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. 

The Arc Maryland Announces Public Policy/Advocacy Position: Director of Public Policy & Advocacy – Children and Families

 The Arc Maryland, the leading statewide advocacy organization dedicated to the rights and quality of life of children and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families, seeks an experienced, creative, self-motivated individual committed to impacting public policy and services in Maryland for children and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.

The position is full-time at the office in Annapolis and includes extensive time at the state legislature in Annapolis during the Maryland General Assembly Session. Travel throughout the state to local chapters of The Arc and meetings is a requirement. The position will be required to file as a registered lobbyist with the Maryland State Ethics Commission.

The Arc Maryland’s advocacy and public policy follows the position statements of The Arc of the US. To review the position statements, click here. The Arc Maryland’s Legislative Platform can be viewed here.

Qualified individuals with disabilities and family members of individuals with developmental disabilities are encouraged to apply. Bi-Lingual Spanish applicants encouraged. EOE.

Deadline to Apply: June 15, 2017.

Submit cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to:

The Arc Maryland
130 Lubrano Drive, Suite 212
Annapolis, MD 21401

Or via email: info@thearcmd.org

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Maryland, in conjunction with the University of Maryland has recently received a $25,000 grant from Think College National Coordinating Center to expand and enhance the quality of college programs for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This grant is on top of $250,000 already allocated in Governor Hogan’s budget to expand opportunities for young adults with I/DD who are transitioning out of Maryland high schools. State partners will begin planning this spring to determine the best practices and to coordinate efforts across the state.

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is developing a new Family Support program to provide assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities under the age of 21 and their families. The DDA hopes to begin the program in January 2018. The federal application is now available for public review. It can be found here. Individuals are welcome to send comments on the application until July 31.

To access the services which will be provide through this program, you will need to apply to the DDA waiting list. Applications can be found here. The DDA will then access the eligibility of the individual. Click here for information on eligibility. If the individual is determined to be eligible, they will be placed on a priority category on the waiting list. The process can take up to several months, so to qualify for the program when it becomes available in 2018, now is the time to apply.

While details are still being worked out, the types of services the new program will cover most likely will include respite, support in the home and out in the community, family empowerment supports, caregiver training, assistive technology, environmental modifications, emergency response, family-to-family supports, self-advocacy supports, individual education and training, and peer-to-peer supports.