Celebrating 35 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act and 60 Years of Medicaid!

On July 26th, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, marking a momentous occasion of the world's first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities! The ADA prohibited discrimination based on disability and guaranteed reasonable accommodations for vital members of our communities. This legislation has impacted millions of Americans across generations. Today, we celebrate the many advocates who helped make it possible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and thrive in our country!

We also celebrate another historic moment: 60 years of Medicaid! On July 30th, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Medicare and Medicaid Act. Medicaid makes it possible for people with disabilities across the country to access essential healthcare and services, including over 1.5 million Marylanders. The Arc continues to work hard and advocate to ensure that people with disabilities across the country have access to vital health and home and community-based services made possible with Medicaid.

Save the Date: SpArc Tank Ig-Nite

November 20th - Ten Oaks Ballroom Clarksville, MD

Continue the celebration of The Arc Maryland's 65th Anniversary this fall at SpArc Tank Ig-Nite! Our hallmark grant initiative, SpArc Tank, is back again, offering opportunities for organizations and individuals to pitch ideas for the funding of innovative projects, new technology, resources, and more solutions to improve access to independent living, inclusion, and equity for people with disabilities.

Ig-Nite is an extraordinary evening dedicated to showcasing these innovative ideas alongside fellow trailblazers, thinkers, visionaries, and funders from diverse fields. We hope to celebrate it with you on November 20th at Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville! Look for registration, opportunities to sponsor, and more information soon.

Advocates Gather in DC for 60-Hour Medicaid Vigil

We won’t get over it, we won’t forget, and we won’t stop fighting. That’s why this month, The Arc Maryland returned to DC once again for a 60-hour vigil: to turn our grief and anger into something powerful. We joined The Arc of the United States, The Arc Baltimore, The Arc Montgomery County, The Arc Southern Maryland, and other partners as part of the Caring Across Generations Coalition to hold our congress members accountable for their decision to cut Medicaid, SNAPand the programs our families depend on.

During The Arc's "hour" at the mic, we heard many powerful stories from people with IDD and their families on the impact Medicaid has on their lives. The Arc Maryland will continue to advocate in DC, and we thank the army of advocates who joined together for this important purpose! You can also hear about the day's events in this edition of The Arc Southern Maryland's See ME. See My Ability Podcast.

Support The Arc Maryland When You "Back to School Shop" at Target

With back-to-school shopping around the corner, did you know that you can support The Arc Maryland at Target? Members of the free Target Circle Program can use their purchases for good! You can also join Target Circle for free. From now until September 30th, Target Circle Members can cast votes they earn from Target transactions for The Arc Maryland. At the end of the voting cycle, The Arc Maryland and other nonprofits in Maryland will be awarded a share of donations from Target thanks to your votes.

PBS Documentary Explores Transition to Adulthood for Young People with Disabilities

Last week, PBS premiered a new documentary, The Ride Ahead, that explores the journey of becoming an independent adult. It follows 21-year-old Samuel Habib as he seeks advice from disability advocates in his transition to adulthood. The film is available to watch for free right now on PBS! Check it out through the button below.

MDOD Webinar: Igniting Independence with Assistive Technology and Financing

August 6th from 1 to 2 PM

In this seminar, the Maryland Department of Disabilities will explore the latest advancements in assistive technology. Hear an overview of MDTAP's services, with a focus on the newest hearing and vision technologies. Additionally, learn about financial options for assistive technology loans, including devices such as hearing aids, vision aids, communication aids, as well as home modifications and vehicles.

2025 Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Conference

September 18th from 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Join Parents' Place of Maryland for their 5th Annual Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Conference! During the virtual conference, nationally recognized special education attorney and advocate Pete Wright will guide attendees through the key tools every family or professional needs — from making sense of your child’s legal rights at school, to decoding evaluation scores, and speaking up with confidence to get the support your child needs. Get tickets through the button below.

Shop at Lids in August and Support The Arc!

For the second year in a row, in the month of August, you can rep The Arc on your favorite team's hat! When you visit select Lids stores, you can request to get The Arc's logo custom embroidered on any hat, and $7 from your purchase will go straight to The Arc US to support our mission. All roundup donations from the register this month will also go to The Arc!

Lowe's National Account Program for Chapters of The Arc

Through The Arc's National Account Program with Lowe’s, chapters of The Arc can get significant cost savings, including a 5% discount on purchases and bulk savings of 10–50%. Chapters also benefit from reduced delivery fees and a Pro Paint Rewards Program with discounts of 10–20%. This program allows chapters of The Arc to maintain local flexibility regarding their purchasing standards and payment options. Read more on The Arc US's chapter portal below!

The Arc Prince George's County's Future Planning -Zoom Series

Every Wednesday in August and the First Wednesday in September from 12 to 1 PM

August is National Make-A-Will Month, the perfect time to learn more about protecting your future and planning with peace of mind. Join The Arc Prince George's County for a free virtual series on Zoom as they explore key estate planning tools and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families. Each Wednesday from August 6th to September 3rd, you can learn about different areas of future planning alongside subject matter experts. Sign up for any of the sessions below!

The Arc Howard County's Chip In for Change

September 12th at 7:30 AM

Get ready for a blast on the green! Join The Arc Howard County for their Chip In for Change annual golf fundraiser at Waverly Woods Golf Club. This year's event includes exciting raffles and wild hole games like Hot Shot Cannon, Beat the Pro, and the Longest Drive Showdown. Score awesome prizes, test your skills, and soak up the good vibes all day long. Register below!

The Arc Southern Maryland's Golf Classic

September 12th

Join The Arc Southern Maryland for their Annual Golf Classic at Chesapeake Hills Gold Course! This day on the greens in Lusby is one you don't want to miss. Compete in the tournament while you enjoy breakfast, lunch, unlimited beer and soda, and a golf gift bag! Register below, or contact info@arcsomd.org for more information.

The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region's Sprout Film & Art Festival

October 9th at 5:30 PM

The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region invites you to this year's Sprout Film and Art Festival at Water's Edge Event Center! The event highlights the talents and accomplishments of people with differing abilities through art, as well as other professional artists in the community. Enjoy the inclusive art gallery that includes work from professional and aspiring artists, and view artistic and memorable films from Sproutflix. Get your tickets today!

The Arc Washington County's Dancing with The Arc Stars

October 18th at 5:30 PM

Dancing With The Arc Stars continues to be a shining example of bringing local leaders and businesses together to do something extraordinary for people served by The Arc of Washington County. The evening starts with dance performances by students at Barbara Ingram’s School of Dance and Ballet and All That Jazz. Three teams practice the dances throughout the summer and early fall while fundraising to remove financial barriers for the people supported by The Arc Washington County. At the end of the night, one team is awarded the crystal disco ball!

The Arc Baltimore's Carats & Cocktails: Celebrating 75 Years of Impact

October 18th at 7 PM

It's bold, it's brilliant, it's the biggest party of the year! Celebrate The Arc Baltimore's 75th Anniversary at the Maryland Science Center for a night to toast the milestone moment. The evening includes diamond and champagne giveaways, a live muscial performance, a DJ, a knockout culinary spread, and signature spirits. Tickets go on sale August 16th!

The Arc Maryland Celebrates Disability Pride Month!

"We belong here, and we're here to stay!" This message echoed throughout Maryland and the whole nation in July, as we celebrate Disability Pride Month. Last week, Advocacy Specialist Dominique Palmer joined the Maryland Department of Disabilities for their 35th Anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act!

Director of Education Initiatives and Partnerships Natalie Brooks also visited the University of Maryland's St. Joseph Medical Center for their Disability Acceptance event to showcase materials from our Together We're Better Inclusive Education Initiative. These materials included our curated Disability Pride Booklist, which was on display all month at Calvert Library in Prince Frederick, for children to celebrate inclusion. What a special month to celebrate the community!

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