Support Groups

Networking opportunities for families of people with disabilities:

The Arc Education Committee:

Comprised of parents, Arc staff, and educators, The Arc Education Committee advocates for special education programs that lead to students’ personal, social, academic and economic development and that comply with federal and state laws and regulations. The Arc staff members serve as child advocates at Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings with schools and provide resources and referrals to other organizations that work with families. The Arc Education Committee serves as an umbrella committee over other education based teams such as the Least Restrictive Environment Committee, Community Referenced Instruction Classes, and Autism Classes. Committee meetings are open to all interested educators and family members. The Arc Education Committee meets the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30 – 8:00 at The Arc Building, 1401 McCormick Drive, Largo. Call Melonee Clark at 301-925-7050, ext. 307 for more information.

Coffee Breaks for Families of Children with Autism:

Open to all interested parties, Coffee Breaks provide support, education, and training on issues related to children with autism. Contact Lina Zubi at 301-925-7050 for meeting dates and more information.

Parent and Family Trainings:

The Arc provides trainings in various subject areas to inform and empower parents and families. Arc staff, special speakers, and other professionals in the field bring topics such as Individual Education Plans (IEPs), language development, autism resources, and parent advocacy to the forefront. The Arc also provides advocacy workshops geared toward transitioning youth, ages 16 – 21. For meeting times and more information contact Melonee Clark at 301-925-7050, ext. 307.

Parents of Children with Down Syndrome (PODS):

PODS is a parent support and resource group for families who have children or family members with Down Syndrome. The group facilitates playgroups and social activities to bring families together. Contact Pamela Leach at 202-412-7488 for meeting dates and more information.

Residential Support Group:

This group offers support to family members of individuals in The Arc’s residential program. The group meets every other month at The Arc Building and provides a network of support, and a forum where concerns can be shared and resolved. Call Penny Green at 301-925-7050, ext. 258 for meeting times and more information.

Special Education Citizen’s Advisory Committee (SECAC):

SECAC is a partnership between parents, families, community leaders, educators, and administrators working to effect positive systemic change in the area of special education. The committee meets the 4th Tuesday of every month at The Arc Building, 1401 McCormick Drive, Largo. Call Mike McLaughlin at 301-490-2461 for more information.

Spiritual Community Collaboration:

Faith-Based congregations throughout Prince George’s County and The Arc are working together to meet the needs of people with disabilities and their families. The group meets quarterly to share ministry ideas and improve access within their programs. For more information contact Melonee Clark at 301-925-7050, ext. 307. Click here to connect with accessible places of worship in the community.

Click here to read about our congregation spotlight.

Click here to view our calendar of events.

Networking opportunities for adults with disabilities:

Very Important Parents (VIP):

VIP, a support group for parents with cognitive disabilities, meets at The Arc Building on the second Friday of each month to enhance parenting skills. They discuss topics such as safety, hygiene, nutrition, money management, education, and discipline, and they support one another in their quest to become amazing parents. For more information contact Melonee Clark at 301-925-7050, ext. 307.

My Health/ My Decision Training Program:

A collaborative program through The Arc, Ardmore Enterprises, Melwood, Resource Connections, and the DDA, My Health / My Decision training program promotes more active involvement in healthcare decisions among adults with developmental disabilities. Contact Betsy Petit at 301-925-7050 for training dates and more information.

People On the Go:

This self-advocacy group meets monthly to help people with disabilities learn to speak up for themselves and work together as a team. The group strives to educate people about being independent, advocate for people’s rights, and have fun. Membership is free and open to anyone with a disability. Contact Katie Collins at 301-925-7050 for meeting times and more information.

Out On the Town:

This social club for adults with developmental disabilities meets every other Tuesday or Thursday evening to have fun, dine out, and participate in a variety of social and recreational opportunities in the community. The club provides its members access to an array of recreational opportunities that encourage healthy and lasting relationships. Click here to download an Out On the Town application.

Click here to view our calendar of events.