News to Use features important information and resources for self-advocates, parents, and professionals to use now!
Around The Arc Maryland
Join Us for Our Statewide Convention and Awards Banquet
Tuesday, May 17th from 9 AM to 4 PM
The Arc Maryland Statewide Convention & Awards Banquet is back in person for 2022! Join us on May 17th at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City for a day of learning, discovery, and celebration! This year's theme is The Power of Family! Read more and register by May 11th to participate in the big day.

Our Opening Plenary- The Power of Disability Advocacy: Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going will focus on both the power of families in advocacy and the strength of having diverse perspectives in our movement as we work together to move the dial forward. Each of our four plenary panelists has been selected for their commitment to social change and their work in Maryland, nationally, and even worldwide, to effect change for people with IDD and their families. 
Congratulations to The Arc Maryland 2022 Awards Recipients!
We recognize and thank the outstanding achievements of those impacting the lives of Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities through our Annual Awards! Their efforts to advance inclusion in schools, workplaces, healthcare, and the community make them stand out in the crowd. We will honor these outstanding people during our 2022 State Convention and Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 17th at Turf Valley Resort.

Check out the full list of the 2022 honorees through the link here!
Shine Brighter Together: Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month in Montgomery County
On April 23rd, The Arc Maryland had an amazing day alongside the Montgomery County Community to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month at Wheaton Regional Park! The day of celebration included the unveiling of wall art from Partners in Policymaking Graduate Justin Valenti, games, crafts, food trucks, and resources and information from community partners!
Together We're Better Artwork Highlights
We received so many awesome submissions to this school year's Together We're Better Art Contests! Through their works of art, elementary, middle, and high school students shared what they know about inclusion and created their own interpretations of the theme, Rebuilding Our Inclusive Community Together.

Together we can continue the work of building and supporting inclusive communities worldwide! Check out the School Year 2021-2022 submission highlights in the video here.
Maryland's 2022 Legislative Session Comes to a Close
April 11th marked the end of Maryland's 2022 Legislative Session, and capped off a successful session for The Arc Maryland and our grassroots community! Thank you to those who reached out to your representatives, shared your stories, and shed light on the needs of Marylanders with IDD! Read about the outcomes of key legislation The Arc Maryland tracked this session through our Legislative Wrap Up Report.
Opportunities Around Maryland
Free Webinar: Navigating College Transitions and Financial Aid - Supporting Students with Disabilities and their Families
May 4th from 12 to 1:30 PM
Join the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities for a free webinar to learn about the types of opportunities that exist for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend college and the types of supports available in these programs. The webinar takes place on May 4th from 12 to 1:30 PM via Zoom. Read more and register here. For questions, call 443-923-5555.
PBS Kids Casting Children Ages 5 to 7 with Disabilities to Star in New Web Series
PBS Kids is currently casting for a new web series that focuses on genuine and fun conversations between kids (age 5-7) and professional adults that show kids some of the possibilities of what they can become when they grow up! Filming will take place in the DMV until August of 2022.
If your child with a disability is interested in participating, contact Alexandra Czaplicki, Coordinating Producer, at RomentaProductions@gmail.com with the following information:
  • 2 recent pictures of your child
  • Your name, phone number, and email
  • A short video (under two minutes please) with a brief introduction and what is unique about your child.

Some topics to talk about are:
  • What would you like to become when you grow up?
  • What is your favorite toy?
  • What is something that you love doing and why?
  • The most important thing is to let your child’s personality shine through. Let them ramble! It’s ok!
Accepting Applications:
Executive Level Employment with The Arc
Chapters of The Arc in Maryland are currently searching for Executive Level candidates to join their teams! Check out the resources below to learn about the positions and how to apply if you are interested.
The Arc Howard County:
Executive Director
The Arc Prince George's County:
Chief Program Officer
In the News
Professor Writes About The Pain Of Hiding His Autism
Devon Price, Assistant Professor at Loyola Chicago's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, shared in an interview with the Chicago Tribune the struggles of "masking" his autism. After he was diagnosed with Autism, Price realized the importance of embracing his differences!

In the article, he discusses why people may mask their autism, and why opening up about it can improve your life for the better. Thank you to Devon for sharing your experiences during Autism Awareness Month! Check out the full article below.