The Arc Maryland is seeking two Fellows who are persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or family members of a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities currently working or volunteering in the field of disability. The Arc Maryland Public Policy Fellowship is a six-month intensive experience with the Maryland General Assembly and other special initiatives at The Arc Maryland with the possibility of term renewal. The purpose of the Fellowship is to build the next generation of public policy leaders at the state and/or local levels and to increase grassroots engagement at the Maryland local chapters. Fellows work part-time during the legislative session from January 2018 – April 2018. Selected fellows must be prepared to spend considerable time in Annapolis during the 2018 Legislative Session and devote themselves to the work of the fellowship. During the second half of the fellowship, fellows will have the opportunity to learn, observe, and be a part of developing special initiatives and learn how the disability community in Maryland shapes public policy impacting people with disabilities, and their families.

For more information, click here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Arc Maryland is pleased to announce that Ms. Tonia Ferguson, Esq. will join the organization as the Director of Public Policy and Special Initiatives on October 1, 2017.  Ms. Ferguson brings nearly a decade of experience advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families.  Prior to joining The Arc Maryland, she served as Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Autism Society of America and was on the board of The Arc Baltimore.  As a professional in the field as well as as a parent of a child with Down syndrome and autism, the mission and values of The Arc are near and dear to her heart.  Her expertise encompasses system change, building partnerships, and advocating and influencing policy at the local, state and federal level. “I am so excited to come back to The Arc Maryland to expand effective public policy efforts and engage with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families,” remarked Ms. Ferguson.

The Arc Maryland is a leading statewide non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to the rights and quality of life of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  For more information about The Arc Maryland and our work, please view our website at www.thearcmd.org, or contact Executive Director Ande Kolp at akolp@thearcmd.org, phone (410) 571-9320. ###

FAQs are out on Maryland DDA’s Two New Support Waivers: The Family Supports Waiver  and The Community Supports Waiver.

 

On June 7, Stevenson University received final approval for the $1 purchase of the Rosewood Center property. The Arc Maryland hopes this purchase inspires Stevenson University to acknowledge the history of the people who lived in the former Institution as well as to make strides to improve inclusive opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

You can read the Arc Maryland’s press release on the sale of the Rosewood Center property here.

The Rosewood Center was opened in the late 1800s as the Asylum and Training School for the Feeble-Minded, and served as the largest state institution until its closure in 2009. At the Rosewood Center’s peak, 3000 children and adults were housed on the property. The Arc Maryland was instrumental in advocating for the closure of Rosewood, after several investigations of abuse.

On July 6, Governor Hogan visited Stevenson University to mark the transfer of the 117 acres. You can read a Baltimore Sun article about Governor Hogan’s visit here.

While at Stevenson University, Governor Hogan met with survivors of Rosewood, including Wilbur. Wilbur grew up at the institution before his release at the age of 24 in 1974. Once back in his community, Wilbur received support from The Arc Baltimore and became a fierce advocate for the closing of the Rosewood Center. Wilbur continues his self-advocacy with The Arc of Frederick County and works with training the Frederick County Police on how to safely support individuals with disabilities in the community. Wilbur is glad that the property will be put to a positive use, and hopes that Stevenson University builds a memorial to remember those who lived at the Rosewood Center.

 

 

The Maryland General Assembly completed its work for the 2017 Legislative Session and adjourned Sine Die at midnight on April 10, 2017.  The Arc Maryland, in partnership with the DD Coalition and the Governmental Affairs representatives from each local chapter, tracked, or testified on 100 bills that would have had impact on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

This Session was challenging and productive. Beginning with the start of the Session on January 11, key bills on our Public Policy Platform have been passed and signed by Governor Hogan into law.

We couldn’t have done it without our chapters and grassroots members! Thank you to all who testified, contacted and met with their legislators, attended weekly Governmental Affairs Committee meetings, and the over 700 attendees at DD Day at the Legislature. Your voices were heard!

Click here to read the full Wrap Up.