News to Use from The Arc Maryland. A snowglobe with a waving snowman with snowflakes surrounding it.
News to Use features important information and resources for self-advocates, parents, and professionals to use now!

We at The Arc Maryland wish all of our friends, members, and partners a very Happy and Healthy New Year!
Around The Arc Maryland
Legislative Calendar Day Advocacy Training
January 12th at 4 pm
Brush up on your advocacy skills, learn about the new House and Senate protocols for the 2022 session, discuss priority legislation, and get tips on speaking with legislators during our Legislative Calendar Day Advocacy Training from 4 to 5 PM on January 12th! This training event is free to attend for members and partners of The Arc. Register for the event through the link here.
The Maryland Legislative Session Begins January 12 at Noon
The Maryland General Assembly convenes for the 444th Legislative Session in a little less than two weeks. Already, there are more than 400 pre-filed bills posted to the General Assembly Website. Keep up with all of the activity by signing up to receive The Arc Maryland's "Annapolis Insider." The Insider is our weekly newsletter during session that provides highlights on priority legislation that may have an impact on the lives of people with IDD and their families.
Celebrate Inclusion Through the 'Together We're Better' Artwork and Drawing Contests!
Students across Maryland are invited to share what they know about inclusion through art! By participating in the Together We're Better artwork and drawing contests, 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.

The deadline to submit artwork and drawings is Tuesday, January 4th. All contest submissions may be sent digitally through email to sdols@thearcmd.org.
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.
Save the Date: Now 100% Virtual
Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature
February 22nd
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! Due to the current state of public health, DD Day will once again take place virtually. Registration for the event is coming soon!
Taking Action
Kennedy Krieger's Sensory-Friendly Vaccination Clinics Are Open
Persons with disabilities and their caregivers are invited to Kennedy Krieger's sensory-friendly vaccination clinics in Baltimore on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 PM, and Fridays from 9:30 AM to 2 PM. Behavioral support staff members will be on-site to help calm those who have vaccination anxiety. First, second, and booster doses are all available. Vaccinations here are by appointment only, so be sure to sign up below!

In the News
2021 Progress Report: The Impact of COVID-19 on People with Disabilities
A nurse and a person supported by The Arc Washington County who is receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
The pandemic has created difficult times for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their loved ones. This year, the National Council on Disability released a progress report examining the impact of the pandemic on people with IDD, along with summaries on state and national responses to the disproportionate impact. You can read the full report here.
DOJ Reaches Settlement with Frederick County Schools to Address Seclusion and Restraint of Students with Disabilities
Earlier this month, a Department of Justice investigation found that 7,253 restraints and seclusions were performed on 125 students across the 2017-2018 school year and during the first half of the 2019-2020 school year. After determining that these acts violated Title II of the ADA, Frederick County schools entered into a settlement agreement to end seclusion practices in the county's schools, overhaul their restraint practices, and train staff on appropriate behavioral interventions.
Biden Administration Launches Housing and Services Recourse Center for People with Disabilities
On December 8, the Health and Human Services Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development launched a Housing and Services Recourse Center to help older adults and people with disabilities access federal resources and guidance on both housing and services that support community living, including Medicaid-funded home and community-based services, vouchers, and other programs. Read more about the services available here.