Calendar of Events

Welcome to our Calendar of Events! Throughout the year, The Arc of Prince George’s County organizes events that bring our members together, raise funds, provide training and networking opportunities, and increase public awareness about disability issues and The Arc’s services. Read about how you can join us at these great events.

Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education
Parent Leadership/Action Network
Applications Due:
March 8th

For parents of school-age students with developmental disabilities and for self advocates, age 18-21, who have developmental disabilities:

Are you interested in learning how public policy is made?
Do you want to change how your local school system educates students with developmental disabilities? Do you want to promote local change to increase inclusive education practices?
Do you want to promote opportunities for students with disabilities to participate and succeed in general education classes in their neighborhood schools?
Are you willing to partner with other parents and self-advocates from the central Maryland area to improve the way that students with disabilities are educated in their neighborhood schools?
Click here to access the application.

The Arc Job Fair
Tuesday, March 9th
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Employment Services Building, Temple Hills

The Arc is hosting a job fair for the following positions: Job Trainers - Supervisor needed to work with individuals at various job sites in the community. The position is full time non-exempt and pays $10.35 per hour. HS/GED diploma and 1 year of relevant exp required. Must have the ability to operate a sixteen-passenger van and have been licensed for at least a year. Must possess a desire to work directly with adults with developmental disabilities. Hours are Monday - Friday; 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Job Trainer Supervisors - Looking for a Job Trainer to support individuals w/ disabilities in developing employment and social skills, attendance and other data collection as needed. Must be able to operate a van and have a valid drivers license for 3 years. HS/GED diploma and 1 year of relevant exp required. Must be computer literate and have demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate individual and group programs. Site is Temple Hills and hours are M-F 8:45 am - 3:15 pm. Wednesday 8:45 am - 4:30.

Bring two forms of identification.
General Requirements:
· Must have HS diploma or equivalent
· Ability to pass a criminal background investigation and drug screen
· Posses a valid driver’s license with good driving record
· Favorable references
Drug Free/ EOE

The Arc Education Meeting
Inclusive IEPs
Tuesday, March 9th
6:30 pm
The Arc Building

Would you like to have more inclusive opportunities on your Child's IEP( Individual Educational Plan)? Join us for an overview and discussion on Inclusive IEPs. Guest Speaker: Marny Helfrich,M.ED, from the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. RSVP to this email or to Melonee Clark, 301-925-7050, ext. 307. Feel free to invite any other interested parents and educators!

People on the Go Meeting
Thursday, March 11th
6:00 - 8:00 pm
The Arc Building

We will be having a group discussion of the Know Your Rights book. Members who attend this meeting will receive a FREE copy of the Know Your Rights Book. For more information on People on the Go of Prince George’s County e-mail peopleonthego@thearcofpgc.org or call 301-925-7050 ext 624 and leave a message. Additional information can also be obtained from Katie Collins, Facilitator, at The Arc of Prince George’s County, 301-925-7050 ext. 269 or kcollins@thearcofpgc.org

Transition 101
Tuesday, March 16th
6:30 pm
FREE for Arc Members
$5 for non-members
The Arc Building

Join us for a series of workshops for families whose children will be transitioning from school to adult services. This process begins at age 14! Be prepared! Come, learn and ask questions! Know the challenges and ways to ensure a successful transition for your child. Contact Melonee Clark at 301-925-7050, ext. 307 for more information.

DDA Public Meeting
Wednesday, March 17th
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The Bowie Public Library
15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie

The DDA is hosting a series of public meetings pertaining to DDA's workplan, including resource coordination, medicaid waivers, regulations, and more. DDA will share information, gather public input, and solicit volunteers to workgroups related to these topics. Registration is encouraged. Call 301-362-5100 to register.

A Knight to Remember!
Medieval Times
Saturday, March 20th
2:30 - 7:00 pm
$60 per person
Drop off and pick up at The Arc Building

Join us for a fun afternoon out! Limited spaces are available for this event! Register early! Registration deadline: March 13th, 2010. Price includes admission to the show at Medieval Times, dinner, and transportation to and from The Arc Building. To register, download this form and mail to: Katie Collins, The Arc of Prince George’s County, 1401 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD 20774 or email to kcollins@thearcofpgc.org. For additional information or questions, please call 301- 925-7050 ext. 269.

From Emotions to Advocacy
Book Discussion
Saturday, March 20th
2:00-4:00 pm
The Arc Building

Reid Temple's Bridges Ministry sponsors a monthly book discussion. Join other parents and educators as we discuss the book From Emotions to Advocacy. Books can be obtained at the meeting for $20. Refreshments will be served; please register for this event. To register contact Melonee Clark at melluv2dance@aol.com or 301-925-7050, ext. 307.

MD Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
Public Meetings
Tuesday, March 23rd
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Prince George's County Bowie Library
15210 Annapolis Road
Bowie, MD 20715

People with disabilities and their advocates can comment on the employment needs of people with disabilities at four public meetings. DORS conducts annual meetings to obtain comments on the State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation Services and to discuss issues of concern for people with disabilities who want to become employed.

Expected topics of discussion at the 2010 meetings include:

Comments about preliminary findings of the statewide needs assessment
Adequate funding for the public vocational rehabilitation program in Maryland
Recommendations from the DORS work group about services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
DORS Director Robert Burns will attend each meeting along with representatives from the Maryland State Rehabilitation Council (MSRC). The Council is made up of individuals (most with disabilities) who are interested in the success of public vocational rehabilitation programs. Members are appointed by the Governor and include representatives from education, rehabilitation, employment, industry and consumer advocacy groups. At each public meeting, they will explain what we have learned in the Statewide Needs Assessment and ask for your input. We will also discuss other comments you may have about DORS programs and services.

LRE Alliance
March 25th
10:00 am - 11:30 am
The Arc Building

Parents, Educators and concerned citizens: join us for a discussion on the least restrictive environment and your child's education. Contact Melonee Clark at 301-925-7050, ext. 307 for details.

It's About YOU!
Self Advocacy Workshop
March 27th
10 am - 4 pm
FREE
Davies Memorial Universalist Unitarian Church
7400 Temple Hill Road, Camp Springs, MD 20748

This workshop is open to all adults with developmental disabilities in Maryland and will be held at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited so register early. Registration deadline: March 19th. To register call 301-925-7050 ext. 624 and leave message or email peopleonthego@thearcofpgc.org.

Autism Awareness Comedy Night
April 7th
6:30 -8:00 pm
FREE for Arc members
$5 for non-members
The Arc Building

April is National Autism Awareness Month. Join us for a night of fun and laughter as our guest of honor, stand-up comedy performer Taariq Adams, shares his routine with us. Taariq loves performing stand-up comedy… and he doesn’t let autism get in the way! Following the routine, there will be an ice cream social. Please register to Lina Zubi 301-925-7050, ext. 239 or lzubi@thearcofpgc.org

Disability Policy Seminar
April 12 - 14, 2010
Washington, DC

We need you to educate policy makers and their staff about the national disability issues that affect you and those in your community. Join members and staff of The Arc and five partner organizations at this year’s Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. Culminating with in-person visits to congressional leaders on Capitol Hill, this event will provide valuable information on a broad range of issues: Health Care Reform; Medicaid; Employment; Education; and Discretionary Appropriations. The Seminar program will provide you with overviews from Washington’s top policy experts about key policies important to the disabilities community and will arm you with the tools you need to champion the issues you care about most. On the final day, you will make your case before your Members of Congress and their staff who want to hear it from YOU. Check out www.disabilitypolicyseminar.org for more information. Online registration should be available by mid-February.

You are gonna love this kid!
Educating students with autism in inclusive schools
Wednesday, April 14th
8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Chase Suite Hotel, Rockville

In this interactive workshop, participants will learn practical ways of supporting students with autism spectrum labels & other disabilities within a general education classroom. Topics addressed include defining (and redefining) autism, listening to the voices of those with autism, differentiating instruction, creating more active and responsive lessons, making the classroom comfortable, and providing opportunities for communication and social skill development. The session will focus on the importance of pushing beyond access and participation and asking schools to challenge students and to understand each learner as complex and capable .Click here for a registration form or contact MCIE at 1.800.899.8837.

Special Education Advocacy Clinic
April 17th
9:30 am - 3:30 pm
FREE
The Arc Building

Are you a parent or caregiver of a student with a disability or suspected disability in Prince George's County Public Schools? Are you struggling with your child's IEP? Do you need help with your efforts to advocate for appropriate special education services for your child? Would you like to receive legal information? Join us at The Arc. Clinic volunteers will provide brief legal information and referral to families and caregivers. Appointments are necessary for private attorney/paralegal meetings. Please call 410-859-5400 ext. 108 or 410-727-2516 by April 9th to reserve an appointment slot.

Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Conference
April 22nd
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Comfort Inn Conference Center, Bowie

Wrightslaw presents a one-day special education law & advocacy conference. Wrightslaw special education law and advocacy programs are designed to meet the needs of parents, advocates, educators, attorneys, and health care providers who represent children with disabilities. Participants will receive 3 books, including the latest book published by Pete and Pam Wright, Wrightslaw: All About IEPs. Pete will include material from his new book at this training in April! This event sells out early. Don't wait to register. Click here to register. For questions about the conference, please contact: Suzie Shannon at The Parents' Place of Maryland, suzie@ppmd.org 410-768-9100

Infants & Toddlers Library Activities

An opportunity for children under three with special needs along with their family and friends to participate in story time, music and motor activities. Meet other parents and check out the latest resources! Contact your local library for further details.

Bowie Library:
Birth - 12 months: Thursdays at 11:30
12 mo. - 24 months: Tuesdays at 10:15 & 11:15
2 year olds: Wednesdays at 10:15 & 11:15

Oxon Hill Library:
Wednesdays at 10:15 am

Largo-Kettering Library:
2-3 year olds: Thursdays at 10:15 am

Spaulding Library:
Thursdays at 10:30 am
Mondays at 7:00 pm

Greenbelt Library:
Birth - 18 months: Tuesdays at 1:30 & 2:00
18 months - 36 months: Wednesdays at 10:30 & 11:00
3 - 5 years: Thursdays at 10:30

Contact us at 301-925-7050 with information about other disability-related events in the area.