People with intellectual and developmental disabilities help create an inclusive workforce

Over the 20 years that I’ve been working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), I’ve seen an uptick in employers hiring people with I/DD as a way to create a diverse and inclusive workforce. It’s satisfying to see employers recognizing the benefits of including people with I/DD as part of their workforce.

In fact, recent research points to diversity and inclusion in the workforce having a profound positive affect on businesses. According to TalentLyft, a diverse workforce creates higher employee engagement, provides a variety of different perspectives and problem solving, and improves hiring results—benefits that many employers are beginning to value as they look to recruit. A study, Diversity Matters, found that having a diverse workforce impacts increased financial earnings.

As we honor National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October, we want to encourage businesses to continue to foster their interest in looking beyond the traditional workforce to build a more diverse and inclusive one. With more than 19 percent of adults in Maryland having a developmental disability, many are eager to find meaningful work and become financially independent. In fact, Maryland state population statistics show that the number of people with disabilities who are employed has increased between 2009 and 2016, with 34 percent of people with a disability and 25 percent of people with a cognitive disability employed out of the working population ages16 to 64.

As employers become increasingly interested in recruiting people with I/DD, some may be unsure of how to navigate the hiring process or unfamiliar with the types of accommodations that will be needed to create job success. Companies that want to hire people with I/DD should look to organizations that can help them reach this talented pool of employees.

For example, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) has a workforce program and partners with more than 40 employers in Anne Arundel County who have recruited and employed nearly 60 people with I/DD. Live! Hotel and Casino is one local company that has recruited 11 of its employees through its long-time partnership with The Arc.

All of the Live! employees supported by The Arc have built their skill-sets and work experience through their tenure. Wegmen’s in Gambrills is another partner that has employed a handful of people supported by The Arc to fill opportunities in prepared foods, produce or as a helping hand.

The process for hiring people with I/DD by working with organizations like The Arc is simple and not much different than working with other types of employment agencies. Companies meet with The Arc’s workforce program team to inform them of job openings. The Arc looks to its pool of candidates and talks with those  who would have an interest in the position. An Employment Specialist helps the candidate apply for the job. Candidates then go through the interview process and provide their work experience and references.

One thing to consider when designing the interview process is providing alternative opportunities for candidates to demonstrate their qualifications beyond the traditional face-to-face interview. For instance, a walk through at the job site and demonstration of the job requirements allows the candidate and employer to converse about skills, work experience and expectations. The employer might find that a more visual presentation of the job opportunity could attract a candidate with genuine enthusiasm for the position.

Once an employee is hired, the job coach supports the new employee transition into the new position, helps the employer make any accommodations for a disability, and provides guidance on how to help the employee succeed in the new role. One tip program directors remind employers is that employees of all abilities should be held up to the same level of job accountability. This ensures employer’s needs are being met and also sets employees up for goal setting and success.

While October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we encourage employers to think about recruiting diverse workforces throughout the year. Lean on organizations such as The Arc to help fill job opportunities with people with I/DD. Continue to create a work culture that’s dynamic, diverse and inclusive. For more information about The Arc’s workforce program, please visit www.thearcccr.org/workforce-development/

Jonathon Rondeau is CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region.


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Elena Russo sat down with CEO for The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, Jonathon Rondeau to talk about the organization and their mission to the community. 

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Update on the Financial Management and Counseling Services Contract

The Arc Headquarters

Dear Stakeholders,

It is with disappointment that we announce that The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) has submitted our official notice to withdraw from consideration as a vendor for the Financial Management and Counseling Services Contract (Solicitation MDH/OPASS 20-17751).

The Arc has supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a provider of Fiscal Management Services (FMS) for over 15 years. As the largest FMS provider in Maryland, The Arc has had the privilege to serve many people across the State in self-direction. Over the past several months, our team has worked diligently to comply with the procurement process and put forth a quality proposal for the State that reflects our experience and vision.

Unfortunately, the latest amendment decreasing the overall anticipated Participant pool, and removing the need for Counseling Services for DDA Participants, which impacted the Participant pool expected to receive Counseling Services significantly, has put us in a very difficult position. The RFP has outlined very demanding organizational infrastructure requirements that would not be sustainable without the appropriate scaling of services and associated revenue. Although we are passionate about serving our community in this capacity, we must consider the risks and strain to The Arc organization at-large if we were to receive an award under the revised conditions.

As we look towards this transition, it is important to remember that The Arc has a long history of incubating services and successfully transitioning services to a longterm provider. We are committed to working with DDA and all stakeholders to transition with excellence and to minimize the impact to Participants. The Arc will be meeting with the DDA in the next month to coordinate the transition to a new FMS vendor, once announced. Our decision to withdraw from the FMS RFP process does not affect any other aspects of The Arc’s programs & services.

Thank you for your support and patronage of The Arc’s Fiscal Management Services. If you have any questions regarding the transition, please reach out to Tracy Davis, Director of Fiscal Management Services, at tdavis@thearcccr.org.

Click here to download a PDF of this news release

Ethan Saylor Alliance

Group Photo

Fostering Dialogue Between People with Disabilities and Law Enforcement to Improve First-Responder Outcomes

By Jonathon Rondeau

In 2003, while working as a camp director for a local organization, I was fortunate to meet Ethan Saylor, then 16, a young man with Down syndrome and his mom, Patti, a nurse. I continued to maintain a relationship with the family ever since. I was saddened to learn the news on January 12, 2013, that Ethan, at age 26, had died tragically while being removed and restrained by Frederick County police officers at a movie theater. The turn of events ignited local and state leaders to review and develop better training and relationship-building programs for officers when dealing with people with developmental disabilities. By 2016, The Ethan Saylor Alliance was created and signed into Maryland law. Its goal is to create opportunities for self-advocates to play a role in educating the community about appropriate and effective interactions with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

I’m at an advantage in knowing how to engage and interact with people with I/DD because I’ve personally worked with and alongside people with disabilities for the last 20 years, dating back to my first job in high school. As CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc CCR), a nonprofit committed to providing people with I/DD the opportunity to gain independence, I’m proud to see our neighbors with I/DD become more active in the community through volunteering, working, and living independently like you or me.  With more than 19 percent of adults in Maryland with a developmental disability, it’s crucial that what happened to Ethan Saylor never happens again.

To begin the process of supporting law enforcement to better understand how to communicate with people with I/DD, The Arc CCR has been meeting with police officers, emergency/medical first responders and sheriffs. We have shared information and strategies on how to read body language, identify cues for listening and understanding, and understand some of the reactions of people with I/DD that can be easily misunderstood.

For example, a person with I/DD may respond to questions with a “yes” as a way to be polite; however, they may not fully comprehend the direction or question. Some may feel uncomfortable making eye contact, or may have vision impairments, which in an emergency situation may be interpreted as disrespect. Two key tips for law enforcement and first responders is to look for a support person nearby for assistance, and to speak clearly, giving one direction at a time.

With the support of a grant awarded to The Arc CCR by the Ethan Saylor Alliance, as well as support from The Arc Maryland, we’ve partnered with the Caroline County Schools, Benedictine and the Chesapeake Center to host a free community event on June 25 at Chesapeake College, that is designed to foster dialogue between people with disabilities, their families and to build on the tips we’ve provided to law enforcement and first responders thus far. Engagement and dialogue between these groups and people with I/DD is instrumental in helping first responders and law enforcement to really understand the importance of how to communicate with these members of the community during an emergency situation.  During the event, people with I/DD will lead an evening of games and activities as a way to start the dialogue.

The Arc CCR is proud of the interest and genuine excitement from Eastern Shore law enforcement and first responders in participating in the event. Many are looking forward to being more engaged with people with I/DD and their families. In addition to the communication strategies they will learn, the event gives first responders an opportunity to get to know members of their community with I/DD on a personal level, and those personal connections will be instrumental in the event of an emergency situation.

It’s my hope that the dialogue will continue. In fact, the Ethan Saylor Grant opens each spring to community-based organizations interested in developing and facilitating positive community interaction programs and activities with I/DD communities and law enforcement, and I encourage other organizations to apply. Together we could share our ideas and improve the safety for people with I/DD in emergency situations. For more information about the event, please visit: Community Improv Event Details

Celebration Impact

The Arc CCR Celebrates Community Members with Awards Honoring Leadership and Support for People with Disabilities

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc CCR) CEO, Jonathon Rondeau, and former The Arc CCR Board President and current Arc Maryland Board President, Laura Carr, recently presented members of the community with awards honoring leadership and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chuy’s Tex Mex Restaurant was presented with the Leadership in Social Responsibility Award for being a community partner committed to the full inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work and play in their community.  Josh Cook, an employee at Friendly’s, received the Outstanding Personal Achievement Award, which recognizes a person supported by The Arc CCR for their dedication to the community they live in. The President’s Award honored The Arc CCR past-President, Steve Brennan, for his deep commitment and leadership to the organization. Patrese Williams, direct service professional who has been employed by The Arc CCR for over 17 years, was acknowledged with the Leadership in Direct Service Award. Tracy Davis, who has been with The Arc CCR for four years as the Director of Fiscal Management Services, was honored with the Leadership in Administration & Management Award for her leadership in moving the organization toward its shared vision. Finally, The Lorraine Sheehan Award for Advocacy was presented to Laura Howell, Executive Director of Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS). In her 15 years of leadership at MACS, Laura has been a steadfast advocate for Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Photo Caption: L-R: Front Row- Nicole Palumbo, kitchen manager, Douglas Degler, general manager, and Tommy Gough, employee of Chuy’s Tex Mex Restaurant; Josh Cook, Friendly’s employee; Steve Brennan, The Arc CCR past-president; Patrese Williams, direct service professional of The Arc CCR; Jonathon Rondeau, CEO, The Arc CCR; Tracy Davis, director of fiscal management services of The Arc CCR; Todd Pulleyn, and Laura Howell, executive director, Maryland Association of Community Services.

 

The Arc Maryland Convention Award Winners

Outstanding Employee of the Year, Gilbert John Zucchi Direct Support Professional Award:

Abdul Arasah has been with The Arc CCR, as a Team Leader, for about a year.  Over the course of the year, he has become a model leader and an asset to the agency.  The people Abdul supports have a wide variety of needs, but he maintains a calm and caring attitude whenever he is faced with challenging situations. As a newer team member, Abdul has done an excellent job of balancing the often competing priorities of safety and independence for the people he supports. Abdul has ensured that the home he manages is truly a warm and inviting place. Abdul is technical only responsible for supporting 4 people, but he goes beyond that to meet the needs of others and is willing to help out on any occasion. The people we support know that they can always come to Abdul. Abdul is very self-motivated and a pleasure to work with!

Volunteer of the Year Award:

Michele TharpMichele Tharp came to The Arc CCR in June of 2012, looking for a volunteer opportunity where she could donate her time and talents in support of a mission that was personal to her life.

Michele is a Senior Vice President, Senior Relationship Strategist at PNC and a mom to three boys, one of whom has autism.  She has held a leadership role on The Arc CCR’s Board of Directors for over 6 years. As Treasurer and now Vice President of the Board, Michele has been instrumental in organizational transformation. As The Arc CCR changed leadership and began transforming financial processes and infrastructure, Michele played a significant role in ensuring The Arc CCR balanced both the mission of the organization and its financial long term health.

Over the course of Michele’s tenure, The Arc CCR has successfully expanded housing investments through its subsidiary, Chesapeake Neighbors, has navigated the implementation of a new financial management system, and has nearly doubled in size of the fiscal management program it facilitates.

We thank Michele for her generous contributions to The Arc CCR and to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.

 

Jonathon Rondeau: The Arc Central Chesapeake Region moves ahead with next phase of its vision

Jonathon Rondeau
In the 1960s, the parents of children with disabilities in Anne Arundel County rallied to create equal opportunities for their sons and daughters to access services in the community.

This network soon became The Arc Anne Arundel County, which offered workshops, residential services, and an infant and toddler program; and grew to include community supportive living and other services by the mid-1990s.

In 2007, The Arc Anne Arundel County continued to expand services to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and changed its name to The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. What followed were the milestones of a 55-year anniversary in 2016 and the groundbreaking of our new headquarters and community outreach center in 2017.

The Arc CCR touches the lives of over 1,500 people each year, and as we continue to grow in capacity and expansion of services, our vision is to create equity and access for people with intellectual and development disabilities (ID/D) to be fully included in the community where they live.

We believe that all people with ID/D are defined by their own strengths, abilities and inherent value, and not by their ability. Each person should have the opportunity to partake in community involvement through employment, housing, or recreational opportunities.

They should benefit from self-direction and the ability to make decisions about their own lives and be heard on issues that affect their wellbeing. They should also benefit from contributions of people with diverse personal characteristics — from religion, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender and type of disability.

This year, The Arc CCR completed its “Promise It Forward Capital Campaign,” which generated over $3 million in state, local and philanthropic donations to build new headquarters located in Severn.

Now fully operating, the two new buildings serve as a model of an accessible corporate environment and allow the organization to maintain and grow strong programs as the number of people with ID/D continues to increase within Maryland.

With our new headquarters and professional development center, The Arc CCR can more sufficiently provide support services and resources for the people we serve, and more importantly, include their families, and our neighbors and community members to engage with us in a more meaningful way.

A digital and book library is available to families of children with disabilities and other professionals. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Building features the administrative headquarters and a separate area for training sessions and other community programs.

Also included in the expansion are the Lorraine Sheehan Center for Enterprise & Community Development, and the Rollason Community Center.

To help us meet our vision, core values and deepen our focus on the people we serve, we are partnering with the community to take part in our promise forward by getting involved. There is a great need for direct service professionals for those seeking employment opportunities, as well as volunteer positions for individuals and groups.

As we look ahead, we have a positive vision for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that includes public and private support and an invested interest in their success from the community at large.

What started with a promise by a group of parents who envisioned a different future for their children than was available nearly 60 years ago — a promise of respect, opportunity, and achievement — evolved into a commitment to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain independence, live their dreams, and challenge the status quo.

Read more:  https://www.capitalgazette.com/opinion/columns/ac-ce-column-rondeau-20190412-story.html