Advocate - Spring 2017

For people with intellectual and ­developmental disabilities S P R I NG 2017

Advocate

Autism Training Called “Eye-Opening Experience”

T

he Arc Baltimore has a ­ lways taken seriously the task of providing c­ ontinuing education and training to its staff, and now the agency has done it again. Recognizing that The Arc was welcoming ­increasing numbers of individuals with autism who were transitioning from school or another program, Dawn Davis-Brodeur, director of training, and Heather Rivera, psychology associate, started an autism training program!

Davis-Brodeur says, “Many staff were identifying challenges working with individuals with autism and wanted to better understand things from their perspective. The training is designed to provide that knowledge and help them support people with autism who are entering our programs.”

Above: Justice Smallwood (left), who also took the autism training, shown with Brian Cassano (center) and Randyn Smallwood. Randyn helped train Justice and eased him into Brian’s support plan. Here, the trio takes a break after playing soccer at Hannah More Park, one of Brian’s favorite places to spend time.

The training lasts four months; two-hour classes are held every other week. There is a homework assignment for each class, and—as a final project—trainees must develop an individualized support plan that is presented before a panel of senior staff. Participants must pass a comprehensive exam as well.

CO NT INUED O N PAGE 3

KEEP IN TOUCH! It’s a breeze to stay up-to-date with The Arc Baltimore via social media and our recently revamped website, www.thearcbaltimore.org. /thearcbaltimore

/thearcbaltimore

/thearcbaltimore

/arcbaltimore

www.thearcbaltimore.org/category/blog

/thearcbaltimore /company/the-arc-baltimore

Staff Gets Well-Deserved Kudos

F

or a change of pace, Employee Awards were handed out at the staff holiday party in December. The establishment of the Stephen H. Morgan Award for Career Excellence for a staff person who has excelled at The Arc for 25+ years was also announced. Here are the awardees:

2

Steve is presented with an award in his honor by selection committee.

EXCELLENCE IN DIRECT SUPPORT

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR — ADMINISTRATIVE

AUBRENDA ERVIN

CHRIS KNOERLEIN

Aubrenda, a support specialist at Seton CEC, is a remarkable leader dedicated to those she supports.

When her team isn’t working, she fills their days with meaningful activities.

On weekends, she connects with those who have little opportunity to go out for fun. Aubrenda provides 1:1 supports to a woman with very challenging behaviors. Now the woman is earning a paycheck, has lots of friends and enjoys a variety of recreational activities. The woman said, “Aubrenda helps me calm down and helps me get to work. She’s always there for me.”

Grant writing and organizational communications are Chris Knoerlein’s bailiwick. Yearly, his grant work brings in tens of thousands of dollars to benefit several important programs and numerous home and facility improvements.

Communications-wise, Chris plans each issue of the Advocate to showcase the best of what The Arc is about. Thanks to him, our e-news and social media have thousands of subscribers. His powerful video project showed the dignity of those we support through a photo compilation of faces, each one morphing into another.

EXCELLENCE IN MANAGEMENT

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

ALLEGRA HILD

BROOKE SCHULZE

Senior Coordinator Allegra Hild is always willing to lend a helping hand to colleagues in need. Families of the individuals she supports appreciate how accessible and accommodating Allegra is. Last year, she seamlessly stepped in as acting director for one of the program’s teams. She also helped a group of individuals from a recently shuttered agency transition to a new home. She is the staff member leadership looks to when they need a strong leader.

Brooke Schulze has an extraordinary ability to help individuals with significant support needs thrive in the community. She started as a 1:1 at our day center in Dundalk, then took an additional position in our family living department to support a woman who attended the center.

Brooke identified community outings the woman would enjoy despite her challenges. She ensures that the woman has opportunities to interact with community members and neighbors.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR — PROGRAM

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

ZELDA “PEACHES” GUSTER

KARYN HARVEY

Zelda “Peaches” Guster wears many hats at the Community Employment Connection program at Seton. She and her crew are known for setting out food and drinks for meetings, in a way that appeals to the eye and the palate. Her patience, positivity and generous praise make everyone feel valued. Peaches has begun developing positions for those who are underemployed or unemployed.

Four have been hired, and Peaches provided them with training, support and accommodations needed to ensure their success.

Since joining The Arc Baltimore’s team as assistant executive director of clinical supports, Dr. Karyn Harvey has shown excellence, commitment, tenacity and vision for those we support. She created the Connections singles program as well as the Healing Center for people who have experienced trauma. She provides individual counseling, and her commitment to people’s physical and mental health is stellar.

Aware of the value of direct support staff, Karyn has played an instrumental role in initiatives that show appreciation to them. l

www.thearcbaltimore.org

Autism Training Called “Eye-Opening Experience” CO NT INUED FRO M PAG E 1

Training covers how to develop and implement visual schedules and routines. In addition, it focuses on sensory processing, assistive technology and environmental adaptation.

For extra credit, several of the staff attended a conference at which Temple Grandin, who has autism, spoke. An American professor of animal science at Colorado State University, Grandin is a world-renowned autism spokesperson.

Tracy Voelker and her brother Ed attend the Towson Y several times a week.

T

Weighing in on Healthy Living

he dangers of obesity and its related diagnoses are well known.

One of The Arc Baltimore’s newest programs, Healthy Weighs, is addressing that challenge for individuals from our Homeland and Loch Ridge centers. The 10-week health and wellness program provides educational, medical, emotional and fitness support to help participants get and stay motivated. They meet each week at Towson University’s Wellness Center for an hour of physical activity and fitness instruction provided by student interns.

Randyn Smallwood excelled at the training. “It was an eye-opening experience that makes you aware of the environment in which you provide supports to someone with autism and how it affects them,” he explains. “I learned to adapt a setting to the individual instead of adapting the individual to the setting.”

Davis-Brodeur adds, “Randyn came in hungry for knowledge from day one. He was passionate about working with Brian, and he discovered how helpful it was to develop a schedule for the young man. He was always willing to share, and he had the spirit to learn. He thrived on connecting with Brian and enhancing his already existing gifts.

Randyn has become a resource to other staff supporting individuals with autism. l

Each participant receives an assessment and fitness plan created by a professor from the School of Kinesiology. It tracks improvement in flexibility, strength, balance and endurance. The team at TU also created a video with a dozen exercises participants can do at home throughout the week.

Healthy menus and practical recipes are provided for house staff and residents to prepare.

Chief Advancement Officer Kate McGuire says, “Seeing folks work out at the Wellness Center and interact with the student interns was awesome.

They had a lot of fun. Six of the participants from the first group are participating again. We like the idea of helping them continue to develop their healthy habits and cheerlead for the new people in the second group.”

The first group was very successful. Tracy Voelker lost 15 pounds!

In addition to McGuire, Director of Nursing Florence Ndi, Director of Day Services Sly Bieler and Assistant Executive Director of Community Living Aaron Atkinson oversee the program. Liz Moag, a board member whose sister is in our community living program, also is involved. l

Tracy gets her blood pressure checked by a Towson University student during a Wellness Center visit.

Carolyn Wyche enjoys the recumbent elliptical.

www.thearcbaltimore.org

SAVE THE DATE! It’s never too early to add Art in the Round to your calendar! The exhibit and auction showcases the talent and artistry of individuals with developmental disabilities.

This year’s event will be the best yet.

Highlights? Mobile bidding, a photo booth for souvenir pictures, a delectable menu, an open beer and wine bar and a specialty drink—all in an event space inspired by this year’s poster winner. Don’t miss out on this great event!

Friday, September 29, 2017 7:30 pm – 11 pm The Grand Lodge of Maryland 302 International Circle Hunt Valley, MD 21030

3

­

Assistive Technology Program Rolls Out the Welcome Mat!

T

he Arc Baltimore has made a name for itself in the community for its assistive technology (AT) program, which has enhanced independence for many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). It’s not surprising, then, that we have gotten many inquiries from agencies and people outside of The Arc who wanted AT services, but we were unable to open our doors to them—until now!

All people with I/DD can now get AT assessments from The Arc Baltimore to determine what types of technology could help them overcome barriers that impact their daily living. The Arc Baltimore is a DORS and DDA-approved vendor of AT services, so eligible individuals may request funding from them to cover services. Staff from The Arc Baltimore will even train them to use the technology.

Bryce Schnitzker

AT Fair

Wednesday, May 24, 2017 10:00 am – 2:00 pm The Arc Baltimore at Seton Business Park 6151 Metro Drive Baltimore, MD 21215 This is a great opportunity for children and adults with I/DD, families and professionals to talk with reps from some of the big names in AT. You’ll learn about devices and tools that can ease daily living challenges or aid communications and skill-building.

No RSVP required. Light refreshments will be served. For general inquiries, contact Swanisha Hinton at 410-296-2272 ext. 5306.

Bryce Schnitzker’s experience is a stellar example of the benefits of AT. Bryce started both community living and day services with The Arc Baltimore in December 2015. The following March, he received a speech-generating device assessment through our AT department because a traumatic brain injury had left him unable to verbalize his emotions, wants and needs.

Bryce’s Tobii Dynavox i15 can be mounted to his wheelchair. The dynamic display device offers access to pre-programmed phrases and the ability to create new ones. It can be controlled through head-tracking.

Our AT department helped Bryce and his family acquire funding and needed services in collaboration with Unified Community Connection’s No Boundaries AT Center. Now he can communicate with family members, caregivers and others. Bryce can take part in medical decision making and communicate self-care needs and emergencies. In addition, he can independently control his own music—something that is very important to him!—and play his favorite comedy skits. This device dramatically improved his quality of life and level of independence.

If you are interested in AT services, please submit an online referral form at www.thearcbaltimore.org/programs/assistive-technology/. l

HURRAY!

Rashad Graves

Our newest employers hired people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the past six months. We are grateful to them for providing meaningful work experiences for dozens of people to whom we provide supports.

Businesses are Stepping Up!

W

e welcome the nonprofit Potential Me, which recently joined our list of employers! Its mission is to provide disadvantaged women with one of the tools they need to begin a career and gain financial independence.

Rashad Graves, a 2015 graduate of our Project SEARCH program, began working for Potential Me last October. The group accepts donations of professional clothing, then sells them on eBay. Rashad takes pictures of each piece in preparation for being uploaded.

Potential Me uses its eBay proceeds to take recipients shopping for new clothes that make them feel confident. A program applicant can earn career wear or prom dresses by having a job interview lined up or by being a stellar student. l

4

www.thearcbaltimore.org

Amazon AMF Dundalk Baltimore City Public Schools Baltimore Coffee and Tea B-More Kitchen Brinton Woods Health BWI Carroll Manor Recreation and Parks Chadwick Manor/Rachuba Embassy Suites Fedex Giant LA Fitness McDonalds Medstar Health Medstar Union Memorial Mercy High School Northwest Hospital Potential Me Taco Bell The Elks Lodge UMB School of Medicine Wegmans

DD Day Inspires Legislative Spirit

O

n February 23, more than 700 advocates converged on Annapolis for Maryland DD Day. They heard remarks from a number of disability advocates and legislators, including Governor Larry Hogan.

Hogan said, “…our administration is committed to doing everything we can to make sure that adults with developmental disabilities can obtain meaningful work and ensure that our schools and public places are examples of inclusion…”

Delegate Maggie McIntosh, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, made an impassioned statement about supporting the disability community. Key legislative sponsors, Senators Mac Middleton and Guy Guzzone, plus Delegates Bonnie Cullison, Eric Luedtke and Eric Ebersole also expressed their support.

Eighty five advocates from The Arc Baltimore— individuals with I/DD, their families and staff—met with 55 legislators and aides from 13 districts. l

Three issues are at the forefront of this year’s legislative session. We are fighting to have this bill increased: ➤ In 2014, the reimbursement rate for disability services was mandated to ensure a 3.5% increase this year in order to keep direct support staff wages ahead of the minimum wage. The Governor’s FY18 budget proposed only 2%, which means that when the state minimum wage increases by 50 cents on July 1st, the reimbursement rate for direct support staff would only be 21 cents. Now budget analysts are recommending only a 1% increase!

A 3.5% rate increase was critically important to raising direct support wages as the minimum wage continues to rise. Direct support staff are the backbone of community supports and the ability of agencies to hire and retain quality staff is vitally important to people with developmental disabilities.

The 3.5% rate increase restores $8.44 million in State/general funds and, with federal matching funds, a total of $15 million to the DDA budget.

We are hoping that the following pass unamended: ➤ The Governor’s budget fully funds Transitioning Youth exiting special education at age 21. If the $12.9 million in funding is maintained, 789 youth graduating in spring 2017 will receive supported employment or other day supports. ➤ The Governor’s budget fully funds all historically anticipated emergency placements, all individuals in the Crisis Resolution Category of the Waiting List (the highest priority of need), and establishes a Waiting List Initiative to start with 800 children, adults and families under two new capped Waivers. The DDA Waiting List is currently 8,000 individuals.

Director Emeritus Earnest Woodard shakes ­Governor Larry Hogan’s hand. PHOTO BY JENNIFER BISHOP

Editor’s Note: By the time you read this issue of the Advocate, the legislation may have changed.

The Arc Baltimore advocacy team attends briefing prior to meeting with legislators.

Advocates from District 8 meet with Delegate Joe Cluster.

Blood Drives Get Good Turnouts The Arc Baltimore has hosted American Red Cross blood drives since 1995, but until 2004, staff had to fight to give individuals with I/DD the ability to donate. It was a frustrating battle, but we prevailed.

When the Red Cross first encountered our donor candidates with developmental disabilities, it was flummoxed. Not knowing what to do, it rejected some candidates for no apparent reason. Its staff searched for regulations that would somehow justify their initial rejection of some of our supported individuals, but they kept coming up empty-handed.

have become very successful. That’s due, in large part, to the landscaping division, whose supported workers contribute regularly, with an average of 15 people participating in each drive. Some of them are now multiple-gallon donors.

Matt Wedin, a regular donor from The Arc Baltimore, shares this: “I’ve been donating blood for a few years and also volunteered in the canteen handing out snacks and drinks to blood donors.

Donating blood is a good thing to do because it helps other in need of blood.

I am happy to do it.”

Here’s just one example. The Red Cross cited a regulation that said that “those who live in congregate settings Bryan Beckwith, a landscaper, is a loyal cannot donate due to Hepatitis B.” blood donor.

We explained that the majority of We thank the Red Cross for overcoming its hesitancy to accept our supported individuals lived in single-family homes or our supported workers as donors. Since 2004, it has patiently apartments, and the Red Cross backed down. Again. guided many of our donors through the donation process, Eventually, the Red Cross began graciously accepting blood helping ensure that their peers and agengy staff won’t be billed donations from our folks and The Arc Baltimore’s blood drives for blood if it is needed during surgery. l

www.thearcbaltimore.org

5

I

Oh, No! Steve Morgan is Set to Retire

n June, our esteemed Executive Director Steve Morgan plans to retire after a 45-year career at The Arc Baltimore, 34 of them running the agency. Under his leadership, the agency has grown to become one of the largest of its kind in the country. Steve’s commitment to enhancing the lives of people with I/DD is second to none. Events to honor him are currently being finalized, so please stay tuned for more information.

If you want to honor Steve, please consider a donation to the Family Fund, which provides direct financial assistance to families who have children with I/DD in crisis situations. Please contact Kate McGuire at 410-296-2272 x 5217 or kmcguire@thearcbaltimore.org. You can also arrange a contribution online at www.thearcbaltimore.org/donate. l

Thanks to Bequests, Endowment is ­Flourishing

S

ince 2013, more than $200,000 in endowment earnings for special requests outside the normal budget have been released, much to the delight of the people to whom we provide supports. The endowment fund has grown through the generosity of family members, individuals served and other friends who have named The Arc Baltimore in their will. These bequests have been large and small, but all are meaningful and are paying dividends to the people served here every day.

Staff Louis Breschi assists a student during an equipment demonstration.

Landscaping Open House a Huge Success

O

ur Landscaping Department hosted an open house for 50 students from CCBC Essex and Owings Mills as well as Towson University. The students toured the facility, watched our landscaping crew in action and learned how The Arc can assist them in getting a job after graduation. They even tried out some of the equipment! It was an incredible day! l

Landscaping Maintenance Supervisor Eric Lipinski talks to a group of students about what it takes to be a great worker.

6

More than 70 homes purchased holiday decorations, centers held parties, the Connections social club hosted harbor cruises, and flat screens and games were purchased for each center. Dozens of families got help for respite care, a Sib-Shops program was launched, outreach videos for new families were produced and many assistive technology devices were purchased.

While some bequests have come as a surprise after a supporter has passed away, The Arc has a Legacy Society of people who have notified us of their commitment to name The Arc Baltimore in their estate plans.

We are grateful for their stated intention to remember the agency with a lasting gift. If you would like more information about The Arc Baltimore Legacy Society, our endowment or the use of our endowment earnings, please contact Kate McGuire at 410-296-2272 ext. 5217 or kmcguire@thearcbaltimore.org.l

Daniel Hamburger received Hanukkah decorations.

www.thearcbaltimore.org

Connections social group

Thank you!

Thank You to Renewing Members and Contributors!

November 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017 A Plus Pressure Washer, Inc. Dr. Jeffrey Abrams Acme Paper & Supply Company Advance Business Systems & Supply Co. Mr. and Mrs. John Althoff, Jr. Badolato Stone Supply, Inc. Mr. Olusegun Banjo Mr. Mushirarungu Barahomahoma Mrs. Sharon Bateman Mrs. Kimberly Becker Mr. Sylvester Bieler Blades & Rosenfeld, P. A. Ms. Brenda Bodian Ms. Kathleen Bormuth Mr. Michael Bovino Mr. and Mrs. Chris Brandenburg Ms. Elizabeth Brodie Ms. Shannel Burton The Campbell Foundation, Inc. Capital Services, Inc. Mr. Adolphus Carr Ms. Kendra Carter Mr. Larry Catron Mr. Joseph L. Christopher Ms. Channelle Clark Classic Food Service, Inc. Ms. Victoria Coleman

Ms. Fannie Coleman Ms. Janet L. Commarata Mrs. Amy Craig Mrs. Joanne Creamer Ms. Sally Cull Revs. John and Francie Dailey Mr. and Mrs. Erik P. Daly Ms. Kathy Darden Ms. Suzanne Davenport Mr. and Mrs. Donald C. Davenport David & Barbara B. Hirschhorn Fdn. Mr. and Mrs. Brent Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Davison Ms. Amy Decker Mrs. Mary D. DeClue Dr. and Mrs. Kirk Denicoff Ms. Alicia L. Dickey-Lambert Mr. and Mrs. Carl N. DiDominicus Mr. and Mrs. Carl Doll Ms. Christiana Donaldson Mr. and Mrs. William F. Dooley Dr. and Mrs. Kevin J Doyle Mr. Chester A. Duke, Jr. Mr. Brian J. Durkin Mrs. Kathleen McNally Durkin Mr. Christian Ehrhardt Ms. Laurel Eierman

Welcome, New Members and Contributors!

November 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017 Ms. Raquele Brimmage Mr. Theodore Carski Mr. Sylvester Colby Mr. and Mrs. Huston Collison Mr. Joshua Flax Ms. Anne Fogarty Mr. William Gardner Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Gronlund Mrs. Jennifer Hermann Mr. and Mrs. George Hogan Ms. Jacklyn Irby Ms. Sheena Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Eric Kestler Mr. and Mrs. Edward Klohr Jr. Dr. Holly Massett Ms. Kirsten Mayer Dr. Worta McCaskill-Stevens

Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Musci Jr. Ms. Aimee Pontier Mr. and Mrs. Alan Reed Ms. Roberta Rice Mr. Jeremy Selengut Mrs. Allison Shaffer Mr. Gordon Sheckells Mr. Charles Solomon Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Milton Swenson Ms. Senait Tekle Mr. James Thompson Timonium United Methodist Church/ Circle of LIGHT Mr. and Mrs. Michael Torpey United Way of Greater Atlanta Ms. Senora Yarborough

Ernst & Young LLP Ms. Joanna Falcone Mr. Jonathan K. Ferrell Mr. Jerome Fine Fireline Corporation Ms. Eris A. Fitzgerald Ms. Teresa Ford Ms. Danielle Ford Ms. Barbara Freeman Friendship Creative Printers Mr. R.B. Fulton Mr. Harold Garrett Mr. Patrick George Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gronlund Ms. Marian J. Gunther Ms. Janice Harmis Dr. Karyn Harvey Mrs. Rosemary Heiger Ms. Stephanie Helfman Ms. Mary E. Hockenbrock Rev. Patricia Roop Hollinger Mr. and Mrs. Richard Edwin Hook, IV Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hope Ms. Laura Howell Mrs. Gloria Howell Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Hudak Mr. and Mrs. John J. Hudak Mr. and Mrs. Earle P. Hurley Inverness Presbyterian Church Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Itzoe Mr. Michael E. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Jones Mr. George F. Jones Ms. Susan Justice Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kexel Ms. Susan King Mr. Kent Kisenbauer Mr. Christopher Knoerlein Landers Appliance, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Lempert Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Levesque Mr. and Mrs. Robert Levine Liberty Discount Lawn Equipment Linhard’s Towing, Inc. Ms. Agnes Lipinski Mr. John E. Lippy Mr. and Mrs. James A. List Mr. James A. List, Esq. Mr. Larry Logue Louis H. Gross Foundation Ms. Jean Ludwig Macht Fund of THE ASSOCIATED Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Macsherry Mr. and Mrs. John H. Macsherry, Sr.

Ms. Melinda Maluga Mr. Jason Manuel Ms. Kathryn Mayer Ms. Juliana Mayer Mr. and Mrs. Randall Mayer Mr. Christopher Mayer Mr. and Mrs. Ken Mays Mrs. Nicki Sandusky McCann McCormick & Company, Inc. Ms. Cathie McGill Ms. Kate McGuire Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. Meckel Ms. Melissa Meyers Mr. Calvin Miller Mr. Gary Mingleton Ms. Lekya Missouri Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Moag Ms. Catherine Moazzam Mr. Jake Moloznik Ms. Margaret Mooney Ms. Janet H. Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Stephen H. Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Howard Mount Ms. Margaret Mutungi Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Naeny Ms. Virginia Naklen Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Narango Ms. Laura Owenson Mrs. Katie Paff Dr. Lawrence C. Pakula Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Patten Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Pecora Ms. Susan Plitt Ms. Patty Pontier Ms. Frances Portee, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Power Ms. Nellie Power Mr. Roger Proehl Ms. Tracy Pruitt Ms. Delores M. Queen Ms. Carol Rabin Mr. Kevin M. Rasmussen Ms. Linda Ray Mr. and Mrs. Henry Reches Ms. Yvonne D. Richards Mr. Charles Rogers Mr. and Mrs. James F. Rosner, Esq. Ms. Ann M. Rudolph Ms. Susan Russell Mr. Melvin Ruzicka Mr. and Mrs. David S. Salkever Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sand SC&H Group Ms. Lauren Seabolt Dr. Nita Seibel Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sgroi, Jr. Mr. Scott Shane Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Shearin Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Shettle Mrs. Amy Smith Mr. William Smolin Ms. Esther E. Spencer-Richardson Ms. Rose M. Spero Ms. Teresa Spurrier Ms. Debbie Staigerwald Mrs. Daphni Steffin

Ms. Mary Maas Stemler Mr. Maury A. Sugarman Mr. Thomas Sweeney Mr. Justin Thomas Ms. Molly Timko Mr. and Mrs. Rodrigo Toro Mr. Andrew Uzarowski Mrs. Dimitra Vega- Sitar Mrs. Erica Vince Ms. Julie Vocci Mr. and Mrs. William Walker, IV Mr. Don Watts Mr. and Mrs. Barry Weiskopf Ms. Diane Westgate White House Nursery Ms. Joanne Williams Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Wilusz Ms. Lois A. Witte Ms. Thalia Worrell Ms. Linda Yannuzzi Mr. Tesfa Yohannes Ms. Anita Zellner Mr. and Mrs. Mayer D. Zimmerman

Gifts in Memory

November 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017 Ms. Sandy Anuszewski Mr. Robert Baylin Mr. Charles Dobbins Ms. Maggie S. Ford Mr. Robert Gunther Mr. Anthony Jankowski Ms. Loretta Letke Ms. Stephanie Levine Mr. Robert Paul Lipinski Mr. Kirk Lund Dr. Richard F. Mayer Mr. Joseph Rudzinski Mr. Hunter R. Shettle III Mr. Richard Sgroi

Gifts in Honor

November 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017 The Cushing Family Ms. Danielle Ford Ms. Sarah Gewirtz Mr. Adam Krawsczyn Mr. and Mrs. John Macsherry, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen H. Morgan Ms. Maureen Pecora Mr. and Mrs. James Rosner Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Schorsch Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Schorsch Mr. Craig Simms Every effort has been made to ­ensure the accuracy of this list. If you feel there is an error, please contact our Development Office at 410-296-2272 x 5220.

­

Information, Please!

Y

ou’d be hard pressed to find a community resource that The Arc Baltimore’s outreach team doesn’t know about.

Through our information and referral line, outreach team members field thousands of calls a year from families who have recently had a baby born with a disability, people in distress, individuals seeking residential, employment or in-home supports, and those needing help with other issues.

Outreach is the “front door” to the agency and the first stop for people needing assistance. The team, which includes a Spanish-speaking Latino liaison, also connects with people at service fairs throughout the year.

The Arc Baltimore knows that parents and caregivers face many challenges in navigating public and private assistance, special education

and other resources. Our knowledgeable outreach staff helps them make appropriate connections for recreation, equipment, special education advocacy and a host of other matters.

Families and individuals who need help identifying appropriate community resources are invited to contact outreach through our information and referral line at 410-296-2272.

www.thearcbaltimore.org

Outreach is there, too, when situations change—as infants become young children, children become adolescents and, eventually, adults. The experienced staff can offer concrete answers and be a sounding board for families in these challenging circumstances.

Nellie Power, assistant executive director for outreach and family services, says, “Our outreach team members have a unique set of skills—an encyclopedic awareness of local resources paired with remarkable compassion. They make sure that every caller feels heard and supported as well as enriched by the information they’ve received”. l

7

Golf Tournament is Around the Corner

S

pring is here, which means it’s time for our annual golf tournament. Join us on the links for a [hopefully] sunny day of golf and fun. The event supports the programs and services we provide to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The 18 holes will feature many opportunities to win door prizes and awards. Golfers will receive a continental breakfast and lunch.

Date: May 16, 2017 Time: 8:00 a.m. Shotgun start Location: The Woodlands / Diamond Ridge Golf Courses Highlights: Silent Auction, Individual and Team prizes Price: $175 per golfer, $700 per foursome

Register or sponsor at www.thearcbaltimore.org/events/golf-tournament/ CAN’T JOIN US FOR GOLF? Consider a gift to the silent auction.

We need gift certificates to restaurants or salons, tickets to area events, golf foursomes, etc.

Advocate SPRING 2017 Advocate is published by The Arc Baltimore, Inc. 7215 York Road Baltimore, MD 21212 410-296-2272 www.thearcbaltimore.org contactus@thearcbaltimore.org Feedback Line: Dial option #8 or ask the operator for assistance Maryland Relay 800-735-2258 410-583-0060 (voice) Neil A. MacDonald, President Stephen H. Morgan, Executive Director Kate McGuire, Chief Advancement Officer Christopher Knoerlein, Editor/ Director of Communications & Grants Steam Communications, Writing and Graphic Design

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

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

7215 York Road Baltimore, MD 21212

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Baltimore, MD Permit No. 2511

The program would not have been possible without our partners BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, Southwest Airlines, TSA, Maryland Department of Transportation, Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism and Airmall. We are also so grateful to have volunteers from PwC and the BWI Pathfinders. l n early December, more than 50 individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities took a trial run at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport as part of our 3rd annual Wings for Autism program. Wings grows each year as families from all over Maryland and surrounding states travel to BWI to participate in the program. It offers individuals an opportunity to experience all aspects of the airport experience, including checking in, boarding and baggage claim. We often hear back from families about successful flights they and their families have been able to take thanks to Wings.

I

Wings for Autism Help People Gear Up for Air Travel