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The
Arc Looks Ahead at 2012
Dear
Friends of The Arc:
The
New Year is a great time to figure out what you want to
accomplish and like everyone, we here at The Arc have a
full plate of new initiatives. Click
here to read about some of the new things we will be
working on in 2012.
End
The Wait. Please Donate!
 There
are thousands of children, youth, and adults in Maryland
who have developmental disabilities and are on the Maryland
Waiting List. Just a small portion of your tax refund can
help the Maryland Waiting List Fund provide services for
families, job training and employment, opportunities to
live in the community and crisis prevention. Click
here for information on the DDA Waiting List. Click
here for a donation coupon you can include with your
Maryland State income tax return.
Siblings
Unite! 
Earlier this month, The Arc announced a new partnership
with the national Sibling
Leadership Network (SLN) and formed The Arc's
National Sibling Council to foster the active involvement
of siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. The sibling relationship is unique and siblings
are critical to ensuring the full inclusion and participation
of their loved ones in all aspects of life. The partnership
with SLN and the National Sibling Council will connect siblings
with each other and offer them opportunities to impact policy,
service delivery and the quality of life for millions of
Americans with I/DD. The programs will also offer support
for those looking for answers to questions unique to their
families. Click the link to visit the
“I
Am A Sibling” page at thearc.org to get
involved. Your membership in The Arc at the local, state
or national level entitles you to membership in the National
Sibling Council. If you are not already a member of The
Arc Prince George's County, click
here to become a member today!
Vietnamese
Delegation Visits The Arc
 The
Maryland Coalition for Integrated Education (MCIE) accompanied
Delegates from Viet Nam on their visits to preschool, elementary
and secondary school programs. The Delegation had the opportunity
to observe and discuss early intervention, interagency coordination,
transition planning and employment preparation in local
school jurisdictions. They concluded their activities with
a visit to The Arc, where they met with parents of children
with disabilities, learned about the benefits and issues
families face and why they want their children included
in their neighborhood schools.
The
Delegates stated that the system in the United States benefited
the children much more than that of the system in Viet Nam.
There are no services resembling the early intervention
services our children receive and services and supports
for children as they age are non-existent.
Although not at The Arc to discuss adult programs, the Delegates
noticed the vans picking up participants at Bridges, our
medical day program.
This led to a discussion about the many Arc programs, from
day and support services to residential. They noted, sadly,
that adults with disabilities in their country do not have
such opportunities and advantages. They expressed a desire
to learn more about services in the United States and, of
course, we invited them to make a return visit.
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