Rita Rich the host of the See Me. See MY Ability podcast of The Arc Southern Maryland talks to the non-profit group Maryland Inclusive Housing about how they can help. #Inclusivehousing #maryland #laurensilverstone #waitlists #fairhousing #IDD #disabiity

Spring has sprung in Maryland and more and more of us are going outdoors to enjoy parties and celebrations, including consumers of the Arc So MD! And, our legislative leadership at the Arc Maryland are getting ready for their Annual Convention and Awards Ceremony. We talked with the Arc's Luc Chaussee, the director of communications and engagement, about their big day coming up on May 30 at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Maryland

Part two of The See Me See My Ability podcast's conversation with Grammy Award-winning music teacher Annie Ray, who created the Crescendo Orchestra made up of severely disabled students of Annandale High School, in Fairfax County, Virginia. Ms. Ray describes the energy boost she gets from her students as they go through the stages of mastering their instrument. Some students even have parents who are learning the same instruments from scratch at the same time they are! All music heard in the background was used with permission from Annie Ray.

Annie Ray is a classically trained musician. This native of Northern Texas calls Fairfax County Virginia Home and is now music director for Annandale High School. But, we're burying the lede: She was awarded a Grammy Award in 2024 for teaching severely disabled students music, and for her years of creating The Crescendo Orchestra.  Listen to this very energetic teacher talk about her passion for teaching and helping kids and adults unveil their secret super power: They Are Musicians.   #annandalehighSchool #fairfax #FCPL #Crescendo #TheParents Orchestra. https://annandalehs.fcps.edu/student-life-and-activities/performing-arts/orchestra

We don't want you to be a couch potato when the Kentucky Derby is run on May the Fourth!  Join our friends in adult spirits and Southern Maryland-style cuisine at one of Calvert County's famous vineyards.  The Perigeaux Winery. There's still time to buy tickets to enjoy adult beverages, live music, and the company of supporters of The Arc Southern Maryland.  Listen to Arc Southern Maryland's Lyndee Waldbauer describe the who, what, where, and why you should buy a table and join us in an evening at the races. And, you can still sponsor our event and get your name on our swag! There will be a silent and online auction for commemorative pieces from the world of TV and movies, as well as services and gift cards from our allies and supporters in our community.   logo created by Microsoft AI DALLE3

All Marylanders, once they have their 18th Birthday May Vote In Our State! There are very few exceptions. See Me See MY Ability talks with Mary Ann Mogavero of the Maryland State Board of Elections. Your one-stop to shop website to check on voter registration, finding your place to cast your ballot, and for early voting for the Maryland Primary is here. For a brief background about Ms. Mogavaro click here. #MDvotes 2024 Early voting is a week before Maryland's presidential primary day which is on Tuesday, May 14th.

Victoria M. Rodríguez-Roldán was appointed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore as Statewide Autism Coordinator, in the Maryland Department of Disabilities. Ms. Roldan has spent years as an activist in the non-profit sector and has worked for the federal government. This Baltimore-based attorney has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Autism Self Advocacy Network, on the Bar of the Disability Rights Association, and has been a board members of the ACLU and the Equity New York. She talks candidly about her work experiences, and her academic writings for law journals in the U.S.

Ross Barchacky is a disabled American veteran who served in the Army during Operation Enduring Freedom, after 9/11/2001. He is Head of Partnerships for a company that finds employment opportunities for other veterans called Inclusively and is also a member of the Arc of Loudon County's board of directors. Barchacky, via Zoom, visited the Podcasting Class of the Arc Southern Maryland.   Employee Spotlight: Ross Barchacky, Director of Partnerships (inclusively.com)   For more resources on developing a "skills" resume and other helpful hints please listen to our archives, and this podcast featuring Brian Haas of the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)

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The Arc Southern Maryland podcasting class talked about relationships yesterday and wanted to send you their thoughts about Saint Valentine's Day. Here's your bonus episode!

The Arc Southern Maryland is gearing up to go to Annapolis next week to advocate for continued funding of services for those with developmental disabilities. D-D- Day is next Wednesday, February 21. We talked to two young men about their thoughts about representing the Arc Southern Maryland and hearing their messages to lawmakers and all Marylanders. Meet Adam Dethlof and Alex Murray. For more information see the website of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council here https://www.md-council.org/ For background information about legislation that is being watched by the Arcs across Maryland please click here:  http://www.thearcmd.org/ Please leave us some stars or a review! It will help others find this podcast!

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Every year parents and advocates for those of us with developmental or intellectual disabilities go to our State Capital in Annapolis to talk to lawmakers about our needs and wants. We all pay taxes to our government for services. In America we have a right to speak up and demand our fair share. This podcast features the Executive Director of the Arc of Maryland Ande Kolp and Arc Director of Communications and Engagement Luc Chasse. The Arc of Maryland serves as the legislative liaison to lawmakers. In this episode you will learn that your stories and points of view are very important to lawmakers and they want to hear from you. Please see below to register your attendance and for more background on D-D-Day, Wednesday,  February 21, 2024 To register for DD Day: https://DD-Day-24.eventbrite.com Link to where Fact Sheets for the Day will be available: https://www.md-council.org/policy/public-policy-priorities/dd-day-at-the-legislature/ Link to watch an event on the web via livestream: https://www.facebook.com/people/Maryland-Developmental-Disabilities-Coalition/100064565118995/

Justin Valenti is a visual artist, author, and a 28-year-old man diagnosed with Autism. He recently received recognition from Maryland Governor Wes Moore for his contributions to visual and street art in the Free State. Justin shares his story with See Me. See My Ability: The Podcast of the Arc Southern Maryland. We are more than meets the eye. Justin is the epitome of living beyond one's diagnosis.  Find Justin's work via the following links: https://www.facebook.com/justinvalenti96 https://www.facebook.com/VisArtsCenter Find a link to Justin's books on Amazon Here: http://tinyurl.com/Justin-Valenti-Artists-Books The artwork that accompanies this episode is from Justin's Facebook page and used with permission.

We're not contagious! We may talk differently, have difficulty talking or making eye contact, or seem different. But, like you, we want to be seen and heard. Welcome to the first episode of 2024 of See Me. See My Ability. We're more than meets the eye! Get to know us.

We salute our smile makers at The Arc Southern Maryland, including the Jaycees of Charles County, Charles County Civitan, and the Chesapeake Chapter of Ghostbusters! We would love to hear from you at info@arcsomd.org. Please send us ideas and suggestions for our See Me. See My Ability podcast.  Please consider us as you consider your year-end tax-deductible donations to charities.

People with IDD have more dental issues than most and the expense can be staggering. Our most expensive procedure this year was over $12,000; we could only fund half of it. Medicare benefits don't cover the costs of sedation dentistry. We need your help! On Giving Day and every day, every dollar you donate will help get rid of the pain that comes from poor dental care. https://arcsomd.org/dental/

In this episode of See Me See My Ability our Arc of Southern Maryland podcasting class explores some of the virtues and commemorations celebrated during the month of November. It's a time to give, and the Arc needs your help. https://arcsomd.org/giving-tuesday-2023/

DORS Representative Brian Haas shares great tips with The Arc Southern Maryland's podcasting class about the steps they should take to get a job and make money, and how the State of Maryland's Division of Rehabilitation Services is there to help.  Episode 6 DORS Maryland website

The Arc Southern Maryland recognizes those who employ our clients during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Dunkin' Donuts Franchisee Maria Icaza tells us why she supports The Arc.