News to Use features important information and resources for self-advocates, parents, and professionals to use now!

We wish a Happy Thanksgiving holiday to you, your family, and friends!
Around The Arc Maryland
National Inclusive Schools Week Is Coming ~ Participate in the Together We're Better Art Contest!
Celebrate the progress schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to all students during National Inclusive Schools Week: December 6th to 10th! School staff and parents can help celebrate by encouraging students to participate in our Together We’re Better Artwork and Drawing Contests! In their art, students can share what they know about inclusion and create their own interpretations of what Rebuilding Our Inclusive Community Together looks like to them! Read more about the contests here on our website.
This project was supported, in part by grant number CFDA 93.630, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.
Bring Your Innovative Ideas to Life with SpArc Tank Funding!
Calling all innovators! We can bring your ideas for exciting new products, resources, studies, trainings, or other initiatives that support our mission to fruition with funding through SpArc Tank! Community-based organizations and individuals are invited to apply for SpArc Tank funding to improve the lives of people with IDD by December 22nd. Find out more and apply here. Scroll down the SpArc Tank website page for a list of FAQs on the Grant before applying!
A young boy in a wheelchair smiling and wearing headphones on his computer with his mom crouching beside him smiling.
Save the Date: Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature
February 22, 2022
An outline of the Maryland State House with Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature written next to it in bold letters.
Are you ready for the largest gathering of disability rights advocates in Maryland? Save the date for Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature on February 22, 2022! More information will follow in the coming weeks including vaccine requirements for admission, safety protocols and capacity restrictions.
Giving Tuesday is November 30th: Support The Arc Maryland's Advocacy Efforts!
A man in a wheelchair presenting to a group of students. Artwork of a rainbow with two people holding hands under it. A group of attendees smiling at our DD Day Event. A group of participants from our Partners Class.
Next Tuesday, November 30th, we unite for a worldwide day of generosity: Giving Tuesday! You can participate by donating to The Arc Maryland! Your donation can make a difference in our many advocacy initiatives as we work to create a world where children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities!

Some of the ways in which your donation helps:
  • Support an advocate to facilitate an assembly on school inclusion to a 3rd-grade class.
  • Provide transportation for a person with disabilities to advocate in Annapolis on key legislation.
  • Support Self-Advocacy groups across the state to reach new heights!
  • Provide free trainings to parents on Medicaid Waiver, Supported Decision Making, or other areas of interest.
Taking Action
House Passes the Build Back Better Act
Image of the United States Capitol Building.
Last week, the US House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act, and now it is time for the Senate to act! This legislation would improve the quality of life for millions of people with disabilities, their families, and the direct support professional workforce.

If the Build Back Better Act were to pass, it would:
  • Expand access to Medicaid home and community-based services.
  • Create a national paid leave program.
  • Improve and expand the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

Read more about its impact and contact your Senators through the link below!

In the News
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Features the Subminimum Wage Disability Pay Loophole
Last month, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah featured a story on the subminimum wages people with disabilities face across many parts of the country. People On the Go's Policy Director, Ken Capone was featured in the story. He shared his experiences in a sheltered workshop, which occurred prior to the passing of the Ken Capone Equal Employment Act, ending subminimum wage practices in Maryland. Check out the full video here.
Britney Spears' Case Highlights Conservatorships
Popstar Britney Spears' recent case developments have shed a light on conservatorship. Conservatorship is similar to guardianship and has been in the spotlight lately, elevated by the case involving Ms. Spears. Over the past year, the singer has fought a battle with her father over a near 14 year conservatorship that limited many of Spears' freedoms. Recently, Spears regained control of her life earlier this month when her conservatorship was ended. This case sheds light on the need for regular guardianship reviews and remedies for those seeking guardianship or conservatorship termination. Read the full article from Disability Scoop here.