In October, we celebrate #Limitless Independence with Katie and The Arc of Frederick County, the featured calendar story for this month! They are proud to support Katie as she builds connections & lives life to the fullest, including moving into her own apartment!

Are you ready to exercise your right to vote? With the General Election coming up on 11/3, now is the perfect time to prepare! Check out our Disability Voting Guide at thearcmd.org/md-vote/ to get registered, find your polling place, and learn important dates.

Help us give a warm welcome to the newest member of The Arc Maryland team, Amy Kriewaldt! Amy, who joins us as the Director of Resource Development, is an autistic advocate, writer, podcaster, and nonprofit leader who is ready to bring her talents to The Arc!

Get informed for election season! Join the Maryland Disabilities Forum on October 22nd at 10:30 AM to hear from candidates for Maryland’s Governor on issues that are important to people with disabilities. You can register for the virtual event for free at events.mdworks.com/Candidate…

With less than 100 days until Legislative Session, now is the time for advocates to assemble for change! Find a local Self-Advocacy group supported by our Empowering Partners initiative and join their next meeting! Get started at thearcmd.org/empowering-part…

On October 6th & 7th, visit the National Disability Caregivers Conference, a free, virtual event designed to support caregivers of family members with IDD. Learn from experts on topics like housing, employment, person-centered support, & more. Register at caringfutures.org/conference

Our next Awardee for the Gil Zucchi DSP of the Year is Jennifer Arnsparger! Jen has worked at The Arc Washington County for over 21 years, demonstrating exceptional compassion and dedication in her work. You can read about Jen and fellow awardees at thearcmd.org/events/annual-a…

At the heart of being a great Direct Support Professional is a passion for empowerment. The Gil Zucchi DSP Awardee from @TheArcNCR, Steven Webb, knows this as well as anyone! Thank you for helping people live their best lives, Steven! #WhyTheArc

On 10/22, join us for the Candidates for Governor Forum, a virtual event focused on issues important to Marylanders with disabilities. Hear from gubernatorial candidates and learn more about disability rights and voter rights. Register at events.mdworks.com/Candidate…

Let’s hear it for Maxine Robinson of The Arc Howard County, a 2026 Gil Zucchi Direct Support Professional of the Year! Thank you for building caring relationships and top-notch service for Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities! #DSPRW2026 #WhyTheArc

Being a great Direct Support Professional requires superior moral strength, integrity, respect, and thoughtfulness. The Arc Carroll County’s Zoey Cullen demonstrates these qualities while serving as a great role model for new DSPs! #DSPRW2026 #WhyTheArc

We continue our celebration of Direct Support Professionals whose work goes beyond the call of duty. We honor @TheArcBaltimore's Sonya Jackson for 15 years of kindness, compassion, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to those who she supports! #DSPRW2026 #WhyTheArc

This week, we bestow statewide honors on those who embody what it means to be an exceptional Direct Support Professional. We recognize Rosalinda Cu from @TheArcMC as our first honoree for her dedication, passion, and person-centered support! #DSPRW2026 #WhyTheArc

This month, we celebrate #limitless growth with Ivy and The Arc Howard County, who were our featured calendar story for September! With strong determination, advocacy skills, and the right support system, you can make changes for yourself and the greater community, just like Ivy.

Today, September 8th, is your final opportunity to apply for the 2026-27 Maryland Partners in Policymaking® Class! Submit your application by 5 PM if you want to become a more effective advocate at local, state, and federal levels. Start now at thearcmd.org/partners/

“Partners demystified the public policy process, making it accessible to everyone. Meeting legislators and policymakers at the state and local level gives you confidence to share your story. Change starts with us.” Apply for Partners by 9/8 at 5 PM at thearcmd.org/partners/

Maryland Partners in Policymaking® applications close on Tuesday. Have you applied? Nelson (‘22) shared his: "Partners has enabled me to become a strong self-advocate, and an advocate for others who are differently abled in our community." Apply by 9/5 at thearcmd.org/partners/

Throughout September, share your voice and build your advocacy skills through an Empowering Partners Self-Advocacy Group! Get connected to one of eight local groups and find out how to join their next meeting at thearcmd.org/empowering-part…

Partners in Policymaking® equips you to face new challenges! “Partners helps you improve your advocacy skills so that you are ready when the opportunity to use those skills comes up,” shared Justin (‘19). Apply for the 26-27 class by 9/8 at thearcmd.org/partners/

Yesterday, The Arc Maryland attended the DDA's Technology First Event! It was a great opportunity to connect with the community and learn about accessible technology options that make Maryland a Technology First State!