The Arc Maryland is pleased to announce our 2018 Public Policy Platform.

The Arc Maryland, in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, and the Maryland Department of Disabilities is pleased to announce its launch of the 2017-2018 “Together We’re Better” Inclusive Education Campaign and Artwork Contest.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Arc Maryland is pleased to announce that Ms. Tonia Ferguson, Esq. will join the organization as the Director of Public Policy and Special Initiatives on October 1, 2017.  Ms. Ferguson brings nearly a decade of experience advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families.  Prior to joining The Arc Maryland, she served as Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Autism Society of America and was on the board of The Arc Baltimore.  As a professional in the field as well as as a parent of a child with Down syndrome and autism, the mission and values of The Arc are near and dear to her heart.  Her expertise encompasses system change, building partnerships, and advocating and influencing policy at the local, state and federal level. “I am so excited to come back to The Arc Maryland to expand effective public policy efforts and engage with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families,” remarked Ms. Ferguson.

The Arc Maryland is a leading statewide non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to the rights and quality of life of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  For more information about The Arc Maryland and our work, please view our website at www.thearcmd.org, or contact Executive Director Ande Kolp at akolp@thearcmd.org, phone (410) 571-9320. ###

FAQs are out on Maryland DDA’s Two New Support Waivers: The Family Supports Waiver  and The Community Supports Waiver.

 

On June 7, Stevenson University received final approval for the $1 purchase of the Rosewood Center property. The Arc Maryland hopes this purchase inspires Stevenson University to acknowledge the history of the people who lived in the former Institution as well as to make strides to improve inclusive opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

You can read the Arc Maryland’s press release on the sale of the Rosewood Center property here.

The Rosewood Center was opened in the late 1800s as the Asylum and Training School for the Feeble-Minded, and served as the largest state institution until its closure in 2009. At the Rosewood Center’s peak, 3000 children and adults were housed on the property. The Arc Maryland was instrumental in advocating for the closure of Rosewood, after several investigations of abuse.

On July 6, Governor Hogan visited Stevenson University to mark the transfer of the 117 acres. You can read a Baltimore Sun article about Governor Hogan’s visit here.

While at Stevenson University, Governor Hogan met with survivors of Rosewood, including Wilbur. Wilbur grew up at the institution before his release at the age of 24 in 1974. Once back in his community, Wilbur received support from The Arc Baltimore and became a fierce advocate for the closing of the Rosewood Center. Wilbur continues his self-advocacy with The Arc of Frederick County and works with training the Frederick County Police on how to safely support individuals with disabilities in the community. Wilbur is glad that the property will be put to a positive use, and hopes that Stevenson University builds a memorial to remember those who lived at the Rosewood Center.