The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is honored to be named to the prestigious Executive Alliance Honor Roll, recognizing its strong commitment to gender diversity in leadership. This distinction highlights The Arc’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace where women hold key leadership roles. 

The Executive Alliance Honor Roll recognizes Maryland-based publicly traded companies, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations that demonstrate exemplary gender diversity by ensuring that at least 30% of their executive leadership roles and board of directors are held by women. The Arc proudly joins a distinguished group of organizations actively advancing women in leadership. 

“We are honored to be receiving this recognition from Executive Alliance for our ongoing commitment to gender diversity and inclusion,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “At The Arc, we believe diverse leadership fosters innovation, drives better decision-making, and strengthens our ability to serve our community. This honor reflects our on-going efforts to build an organization where everyone has the opportunity to lead and contribute.” 

Since 2007, Executive Alliance has been a driving force in promoting gender diversity through its annual Census Report: Women Board Directors in Maryland. The Honor Roll expands on that work, celebrating organizations that lead by example. Executive Alliance is dedicated to accelerating the success and leadership of accomplished women by expanding their impact and influence through advocacy, education, and mentorship. 

The Honor Roll recipients will be recognized at a special celebration on March 19, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at The Maritime Center, 692 Maritime Boulevard, Linthicum, MD 21090.  

The Arc remains committed to building on this recognition by cultivating a workplace where all voices are heard and valued and leadership opportunities are accessible to all. Through intentional policies, professional development programs, and partnerships that promote diversity, The Arc is dedicated to fostering a culture of equity, respect, and empowerment.  

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated annual 50/50 raffle, opening on March 1, 2025. This fundraiser offers participants the chance to win a substantial cash prize while directly supporting families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The raffle has grown significantly in the last five years, with last year’s winner taking home over $4,000. All proceeds from the raffle directly support The Arc’s Family Fund, which provides critical financial assistance to families with children with IDD. These grant funds help cover essential services that are not supported by insurance, such as specialized therapies, medical and adaptive equipment, educational resources, and recreational opportunities.

By purchasing a ticket, participants are not only entering to win a cash prize but are also making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families throughout our community.

Get Your Tickets Today

Buying your raffle tickets is quick and easy! Click the button below to purchase your tickets. Raffle tickets are available for $5 each, or five for $20.

The drawing will take place on May 12, 2024, during Tee It Up for The Arc, The Arc’s annual golf tournament fundraiser. Participants do not need to be present at the event to win – the winner will be notified directly if their ticket is drawn.

Whether you buy one ticket or five, every entry increases your chances of winning while directly supporting families throughout the community.

Why Your Ticket Purchase Matters

All proceeds from the raffle benefit The Arc’s Family Fund. The Family Fund is a grant designed to provide financial assistance and essential resources to families navigating the complexities of raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Many effective resources, therapies, and services make an incredible difference in the quality of life for children with IDD but are not covered by insurance and are out of reach financially for the families who need access to them the most.

“Too many families struggle to afford the resources their children need,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth, & Their Families. “We founded the Family Fund so families don’t have to choose between meeting their child’s basic needs and accessing the critical resources and support they deserve. In the eight years we’ve awarded these funds, we’ve seen incredible outcomes from the children it has supported.”

The Family Fund has grown from distributing $14,000 in its first year to awarding nearly $95,000 to 107 children in 2024 for therapies, respite care, educational assistance, camps, and more. Read more about the families supported by the fund over the past year.

As Maryland embarks on its 447th Legislative Session, lawmakers are making critical decisions that will shape the future of the state. The session began on January 8, 2025, and will run for 90 days, concluding on April 7, 2025. During this critical period, state legislators work diligently to pass bills and set the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

With more than 3,000 bills introduced thus far, advocacy and public engagement are essential to ensuring vital programs remain funded and accessible.

Among the key issues this year is the state’s budget, which initially included cuts that could have drastically reduced essential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the providers who support them.

A Major Win for IDD Services in Maryland

Governor Wes Moore, along with budget leaders in the Maryland General Assembly, Senator Guy Guzzone and Delegate Ben Barnes, have recognized the significant impact that the $197 million in FY25 Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) budget cuts would have had on people with disabilities, their families, and community providers. A plan is currently being developed with their leadership to avoid these cuts to the FY25 budget.

This decision marks a crucial first step in ensuring that Marylanders with IDD continue to have access to the essential services and supports they need to live, work, and connect throughout the community. The short-term stability provided by this decision will allow the disability community to maintain our collaborative efforts with state leaders as we work towards restoring the proposed cuts for the FY26 DDA budget.

The Fight to Fully Restore IDD Funding

The decision to remove the $197 million in cuts to the FY25 budget came after weeks of fierce advocacy from the disability community. Families, service providers, and self-advocates across Maryland made their voices heard through meetings, calls, and public testimonies.

On February 3, hundreds of advocates rallied in Annapolis to urge lawmakers to protect IDD services, and on February 13, more than 1,000 advocates participated in Developmental Disability Day, further highlighting to lawmakers the negative impact the proposed cuts would have. Their powerful presence sent a clear message that these vital programs must be preserved.

“This victory highlights the power of advocacy,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc). “Together, we were able to stop these cuts in the short term, but there is still much more work to be done. We are confident that we can continue working with Maryland’s leadership to find a solution that ensures people with IDD receive the support they need and deserve.”

While the immediate threat for FY25 has been addressed, the fight is far from over. The proposed FY26 budget still includes $457 million in reductions that could severely impact people with IDD and the organizations that support them. The DDA funds essential programs that more than 18,000 Marylanders with IDD rely on for daily support, independence, and dignity.

Summary of Budget Concerns for FY26:

Dedicated Hours

One of the proposed changes is the revision of the Dedicated Hours Policy, requiring providers to exhaust Shared Hours in Community Living first. This change would significantly impact the daily lives of people with IDD, limiting their ability to make individual choices about their activities. Withholding access to Dedicated Hours also goes against the spirit of the federal Community Rule, which requires that people have choice in their daily activities.

Low-Intensity Support Services (LISS)

The FY26 budget also proposes eliminating the Low-Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program, which provides crucial assistance to families and individuals with IDD. The LISS lottery system has been a vital resource for many families seeking support that they cannot access elsewhere.

For a more detailed breakdown of all proposed budget changes and their impacts, visit the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council’s website.

Stay Informed

The legislative session is moving quickly, and decisions made in Annapolis will have lasting effects on Maryland’s IDD community. Staying engaged is crucial. To stay on top of legislative events like this, please join The Arc’s Newsletter and follow us on social media.

To find out who your representatives are and how to contact them about the issues that matter most to you, visit the Maryland General Assembly Website.

Medicaid funding is at risk, and the potential consequences for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are severe.  Federal congressional leaders are proposing $2 trillion in overall spending cuts through 2034. The current House proposal directs the Energy and Commerce Committee to identify at least $880 billion in cuts over the next 10 years, primarily targeting Medicaid. These cuts will put essential services for people with IDD in jeopardy. 

How Medicaid Supports People with IDD 

Many people with IDD rely on Medicaid waivers for their housing, employment, and community-based services.  Without this funding, people with IDD would lose access to the support and services they need to live independently and engage with their communities. 

What’s at Stake 

The proposed cuts to Medicaid could lead to: 

• Lower reimbursement rates for providers like The Arc, making it harder to sustain quality services. 

• Reduced access to essential programs that help people with IDD live and work in their communities. 

• Longer waitlists, leaving people and families without the support they need. 

• Increased reliance on institutions rather than community-based services, which is less empowering and removes choice and control from each person. 

• Loss of healthcare and critical support for people with IDD. 

The Ripple Effect on People, Families, and Communities 

Medicaid cuts would not only affect people with IDD, it would affect 80 million Americans – almost 25% of the country. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income people, including eligible children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. It is the largest source of health coverage for people with disabilities and plays a crucial role in funding community-based services. 

These cuts will place immense strain on families and communities, and families who depend on Medicaid-funded support will be left with few options. Providers across the country may be forced to scale back services or close programs entirely, limiting access to community-based solutions that promote independence and quality of life. 

The $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid over ten years represent a cut of approximately 10% to its annual budget every year and will have severe consequences for those who rely on it. Without adequate funding, more people with IDD may be pushed into institutional settings—an outcome that contradicts decades of progress toward inclusion and community-based services. 

As Congress debates these budget cuts, it is crucial to understand the real-life impact that reducing Medicaid funding could have on people with IDD. Protecting Medicaid means protecting the right of people with disabilities to live independently, access healthcare, and participate fully in their communities. 

What Can You Do? 

Now is the time to act. We need your help to protect Medicaid funding and ensure that people with IDD continue to receive the support they deserve. 

Please reach out to your Congressional representatives and urge them to oppose any Medicaid cuts. You can easily take action by filling out an online form from ANCOR, a national advocacy organization for people with IDD. 

Your voice matters. In less than a minute, you can make a difference. Together, we can defend Medicaid and stand up for people with disabilities. The future of care depends on all of us—let’s fight for it. 

To stay on top of legislative events like this, please join The Arc’s Newsletter and follow us on social media. 

We are proud to announce that Megan Lyle, Esq., our Senior Vice President of Administration & General Counsel, has been named a Leader in Law by The Daily Record. Through Leaders in Law, The Daily Record and the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) honor outstanding legal professionals across Maryland who demonstrate excellence in their field, leadership within their organizations, and a commitment to mentoring and community service.  

Megan Lyle, Esq. was selected for her exceptional contributions to The Arc’s mission, her dedication to advancing diversity in leadership, and her unwavering commitment to legal advocacy that strengthens communities. As a key member of The Arc’s executive team, Megan has played a critical role in ensuring legal and regulatory excellence, guiding strategic initiatives, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.  

“Megan’s leadership and legal expertise have been instrumental in advancing our work and expanding opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Her recognition as a 2025 Leaders in Law honoree is a testament to her hard work, passion, and the lasting impact she has made both within our organization and throughout the community.” 

Megan and her fellow honorees will be celebrated at the Leaders in Law awards ceremony on April 7, 2025, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hilton BWI, located at 1739 West Nursery Road in Linthicum, MD.  Awards are presented in the following categories: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Generation J.D., In-House Counsel, Justice Champion, Law Firm Support Staff, Leadership in Law, Legal Educator, Lifetime Achievement, and Paralegal. Megan was selected as an In-House Counsel honoree.  

The Daily Record, a digital-first news media company with a 137-year history, partners with the MSBA to host the Leaders in Law awards annually. This event is part of their broader commitment to recognizing excellence in law, business, and government throughout Maryland. 

Every year, advocates from across Maryland eagerly anticipate Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature (DD Day), the state’s largest advocacy event dedicated to advancing the rights and opportunities of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) joined self-advocates, families, and service providers on Thursday at The Graduate Annapolis to ensure that the perspectives of people with IDD are heard and represented at the highest levels of government. 

What is Developmental Disabilities Day? 

DD Day is an annual event that brings together hundreds of advocates, service providers, legislators, and state officials to discuss policies and initiatives that impact the lives of people with IDD and their families every day. Hosted by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, DD Day is an opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers, learn about key legislative issues, and build momentum for policies that promote inclusion, accessibility, and opportunity. Thursday’s event focused on proposed legislative changes and budget cuts, addressing the critical challenges faced by the IDD community.  

Despite fog and snow, more than 1,000 people gathered in Annapolis to advocate against steep budget cuts. This year’s event carried a particular sense of urgency as attendees voiced concerns over the impact the proposed budget cuts will have on services, inclusion, and opportunities for people with IDD. 

Rachel London, Executive Director of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, welcomed everyone and acknowledged the concerns on everyone’s minds, stating, “I want to start by acknowledging the fear and frustration we are all feeling.” However, she offered a note of hope, sharing the effect of the emergency rally on Feb 3, 2025. “We’ve gotten the governor’s attention. I am happy to report that members of the DD Coalition have met with high-level members of the governor’s team, and they very much want to work with us to try and find a path forward.”   

Following the speakers, a review of the proposed cuts was given, along with the impact the cuts would have on Marylanders both with and without IDD. Advocates then walked to the State House to meet face-to-face with legislators and their staff, ensuring their voices were heard and the needs of people with IDD were prioritized through legislation that promotes inclusion and equity.  

Why Advocacy Events Matter 

The Maryland General Assembly plays a crucial role in shaping policies that affect Marylanders with IDD. Advocacy events – like DD Day – play a critical role in connecting advocates and lawmakers, providing a platform for people to share their lived experiences directly with decision-makers. With the entire state facing significant budget cuts, the advocacy taking place at events like DD Day is more important than ever. 

“Grassroots advocacy works—this year’s Developmental Disabilities Day proved that,” said Rylie Shewbridge, Director of Government Relations for The Arc. “When people with disabilities, families, and advocates come together to share their stories, it creates momentum and drives real change.” 

Through advocacy, The Arc strengthens its partnerships with legislators and community leaders, reinforcing the collective effort to achieve greater inclusion and equity. Advocacy doesn’t stop after one day—it is an ongoing commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities have access to affordable housing, employment opportunities, quality education, healthcare, and the resources they need to live the life they choose for themselves. 

Join the Movement 

DD Day is more than just an event—it’s a call to action. Whether attending in person, tuning in to the live stream, or engaging with legislators throughout the year, every advocate plays a crucial role in shaping the future of disability rights in Maryland.  

The Arc encourages all supporters to get involved, stay informed, and continue advocating for policies that empower people with disabilities. To stay on top of legislative events like this, please join The Arc’s Newsletter and follow us on social media.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Sam Tawiah as Vice President of Information Technology. In this role, Sam will lead The Arc’s technology strategy, ensuring its infrastructure and systems effectively support the organization’s mission and vision. Sam joins The Arc at a pivotal moment as The Arc continues to grow rapidly and expand services throughout the region. 

Sam brings 20 years of Information Technology (IT) leadership experience across industries, including banking, government, aviation, and nonprofits. He joins The Arc from the National Aquarium, where he spent nearly a decade providing strategic leadership and technical expertise across all aspects of the organization’s technology infrastructure. His background in business operations, software development, and IT solutions makes him well-equipped to enhance The Arc’s digital capabilities. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Sam to The Arc and excited for the impact his leadership will bring,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “His depth of experience, strategic vision, and commitment to innovation will be instrumental in strengthening our technology infrastructure, enhancing security, and ensuring our systems evolve to meet the growing needs of the people we support.” 

As Vice President of Information Technology, Sam will collaborate with leadership to drive digital transformation, implement best practices, and optimize system performance. He will also lead a dynamic IT team dedicated to improving efficiency and innovation across the organization. 

Sam holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in Computer Science with Applicable Mathematics from the University of Buckingham and is a Project Management Professional (PMP)-certified executive. His passion for leveraging technology to create meaningful change aligns with The Arc’s mission to support people with disabilities and their families.

Governor Moore’s FY26 budget includes several significant cuts to services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), which will negatively affect their access to opportunities, their support systems’ financial security, and home- and community-based organizations like The Arc. 

Action Alert: The Arc encourages all Marylanders with IDD, their families, support systems, and fellow community-based organizations to attend the Developmental Disabilities Coalition rally: 

Emergency Rally to Protect Developmental Disability Services 

📅 Date: Monday, February 3, 2025 

⏰ Time: 7:00 – 8:15 PM 

📍 Location: Lawyers Mall, Annapolis, MD (Directly in front of the State House, 100 State Circle) 

👥 Who Should Attend? People with disabilities, families, service providers, and all who care about the future of Developmental Disability services in Maryland. 

Get More Details About the Rally Here.

Over the last several years, Maryland has made historic investments in services for people with IDD to improve the quality, flexibility, and customization of those services. People’s lives are complex, and these investments brought greater self-determination and autonomy for people with IDD to live the lives they choose for themselves. Simply put, reducing funding for these key services now is unacceptable. 

The proposed revision of the Dedicated Hours Policy to require providers to exhaust Shared Hours in Community Living first will significantly impact the day-to-day lives of people with IDD. Being able to provide Dedicated Hours means people with IDD living with housemates don’t always have to do everything together. Withholding access to Dedicated Hours also goes against the spirit of the federal Community Rule that requires people to have choice in their daily activities. 

The governor’s budget doesn’t only involve revisions and reductions; it also includes eliminating entire services like the Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program. This change would negatively impact hundreds of people seeking a chance at support. The lottery for support through LISS is a lifeline for people and families who deserve access to quality-of-life-enhancing services they can’t get elsewhere. 

Cutting funding now means Community Living will become less person-centered, and LISS will cease to exist. Even if there are some cost-containing measures that are necessary, The Arc recommends a slow ramp to implementing any changes with opportunities for discussion and community input to ensure continuity of services.  

The Arc remains opposed to the proposed budget cuts in Governor Moore’s budget related to services for people with IDD as they currently are.