The Arc Statewide Convention & Awards Banquet

May 29th, 8 AM to 4 PM

Join fellow self-advocates, family members, professionals, volunteer leaders, and partners from The Arc, other nonprofits and government agencies at The Arc Maryland’s 2025 Statewide Convention & Awards Banquet on May 29th at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City!

Our 2025 Convention theme is Opening Doors for 65 Years!  Throughout the day, we will celebrate 6 and a half decades of work on behalf of people with IDD, and enjoy excellent plenary speakers and presenters, including Loretta Claiborne, Angie Dabbs, Katy Neas, Katie Collins Ihrke with Maryland Nonprofits, the Developmental Disabilities Coalition, and others. As in previous years, there will be opportunities for networking and connecting, and we will have several of our valued partners and exhibitors with us for the day to share their resources.

Get your tickets today! We will see you at Turf Valley!

Share Your Memories of The Arc in Our 65th Anniversary Time Capsule

During the Statewide Convention, we will celebrate the work that has been done to grow and advance our community, opening doors for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During a special celebration at the convention, we invite attendees to bring items and notes that they wish to share with future generations of The Arc's community to put in a time capsule! If you are joining us on May 29th, bring your memories to share in the capsule!

Announcing The Arc Maryland's 2025 Statewide Awardees

Meet the statewide champions for disability rights and inclusion! 

Each year, The Arc Maryland Awards Program recognizes those individuals, groups, and communities whose contributions to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) represent meritorious service or achievement and warrant special statewide recognition.

We are excited to share this year's honorees for statewide recognition! Check out the 2025 Awardees through the button below, and get your tickets to our Statewide Convention & Awards Banquet to celebrate these remarkable individuals and their outstanding work, opening doors for people with IDD and their families!



Are Medicaid Waiver Applications Puzzling to You? Are You Concerned About Getting into a DDA Waiver Program and Staying Enrolled?

Have we got an opportunity for you! Discover the Best Kept Secrets about Medicaid & Waiver Programs. Let's break down the Medicaid Waiver process and clear up common misconceptions.

In-person training opportunities are provided in all four regions of the state. Sponsored by Maryland Works in partnership with The Arc Maryland and MACS come to learn how individuals can qualify for and maintain eligibility in Community Pathways, Community Supports, or Family Supports Waivers, even with income or assets above traditional limits. Sessions are free to Maryland Works Members, and available for purchase at a modest rate for anyone else interested! This training is intended for people with disabilities, CCS case managers, support brokers, family members, provider staff and employers. Get tickets to a session near you through the links below. (The QR codes are difficult to scan but click on the orange date and place links below for the registration sites) Reach out to Natalie Dohner Brooks for limited partial scholarship opportunities

June 9th in Frederick

June 10th in Millersville

June 11th in Prince Frederick

June 12th in Ridgely

Medicaid Decisions Coming in DC Tomorrow

May 13th at 2 PM

The US House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee is having a markup tomorrow, May 13th, that includes cuts to Medicaid. The Arc US is working to have a visible presence of advocates to show that we oppose these cuts and that they will harm real people!

Join The Arc US and other coalition advocates at 2122 Rayburn House Office Building in DC. We will gather inside and outside the committee room, and wear orange! Please note if Capital Police ask us to move to other locations, we should comply.

The Arc plans to arrive at 1:30 PM for the 2 PM hearing time. If you are planning to attend, there is an accessible main entrance on Horseshoe Drive off South Capitol Street. When you arrive, look for the ORANGE!

The Arc Maryland Unveils the 2025 Together We're Better Coloring Book at ArtScene on the Eastern Shore

The Arc Maryland was proud to debut the newest version of the “Together We’re Better” Coloring Book at an ArtScene event on the Eastern Shore. ArtScene is an amazing celebration of student creativity, featuring the incredible work of talented artists from Kent Island High School. Fourteen KIHS students submitted original drawings as part of this year’s coloring book contest, following the theme “Every Voice Matters.” Our very own Sharon Dols and Natalie Brooks were honored to present certificates to participating students. You can download and print the coloring book here from our website! Thank you to our amazing partners: Maryland DD Council, MSDE, and MDOD for another fantastic year.

This project is 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 $1,262,502 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.

The Arc Maryland Executive Director Ande Kolp Receives The Arc Carroll County's President's Cup Award and a "Love Letter" From The Arc Baltimore

This month, The Arc Maryland's Executive Director, Ande Kolp, was honored with The Arc Carroll County's President's Cup Award for her leadership and advocacy in the 2025 legislative session. Ande was honored during their annual awards and meeting, where The Arc Carroll County celebrated 70 years of remarkable service to their community.

Later in the eventful week, The Arc Baltimore honored the entire DD Coalition for our stalwart advocacy during the Legislative Session, presenting each member with a "Love Letter" from the organization! Congratulations to our incredible partners in The Arc and beyond!

As We Look To The Future of Our Work, We Need You!

Support The Arc Maryland

Are you looking for ways to support the work of The Arc Maryland? We have many opportunities for ways in which you can give! See below or contact below or contact sdols@thearcmd.org for more information.

Or mail your donation to:

The Arc Maryland

Attn: Annual Giving Campaign

8601 Robert Fulton Drive, Suite 140

Columbia, MD 21046