Advocate - Fall 2006

Volume 23, Number 3

Fall 2006

The Arc of Baltimore Mission Statement To ensure that people with developmental disabilities have maximum opportunities to actively participate in all aspects of community life and to offer programs and services that support them in doing so.

theAdvocate The Arc Network Set To Go Electronic

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or those of you who may be unfamiliar with the name, “The Arc Network” is a group

comprised of Arc of Baltimore members who have a special interest in governmental affairs and public policy issues. Network members are kept abreast of the latest happenings in the Maryland General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. Also, they write letters, send e-mails and make phone calls on key issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Until now, Network communications have been almost exclusively through regular “snail” mail. According to Executive Director Stephen H. Morgan, “That method often placed limits on our ability to generate quick responses on issues where there may be new developments—literally—every day.

Also, elected officials now rely almost exclusively on e-mail to get their constituents’ views on issues.

“To improve our ability to get important information to you immediately and to enable you to respond quickly on matters important to you, Network communications will ‘go electronic’ in 2007,” Morgan announced.

If you are a Network member or wish to become part of the Network, please send an e-mail to thearcnetwork@arcofbaltimore.org.

Please provide your e-mail address, along with your name and regular address, and we’ll be sure you won’t miss a single communication! ■

Project SEARCH Will Expand Job Opportunities hink you could clean and From left: A Project SEARCH sort surgical tools? Provide team member took Jerry pharmacy assistance?

Bullinger and Allis Kensing on a Greet and escort visitors at a local tour of Cincinnati Children's hospital? Sometime soon, individHospital Medical Center, where uals supported by The Arc of Jill Frambles (bottom) has a job Baltimore may be employed by setting up sterile instrument area hospitals and filling jobs like trays for the operating rooms. those—and many more.

The reason? Project SEARCH, a program designed to help develop alternative employment opportunities in non-traditional settings, is coming to town.

The Arc of Baltimore has decades of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities who are employed in food service, office work, janitorial services and other jobs. Yet the agency’s staff members are always on the lookout for ways to expand the list of employers and available positions. Project SEARCH may be the solution.

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Advocacy, resources and community for people with developmental disabilities

Art in the Round Promises to be Picture Perfect ne of The Arc of Baltimore’s most popular events, Art in the Round, is just a month away! Featuring an exhibit and silent auction of 60 pieces of artwork created by individuals with disabilities, the event will take place on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway.

Proceeds will be shared by the artists and The Arc of Baltimore.

The Blue Duffs, a jazz band from the Maryland School for the Blind, will provide background music. Food and beverages will be plentiful, and a wine tasting is planned.

Tickets are $25. Reserve yours by contacting JoLynn Ossemeyer at 410-296-2272, ext. 5227 or jossemeyer@arcofbaltimore.org. ■

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Artist Daniel Kirby, who had several pieces in last year’s Art in the Round, will exhibit some of his work again this year.

Shown here with his sister, Kathy Thompson, Daniel attends The Arc of Baltimore’s Waverly Center.

theAdvocate

Bay Buddies Provides Cool Summer Treats uring two weeks in August, Bay Buddies treated 80 kids with special needs to fun, sun and educational stimulation. Activities included a visit with “Marley The Therapy Dog,” planting at Cromwell Valley Park, horseback riding at the Maryland Council for Special Equestrians, a visit to the Maryland Science Center and its IMAX theater, sailing on the Lady Maryland and a trip to the B&O Railroad Museum.

For single-parent families living near or below the poverty level, Bay Buddies is both a blessing and a relief. The families often cannot afford summer camp or specialized licensed day care, and friends or neighbors are typically ill-equipped to help. To care for their children, parents must take time off from work—and lose much-needed income. Equally distressing, their children spend too much time without social interaction or appropriate educational guidance.

Sherry Bramandi, whose son, J.T., attended Bay Buddies last year, can vouch for the program’s value. “J.T. was so excited to go every morning. When I can’t find child care in the summer and I have to stay home, I lose income. Bay Buddies gave J.T. great stimulation. I know he’s safe there, and I don’t have to worry about him.”

Margie Wingfield is equally grateful. She reports that her 18-year-old son, Scott, enjoyed the young adult staff at Living Classrooms because he rarely has an opportunity to be around people his age. Mrs. Wingfield was relieved that school staff members who knew Scott were closely involved with the camp’s nurse. “I just wouldn’t be comfortable letting him go to a place where that combination didn’t exist,” she explains, “and as a working mother, I just wouldn’t be able to put together trips like those offered through Bay Buddies.”

The Arc of Baltimore, the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, the Baltimore City and Baltimore County Schools and the Living Classrooms Foundation cosponsor the camp. Participants come from the William S. Baer, Battle Monument, Maiden Choice and Ridge Ruxton Schools.

Special thanks to the partners providing grants to Bay Buddies this year: Allegis Group, the Thomas W. Bradley Foundation, the Morton & Sophia Macht Foundation, and the Venable Foundation.

Since 2001, Bay Buddies has provided an extraordinary learning environment for 320 children, 65% of whom live below the poverty level. ■

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The Advocate is published by The Arc of Baltimore, Inc. 7215 York Road Baltimore, MD 21212 410-296-2272 www.arcofbaltimore.org Feedback Line: Dial option #8 or ask the operator for assistance Recreation and Leisure Information: Dial option #6 or ask the operator for assistance Michael Martinez and Jie Hee Yoo ham it up with a cow.

Maryland Relay 800-735-2258 410-583-0060 (voice) Gilbert F. Kennedy, III, President Stephen H. Morgan, Executive Director Steam Communications, Writing and Graphic Design

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Check Out Our Employment Opportunities Make a difference in the lives of people who have developmental disabilities.

Explore employment opportunities with The Arc of Baltimore today!

Call 410-296-2272 or visit us on the web at www.arcofbaltimore.org

Personnel Changes Focus on Safety, Training xecutive Director Stephen H. Morgan is pleased to announce two significant personnel changes. Effective July 1, J.K. Ferrell assumed the role of director of safety, and Mike Marshall began supervising the training department.

J.K. has been employed at The Arc of Baltimore since 1984, first as a psychology associate and then as director of training. He will continue to conduct workplace and driver safety trainings while serving as chairperson of the risk management committee and as head of the agency’s emergency preparedness planning. J.K. will continue to coordinate blood drives (see article below) as well.

During his career, Mike has led training efforts for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and other agencies. He is a certified Behavioral Principles Strategies trainer and CPR/First Aid instructor. At The Arc of Baltimore, he conducted DDA-required trainings as well as specialized trainings on such topics as diversity, Individual Plan (IP) development and leadership.

Although Mike’s title has not changed, “his supervision of the training department is a natural and essential extension of quality assurance,” Steve Morgan explained.

Congratulations and best of luck to both J.K. and Mike in their new roles! ■

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Breakfast for Employers on Tap or people like Maria Rosner, pictured above, employers like Oak Crest Village are Maria Rosner (center) was very important. The reason is simple: they all smiles after being provide vital opportunities for people with honored for 10 years of developmental disabilities to perform valuable employment at Oak Crest work, earn good wages and be independent.

Village. John Erickson, And—as is true in every good relationship—the chairman and chief benefits are mutual. Employers gain an invaluable executive officer for resource: reliable and competent employees.

Erickson Retirement In October, National Disability Employment Communities, and Kit Month, The Arc of Baltimore will host a special McDaniels, human breakfast for employers like Oak Crest Village. resources director for Oak Some of the honorees will be recognized as Crest Village, joined Maria “Employers of Distinction hall of fame.” for a celebratory moment.

For information about the many benefits of employing individuals with developmental disabilities, contact The Arc of Baltimore Employment Service at 410-296-WORK or employmentservice@arcofbaltimore.org. You will receive a response to your inquiry within 24 hours. ■

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Project SEARCH Will Expand Job Opportunities CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Project SEARCH began at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital; now it places people in jobs at banks and other private employers. The program has been replicated in several major U.S. cities as well as in Great Britain and Australia. When senior staff from The Arc of Baltimore visited Cincinnati last year, they came back determined to bring Project SEARCH here.

In June, a visitor from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital visited Baltimore for two days of meetings and presentations with The Arc staff and representatives from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, Daycon, University of Maryland at College Park and the University of Baltimore. Diane McComb, the deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities, and Bob Burns, assistant state superintendent for rehabilitation services, attended, also.

An advisory board is hard at work planning to roll-out the first phase of Project SEARCH. Administrators from University of Maryland at Baltimore already have committed significant space and support to introduce the program on their campus.

Future issues of The Advocate will update you as this exciting program unfolds. For more information, contact Jerry Bullinger at 410-296-2272 ext. 5317 or jbullinger@arcofbaltimore.org. ■

J.K. Ferrell

Mike Marshall

We’re Looking for New Blood!

Give a life-affirming holiday gift by participating in a blood drive sponsored by The Arc of Baltimore on Friday, December 8, 2006. You can donate between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the first floor conference room at The Arc of Baltimore headquarters, 7215 York Road. To register, call J.K. Ferrell at 410-296-2272, ext. 5243 or e-mail him at jkferrell@arcofbaltimore.org.

Note: J.K. has already arranged blood drive dates for 2007! They will be held on February 9, April 20, June 15, September 7 and December 7. Make an early New Year’s resolution to donate at least once!

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Thank You, Renewing Members!

JANUARY 1 — JUNE 30, 2006 AAI Corporation AASCO Fire and Security Ms. Rhonda D.Adams Ms. Berlette Adesalu Advance Business Systems & Supply Co. Advanced Carpet Cleaning AirTran Airways Mrs. Ida Alcarese Allegis Group Foundation, Inc. Ms. Diane S.Allen Allison Matthews Associates Allstate Leasing Ms. Ruth Alt Mr. Joseph F.Anastasio Ms. Gail A.Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Travis K.Anderson Mr. Carlo Argentino Austin Pharmacy Ms.Virginia Bailey Mrs. Charmaine Ballard Baltimore County Firefighters Local 1311 Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Mr. and Mrs. Harold Banks Mrs. Evelyn Barnett Ms. Nancy R. Baskerville Ms.Rita G. Bass Mr. and Mrs. Mark Baum Ms. Darlene A. Baumgartner Bay Club Golf Course Bay Hydronics Mr.Alan Becke Ms. Kimberly J. Becker Ms. Christine M. Bednego Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt Belvedere Auto Parts Ms. Carol A. Benson Mr. and Mrs. Stuart A. Berg Ms. Susan C. Berg Mrs. Bernice Skolnik Berlin Mr. and Mrs. Ernest L. Bernard Mr. Peter V. Berns Mrs. F. Claire Bevans Mr. Divya Bhansali Ms. Mary D. Bialek Mr. Sylvester G. Bieler BJ’s on the Water Blades & Rosenfeld, P.A. Ms. Sharon A. Blake Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Bloomberg Blue Dot Services of Maryland Bob Davidson Ford, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. James P. Bond Ms. Margaret C. Borkoski Mr. John R. Bory Ms. Martha Jean Bowler Mr. Robert B. Boyle Ms. Rosie L. Bridgeford Mrs. Elizabeth Bryant Ms. Heather L. Bryant Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Christhilf Bryant Ms. Barbara M. Bryl BUCS Federal Mr. and Mrs. Howard G. Bullinger Ms.Angela T. Burden Business Food Solutions Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bussells Ms. Diane M. Butler Ms. Colleen Rae Calhoon Mr. and Mrs. Danny W. Cantrell Ms. Carol J. Caplan Mr. Henry H. Caplan Mrs. Judith Carney Mr. and Mrs. George Carter Mr. Larry Catron Chesapeake Rehab Equipment Ms.Valerie A. Cholewczynski Mr. Ronald C. Christian Mr. Joseph L. Christopher Classic Food Service, Inc. Clifton Gunderson, LLP Dr. and Mrs. Barry L. Cohan Mr.William A. Colburn Mr. James R. Coller Ms. Susan Combs Comcast Cablevision of Maryland Ms. L. D. Conner Ms. Teresa M. Conroy Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt Cooper Mr. and Mrs.William S. Corey Mr.William P. Crockett CRS Flooring Services Mrs. Joan M. Cutson Mr. James P. Daly Mr. Kevin L. Daniels Ms.Aimee Darrow Dataprise Mr. Brent A. Davidson Mrs. Susan Davison Ms. Mary D. DeClue Delmarva Data Center

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The Dental Network Mrs. Elizabeth A. Dice Mrs. Nancy DiPaola Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Distance Ms. Helen V. Dixon Ms. Nora F. Dolon Mr. Mark Donovan Mr. Phillip Douglas Ms. Patricia L. Dreisch Mr. and Mrs. Chester A. Duke Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Dunworth Ms.Allison Duquette Mr. Brian J. Durkin Mrs. Kathleen McNally Durkin Mr. Dan Dutterer Eastern Framing Mr. Christian Ehrhardt Mr. James B. Eisel Mrs. Esther Elkin Erickson Retirement Communities Mr. David L. Evans Ms. Marre F. Fanning Mrs. Carol Fedder Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan K. Ferrell Mr.William S. Finlayson Fireline Corporation Ms. Eris A. Fitzgerald Ms. Maureen Fogarty Mr.Albert Folcher Foster Business Forms Foster Care Fund Four Points by Sheraton BWI Mr. David G. French Mr. Thomas J. French Mrs. Dorothy Friant Fuddrucker’s Restaurant Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Geerling Mrs. Linda Germano Mr. Steven M. Gillespie Sister Vincentia Goeb Mr. Robert Goldstick Grainger, Inc. Ms. Heather Griffith Mr. and Mrs. Robert V. Groomes Ms.Anita Grooms Ms. Melissa A. Hagen Ms. Joyce A. Hall Ms. Courtney Hannemann Mr. and Mrs. John C. Hansen Ms. Harriet R. Hardy Mrs. Dana M. Hare Mr. and Mrs. John A. Hargrave Dr. McKee Hargrett Ms. Janice Harmis Ms. Carolyn A. Harrison Mr. Lee L. Hartman Mr. and Mrs. James Harvey Mr. Barry D. Hecht Mr. Stephen J. Heller Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hemler Mrs. Doris T. Hendricks Ms. Deborah A. Hensley Ms. Jane E. Hill Hillen Tire & Rubber Corporation Mr. Jeffrey Hitt Ms. Mary E. Hockenbrock Mrs. Diane Hoffman Mrs. Eleanor R. Hoffman Ms. Cynthia L. Hopkins Mr. Joseph C. Hortiz Mr. and Mrs.W. Carl Hossfeld Injured Workers’ Insurance Fund J.C. Ehrlich Company Jacob Sandy Lodge 152, Inc. Ms. Donna Jakuta Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jenkins Ms. Danielle M. Jennings The Jerome & Sonia Baum Charitable Foundation Ms. Michelle L. Jones Ms. Carol A. Julian K Bank Mr. Louis G. Katz Mr. and Mrs. George A. Keim Ms. Cynthia Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Keith Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kelly Mr. Douglas A. Kelso Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert F. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Kenworthy Kimball Construction Company, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Klein Ms. Elsie L. Klein Knights of Columbus Knights of Columbus Council #2942 Mr. and Mrs. Marvin H. Kolodkin Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand E. Kresment Mr. Richard Krug Ms. Robin L. Krug L. H. Cranston & Sons, Inc. Lafarge North America, Inc.

Ms.Alicia L. Lambert Mr. Joseph M. Leake Mr. Larry J. Ledford Ms. Mary L. Lee Leonard Paper Company Mr. and Mrs. E. Ray Leppo Ms. Loretta Letke Mr. and Mrs.Alex Linowitz Mr. John E. Lippy Longo’s Appliance Service, Inc. Mrs. Kimberly N. Lyons Ms. Mary M. Maas-Stemler Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Macsherry Ms.Anna R. Majka Ms.Virginia W. Makumi Ms.Anna B. Manrique

Ms.Cristine E. Marchand Mr. Michael G. Marshall Maryland State Numismatic Assoc.

Mrs. Diana E. Mattingly Mr. and Mrs. Randall Mayer Mrs. Dolores Mazan Mr. and Mrs. Connor McBryde Mr. Norman H. McCarthy Mr.Andrew L. McCasker Mr. and Mrs. Gregory L. McClelland Ms. Patricia A. McCloskey McCormick & Company, Inc. Ms. Isabel C. McCullough McEnroe Voice and Data Ms. Linda Sue McKinley Mr. Terrence P. McLarney

Ms. Susan O. McNamee Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Meyers Mr. and Mrs. Gustav R. Michel Ms. Sandra Miles Mr. Edward L. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Howard Miller Ms. Lori J. Miller Ms. Megan M. Mitchell Ms. Donna G. Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Gregory J. Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Stephen H. Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Morgan Ms. Mindy A. Morrell CO N T I N U E D O N PAG E 5

Welcome, New Members!

JANUARY 1 — JUNE 30, 2006 ACS Security Mr. Robert G.Alex Ms. Jennifer Almond Mr. Karim Amin Ms.Vonda Anderson-Johnson Ms. Chelsea Anglin Mrs.Yvonne Ashwell Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Aydlett Ms. Barbara Ayres Mr. Glenn Baer Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bale Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor Baltimore Business Journal Baltimore County Revenue Authority Ms. Randi Barclay Bay National Bank Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Beck Ms. Clarissa Beckles Mr. George Bergeris Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bernstein Ms. Judith Blackburn Bluestone Restaurant Ms. Gloria Bolodeoku Ms. Penny E. Borenstein Mr. Phillip N. Bowers Ms. Jan Bowser Bozel Refrigerated Truck Service Ms. Kathleen Braxton Ms. Claire Brown Ms. Janice Brown Mr.Alfonso Bryan Ms. Judy A. Bssiso Dr. and Mrs. John W. Buckley Burke’s Café CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Ms. Dana M. Casparriello Ms. Kathy R. Chapman Mr. Tien-Tsung Chiu Mr. Tae Soon Chun Coburn’s Tavern & Grill Dr. Darlene Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Steven Conard Cruisers Unlimited Car Club Mr. Charles L. Davis Hatteras Island Surf & Sailing Ms. Lisa DeLeon Ms. Cherisse R. Dotson Ms. Sharyn A. Duff Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Edmonston Joseph and Doris Eikenberg Mr. Terry Ewalt Ms. Sharon K. Faelten Ms. Deneen Fassett-Banks Ms. LaFrance Figueroa Finch Services, Inc. Mr. Craig D. Flury Mr. Charles Forrest Ms. Barbara H. Francis Ms. Beate Frankel Ms. Margaret Franklin Mr.Wayne Fritze Ms. Emma K. Gardner Ms. Dorothy J. Gay Ms. Tyra M. Gay Ms. Ursula T. Gensler Mr. Mark Giannescki Mr.William C. Gilmartin Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gordon Ms.Virginia Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Graf Ms. Tina Gray Hampton Inn Mr. Stephen R. Hartman

Heffner & Weber Hilton Garden Inn Ms. Marie R. Hlavin Hollins Organic Products Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Hopkins Mr. Philip Howard Ms. Cynthia Howell Mr. Chih Hsu Ms. Sharonda Huffman Hunt Valley HVAC Services Ms. Shirley M. Hunter HW&A Productions Hyatt Regency Baltimore Ms. Ella J. Jackson Ms. Karen E. Jackson Mr. and Mrs. James Jacobs Mr. Claude W. Jefferson Ms. Tia Y. Johnson Ms. Kymberly P. Jones Mr. Jerry W. Kalista Mr. Gihong Kim Ms. Chia Lin Ko Mr. Charles C. Koo Mr. Tom Krekeler Kronos, Inc. Mrs. Claudia Lawrence-Webb Mr. Heung Lee Leonard Paper Company Ms.Yuk-Moi Leung Mr. Donald A. Lewis Mrs. Julie Lynn Lewis Mr. Kebin Li Mr. Jen Huan Lin Ms. Cynthia Lindgren Mr. Eric P. Lipinski Mr. Timothy Lott M & S Grill Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Maciolek Mr. and Mrs. Michael Maciolek Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mackey Ms. Renee E. Martin Maryland Athletic Club & Wellness Ctr. Ms. Janine M. Matlak Ms. Sylvia Mattingly Ms. Marcia H. Maye Ms. Diane McComb Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McCurdy Ms. Cathie McGill Mr. Craig E. McKeel Mr. Keith Meekins Ms. Pauline F. Meister Mercy Ridge MetLife’s Division of Estate Planning Ms. Elizabeth Mizell Ms. Pamela Mohrmann Mr. David R. Mosher Mr. Joseph Murphy N. H.Yates & Company, Inc. Jack and Teresa Nelson Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. Nesbitt Mr. and Mrs. E. Thomas O’Toole Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645 Original Steak House Pam’s Golf Getaways Mr. Steve Pattee Mr. and Mrs. Charles Patterson The Peppermill Restaurant Mr. Gregory Perl Ms. Kathy Pettit Mr. and Mrs. George Phillips Mr. Jason Phillips Ms. Mary Pivawer Mr. George M. Platis

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Poerksen Ms. Margaret J. Potthast Mr. Edward Puls Ms.Anastacio Quezada Ms. Jennifer A. Re Mr. Jeremy Reed Mr. S.T. Reinhardt Renaissance Harborplace Hotel Ms. Rosalind Ridgeway-Simmons Mr. Jeffrey Robinson Mr. Paul Robinson Mr. Michael Robinson-Williams Mr. Lawrence Rockstroh Ms. Maria Rodriguez Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rogan Mr. Michael J. Rossiter Mr. Marcus L. Royster Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Rozenel Mr. and Mrs. Derek Rubino Ms.Ann M. Rudolph Ms. Michelle Ruth Mr.Allan Sanders Mr. and Mrs.Andrew Schaffer Mr. Michael Schatzow Mr. Elliott L. Schoen Mr. and Mrs.Wayne Schreiner Mr. Mark Schultz Dr. Kathleen Schwarz Mr. and Mrs. Donald Sharkey Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel Mr. John Shih Mr. Robert S. Silbaugh Mr. Charles D. Sima Ms. Carol L. Simmons Mr. Luther J. Sims Mr. Paul T. Smith Mr. Donald L. Spritzer Ms. Kimberly A. Stafford Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Stender Ms. Mary Joanna Stonesifer Mr. Michael Strauss Ms. Natasha N. Sye SYMS Syscan, Inc. Ms. Kim Taylor Mr. Michael Taylor Ms. Jean Marie Tepelides Texas Liquids Commercial Motor Fuels Mr. Thomas Thompson Mrs. Sherron S. Trafton Trammell Crow Company Tremblay Family Ms. Paulette S. Turner Universal Mortgage and Finance Mr.William Urbean Mr. Peter Van de North Vitali’s Restaurant & Pub Ms. Mary D.Weakland Weil,Akman, Baylin & Coleman, PA Mr. Matthew Weinstein Mr. and Mrs.Walter Weintraub Mr.Anthony West Mr. Jumary B.West Ms. Dianne T.Whittington Ms.Ami Withrow Ms. Donna M.Wixted WIYY 98 Rock Mr. K. Thomas Wolfe Mr. David J.Wollner Ms. Sylvan Wolpert Mr. Eugene L.Wu Mrs. Qianru Xu Ms. Bobbie J. Zile

Siblings of Disabled Share Memories heir younger sister Maggie has cerebral palsy, but that didn’t stop Terry Breschi and his brothers from rolling her down the backyard hill in her wheelchair when they were younger.

Terry laughs sheepishly when he recalls those times, but he insists that despite Maggie’s special needs, his relationship with her has always come naturally. “My brothers and I played with her and we still do—sometimes a little too rough, but always with a lot of love.”

These days, as an adult big brother, Terry carries Maggie downstairs in the morning. He is proud that Maggie responds to him so openly during this daily ritual and says they both look forward to sharing that special time.

Laura Ward is big sister to Danny Rosner. Danny is married and recently started a small vending business, despite the challenges he faces from being legally blind and having both mental retardation and cerebral palsy. Laura explains that for her, the process of understanding the extent of Danny’s disabilities was a gradual one. She speaks with pride of Danny’s accomplishments as an adult and cherishes childhood memories like “the time we got to move to the front of all the lines at DisneyWorld because Danny was in a wheelchair.”

Terry and Laura shared their stories during a panel discussion, “How to Better Support Siblings,” part of The Arc of Baltimore’s Family Support Series.

The session brought together more than 50 parents and family members who heard what life is like for the sister or brother of a sibling who has disabilities.

Although the program elicited a remarkable amount of laughter, a great deal of serious information was exchanged as well. One set of parents spoke about the anguish they experience when their non-disabled children get angry about having to cancel a family activity because of their sister’s physical limitations.

Eight-year-old panelist Amanda Schmitt confessed, “I don’t like it when people stare” at her and her brother, who has autism. She mentioned how long it takes her mother to care for her brother and acknowledged that she finds the waiting difficult.

Amanda recalled a time when she fell down and hurt herself. She came in for some help, but her brother was having a seizure and her mom “could barely get [her] a band-aid.” While Amanda’s manner of relating the story was funny, it was painfully clear that she and people like Laura and Terry have sobering experiences as they witness the struggles of their siblings.

Laura adds, “Having Danny for my brother has definitely made me a more sensitive and patient person. I’m glad for that, and I’m glad he’s my brother.” ■

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The remaining session in the 2006 Family Support Series, “Supporting Children with Severe Disabilities at Home,” is scheduled for November 29 from 6-9 p.m. at The Arc of Baltimore offices, 7215 York Road. For more information, contact Ori Natividad at 410-296-2272, ext. 5338 or onatividad@arcofbaltimore.org. A light supper will be served, and child care is available.

Thank You, Renewing Members!

S. P. Richards Company Mr. George Sack Ms. Kendra D. Sampson CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Ms.Vernell Sands Mr. Ralph E. Sasser Ms. Lois J. Scarborough Mrs. Grace L. Patterson Ms. Barbara L. Morris Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Schaffer Pearletha “Micki” Peguese Ms. Crystal W. Mosley Schmitz Press The Perennial Farm Mr. James E. Moylan Ms. Frances Schwartz Perring Place Mr. and Mrs. George J. Muszelik Mr. and Mrs. James Schwartz Ms.Whitney E. Phoebus Mutual of America Scientific Plant Service, Inc. The Pikesville Hilton Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Nash SECU Mr. and Mrs. David L. Plaut National Title & Tag Mr. and Mrs. Brian Seeman Ms. Susan Plitt Mr. and Mrs. Danilo Natividad Mr. Louis L. Seivard Mr. and Mrs. James M. Pontier Mr. Michael J. Naugle Mr. and Mrs. Erwin M. Sekulow Premier Mortgage Funding, Inc. Ms. Lee A. Neibuhr Mr. David M. Sena Mr. Donald J. Price NEU-ION, Inc. Mr.Alan B. Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Peter Price Ms. Marguerite Newman Mr. and Mrs.Andrew B. Shorter Princinsky & Associates Ms. Demetria L. Newsome Ms. Joan P. Shows Ms. Jacqueline Pritchett Mr. and Mrs. Edmond B. Nolley Dr.Allan C. Sidle Professional Press, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. P. Sean O’Conor Mr. John M. Siemon Mr. Timothy J. Quinn O’Conor & Mooney, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Merrill I. Skolnik Ravens Roost #50 Mr. Michael J. O’Neill Ms. Carol A. Smith Rec Room Billiards Oak Contracting, LLC Ms. Janet Smith Mr. and Mrs. S. Dick Reider Mr. and Mrs.William H. Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Smith Ms. Barbara Reilly Mr. Larry P. Olsen Mr. and Mrs. Robert Snukis Mr. Kevin L. Reilly Ms. Catherine B. Orange Mr. Nicholas A. Soares Mrs. Jack M. Rever Mr. Howard M. Ories Souris’ Saloon Ms.Yvonne D. Richards The Hon. & Mrs. Theodore Oshrine Riggs, Counselman, Michaels & Downes Southwest Airlines Company Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ossakow Sprint/Nextel Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Robinson Padonia Station Ms. Teresa Spurrier Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pandullo Rosemore, Incorporated Mr. Bernard J. Staab Mr. and Mrs. Michael Parnes Mr. and Mrs. Chris Ross Mrs. Helen Stec Mr. Mark T. Paré Ms. Sharon K. Russell

Other Helpful Workshops Planned ark your calendars for the following workshops, cosponsored by The Arc of Baltimore and The Parents’ Place of Maryland. All sessions will be offered at The Arc of Baltimore offices at 7215 York Road, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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Tueday, October 3 and 10, 2006: “Parents’ Survival Guide to IEPs” reviews the IEP process and teaches strategies for participating in the process in ways that help ensure that the IEP meets your child’s needs.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006: “Effective Advocacy,” a look at recordkeeping and data collection essentials for parents of a child with special needs. It will include step-by-step strategies to enhance your child’s education.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006: “Resolving Conflicts in Special Education: When Things Go Wrong,” a discussion of alternatives for parents when positive advocacy and collaboration are not working. Included among the topics: applicable laws, procedural safeguards, when to request a resolution session, when to file for mediation, due process and how to file a complaint.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006: “IDEA 2004 and the New Requirements,” a review of changes in the reauthorization process and how they impact children with special needs.

For more information, contact Joseph Anastasio at 410-296-2272 ,ext. 5346 or at janastasio@arcofbaltimore.org ■

Mrs. Patricia E. Stevenson Stevensville Crab Shack Mrs.Arlette S. Stewart Stout, Causey & Horning, P.A. Studio 27 Architecture Suburban Sales Mr. Maury A. Sugarman T. Talbott Bond Company Mr. Joseph F. Tassone Mr. Christopher G. Theodore Ms. Frances E. Thomas Mr. Joseph Thomas Mr. Ronald J. Topper Ms. Normina L. Torres Mr. Santiago Torres Towson Elks Lodge #469 Ms. Trina G. Tracey Mr. and Mrs. David Tralins Ms.Arlene Trencher Mr. Haddis Tujuba Turf Valley Resort and Conference Ctr. Turner Troxell Company Unifirst Corporation The United Ushers of Baltimore, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey W.Valentine Dr. Peter J.Valletutti Ms. Lisa M.Veale Ms. Dimitra Vega Villa Jule College Ms. Judith R.Volkman Wachovia Mr.Andrew J.Wagner Ms. Kathleen Wales

Mrs. Jane L.Waller Ms. Nan A.Waranch Waste Management of Maryland Mr. Richard Watts Mr. and Mrs. John A.Weakland Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Weber Mr. Kevin Weekley Mr. Roderick D.Weimer Dr. Robert S.Weinberg Ms. Diane Westgate Westminster’s Island Green Whiteford, Taylor, & Preston, LLP Mr. and Mrs.Wendell W.Wichmann Ms. Sandra J.Wilkerson Ms. Laverne D.Williams Mr. Robert N.Williams Ms. Candace R.Willis Mr. Ryland M.Willis Mr. Laron Wilson Ms. Michelle A.Wilson Wise Consulting Associates Ms. Patricia R.Wood Ms. Denise D.Woods Ms. Thalia Worrell Ms. Kathleen R.Worthington Y. E. M. Corporation Mr. Matthew G.Yancisin Ms. Lydia M.Yates Mr. Dorsey Yearley Mr. Tesfa Yohannes Ms. Fredericka G.Young Mr. Leroy J.Young Ms. Carol A. Zents

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Agency Marks One-Year Anniversary of CARF Accreditation he Arc of Baltimore has never been content to rest on its laurels. That’s why, one year into its three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), the agency remains committed to sustaining the quality of its programs and services.

“For The Arc of Baltimore, quality has never been a one-time event,” explains Kathleen Durkin, associate executive director of quality supports. “It is a process of ongoing evaluation and improvement.”

Each CARF-accredited service provider must submit an Annual Conformance to Quality Report (ACQR) to CARF. “Fulfilling that requirement, says Durkin, “provided staff with an extra opportunity to review the agency’s action plan and current

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operations for the purpose of maximizing our performance and our accountability.”

The Arc of Baltimore’s ACQR, submitted to CARF in June, evaluated the following: ● feedback from persons served ● accessibility issues ● information management and performance improvement ● rights of persons served ● health and safety issues ● human resources ● leadership and management issues; and ● legal and financial planning.

From left: Cathy Hamlin, Kathy Williams and Terry Reisinger proudly display tomatoes and peppers from their east Baltimore garden. The talented gardeners, who receive support from the community living division of The Arc of Baltimore, also grow corn and okra.

The Arc of Baltimore’s services are provided without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, medical condition or disability.

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