has a new meeting time on the first Wednesday of the month from 2 to 3 PM. The group's next meeting will be on November 2nd at 2 PM. To join monthly meetings, email Mindy Cornett-Shifflet at [email protected].

Check out the graphic for upcoming meetings in your area or visit our website to learn more and join in the fun, meet new people, and create the change you wish to see in the world!
Meet The Maryland Conference of Executives of The Arc
Leadership Class of 2023!
Representatives from all 10 chapters of The Arc in Maryland joined us for a two-day leadership retreat earlier this month, where they explored their personal leadership tendencies, models of leadership, and tools and techniques to strengthen their leadership acumen! MCE Leadership: The Arc is an 8-month leadership development series designed by the chapters of The Arc in Maryland and facilitated by The Arc Maryland.
Pictured are members of the Class of 2023, participating in Quick Disc, discussing their personal leadership visions, and gathering on the steps of Turf Valley in Columbia, MD. It is going to be a fabulous year with these leaders! Go Team: The Arc!
Taking Action
Get Ready to Vote this November!
With Maryland's General Election less than two weeks way, get informed and ready to exercise your right to vote! Check out the civic action center from The Arc of the United States and the American Association of People with Disabilities to register to vote, find voting information, and learn about candidates. Click the resource below!
Where do Maryland's Major Party Candidates for Governor
Stand on Disability Issues?
This month, over 1,300 Marylanders with disabilities, organizations that support people with disabilities, and other stakeholders tuned into the live and recorded 2022 Candidates for Governor Forum for Marylanders with Disabilities! Check out the event recording to see where the Republican and Democratic party candidates for Governor stand on issues important to Marylanders with Disabilities.
Parents' Place of Maryland's Wrightslaw Conference
Join Parents' Place of Maryland on November 16th and 17th for their annual Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Conference. At the conference, learn all about special education law, rights, and responsibilities; tests and measurements to measure progress and regression; SMART IEPs; and tactics and strategies for effective advocacy! Tickets for parents and professionals are both available below until November 1st!
In the News
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Available in US for 1st Time
Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a historic ruling to make hearing aids available over the counter across the country. Adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss can now purchase hearing aids at a store or online without a prescription, medical exam, or audiologist, cutting the cost by thousands of dollars. While this is not a solution for everyone with hearing loss, it opens access for many. Major retailers are rolling out the devices over the next month.
Supreme Court To Weigh In On Special Education Disputes
The U.S. Supreme Court will soon consider a case on whether families that have settled IDEA claims can pursue lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act without fully exhausting all administrative proceedings under IDEA. Additionally, the Court will consider if families must exhaust administrative procedures under IDEA before seeking monetary damages that are not available under that law. The case is expected to be in front of the Justices in early 2023.