Dear Friends and Supporters, 

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, a time of reflection and gratitude, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest thanks. This year has been one of extraordinary progress, growth, and achievement for The Arc’s enterprise, and none of it would have been possible without your unwavering support, dedication, and passion.

The Arc is fortunate to be surrounded by a community that shares our passion for creating opportunities for people with disabilities to live, work, and connect in communities that are inclusive and welcoming to all.

In 2024, we are grateful to celebrate the following accomplishments, milestones, and community impact:

Saving our Employees Thousands on Medical Costs
In February 2024, we launched Health at Work, an on-site health suite providing free urgent and primary care for employees and their dependents. This initiative saved employees and The Arc thousands on copays and medical fees. We also kept health insurance premiums the same for employees for a third year in a row while simultaneously improving our insurance offerings.

Winning 3 National Awards for our Total Rewards
In August 2024, The Arc was recognized with three national awards from Health Rosetta for outstanding employee health benefits: America’s Top Health Plans, Top Health Plans of the East, and the Walk the Talk Award. The Arc was selected from over 2,000 candidates across the country for these prestigious awards!

Increasing Direct Support Professional Starting Wages to $20.00/hr
Back in 2018, starting wages for DSPs were only $9.88/hr. With the most recent incremental wage increase in July 2024, DSP starting wages are now $20.00/hr. This means that over the last seven years, The Arc has officially doubled DSP starting wages!

Investing in Career Ladders & Pay Mobility for DSPs
In April 2024, we launched the DSP Career Ladder, a self-paced professional development journey for DSPs who want to enhance their skills. Each certification level within the program comes with a pay increase, bringing starting wages for DSPs with all three levels of certification up to $23.50/hour!

Employing Over 600 People Statewide
This fall, we reached the 600-employee milestone! We continue to grow to meet the needs of our communities and scale our services to reach more people. Of our 625+ employees, more than 400 are DSPs providing services to more than 4,000 people across Maryland.

Celebrating our Incredible 6% Vacancy Rate
For the majority of 2024, The Arc has enjoyed a vacancy rate of only 6% for DSP positions, which means 94% of our DSP positions are always filled. This is impressive on a national scale because other organizations in Maryland are regularly reporting 20% vacancy rates and providers nationwide are averaging vacancy rates of 30-40%.

Launching More Services & Housing with Port Street Commons
Port Street Commons is a new 24,000-sq-ft space in Easton that will open this winter and provide more services, more housing, and more resources to communities on the Mid-Shore. With 9 affordable housing units, new community spaces, and 30 new jobs created over 3 years, Port Street Commons will allow The Arc to reach new people, expand both Day and Behavioral Health Services, provide housing, and boost Easton’s economic development initiatives for years to come.

Purchasing Two New Community Development Sites
Chesapeake Community Development has purchased two properties in Easton this spring that will be developed into Silo Square and Easton Crossing over the next six years. These properties will boast over 150 new housing units and townhomes as well as retail, dining, and green spaces.

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Behind each of these successes are passionate teams, generous donors, and forward-thinking community members ready to do more for our communities.

As we turn our attention toward gratitude and thankfulness at the end of the year, I find myself continually thankful for the ways our employees, people we support, donors, vendors, partners, and leaders come together to make these incredible milestones possible.

Thank you for your continued support, passion, and commitment to The Arc’s mission.

With gratitude, 

Jonathon Rondeau 
President & CEO
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region 

Voting is a profound way for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to experience full inclusion in their communities. It empowers people to actively participate in shaping the policies that affect their daily lives, ensuring their voices are heard.  

Voting is a constitutional right for everyone. As the presidential election approaches on November 5, it’s important to remember that people with IDD deserve an equal opportunity to cast their vote. While physical and systematic barriers still exist, there are more ways than ever before for people with IDD to access the polls or vote remotely.  

People with IDD have the right to:

• vote in private without help
• bring someone to help them vote
• seek help from poll workers trained to use an accessible voting machine
• vote during the early voting period
• have an accessible polling place with machines for voters with disabilities
• vote by mail-in ballot or email ballot

Voting Is An Essential Part of Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is when people with IDD represent themselves, their ideas, and their own best interests to advocate for changes in their lives and their communities. The Arc’s self-advocacy group, Living Boldly, provides access to critical information so people with IDD can form their own ideas and opinions – and that includes opinions about elected leaders.

During the Living Boldly bi-annual meeting in September, guest speakers highlighted how voting is a fundamental responsibility of being a United States citizen and an essential part of living in a democracy where everyone’s voice matters. By voting, each person contributes to shaping the future of their community, state, and country.

For people with IDD, being able to vote is essential because decisions made by elected officials directly impact areas like healthcare, education, and accessibility. Voting gives each person the power to influence these critical issues and ensure the needs of people with IDD are considered when shaping future policies.

Making Your Voice Heard at the Polls

For people planning to vote, here are some key dates to keep in mind.

• October 24-October 31: Early voting period. Polls are open 7:00am-8:00pm. You can register to vote as long as you have proof of a Maryland address.
• November 1: Deadline to request an email ballot. Requests must be received by 5:00pm via mail, or by 11:59pm via fax or online.
• November 5: Election day. Polls are open 7:00am-8:00pm. You can register to vote as long as you have proof of a Maryland address.

You can find more information on how to vote at the Maryland State Board of Elections at www.elections.maryland.gov.

The Arc is one of the most dynamic organizations in the region, responding in real-time to the vast, varied needs of our communities. In 2024 alone, more than 625 employees supported 4,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and impacted thousands more throughout the State of Maryland over the course of the year.

With its significant growth and extensive footprint, The Arc is a major driver of economic impact throughout the region. Through its enterprises – The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, Chesapeake Neighbors, and Chesapeake Community Development – The Arc not only employs hundreds of people but also contracts with and supports many local, Maryland-based businesses, further boosting the state’s economy.

“Organizations like The Arc Central Chesapeake Region are powerful economic drivers in Maryland,” said Abbi Ludwig, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Maryland Chamber of Commerce. “Their growth, strategic investments in the local community and innovative programs not only strengthen our local economy, but demonstrate how businesses can drive both economic and social impact, all while helping build a more inclusive, thriving state”

Economic Impact Through a Growing Workforce

A key aspect of The Arc’s contribution to Maryland’s economy is its robust workforce. The Arc is a major employer with more than 625 employees as of October 2024; nearly 100 of those positions were added over the past 18 months. In September alone, the organization hired 60 new team members.

“As our workforce grows to meet the evolving needs of our communities, each new employee creates a direct and positive impact on their local economy,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Beyond expanding our ability to deliver critical services, every new hire contributes to local businesses, stimulates consumer spending, and strengthens the economic fabric of the communities we serve.”

While The Arc employs over 600 people who oversee and execute Arc-facilitated services in the community, The Arc also provides Self-Directed Services to more than 2,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, each of whom acts as a small business owner with their own pool of employees.

“When you look at scale and impact, there are over 2,000 participants in Self-Direction who collectively employ nearly 6,000 people,” said Jonathon. “So on any given payroll, there are close to 7,000 people across the state who receive a paycheck with The Arc’s name on it. The Arc pays out more than $11.7 million to both our employees and the employees of our Self-Directed Services participants every payroll cycle. That’s a constant stimulation to Maryland’s economy.”

Economic Impact Through Supporting Local Businesses

Together, The Arc, Chesapeake Neighbors, and Chesapeake Community Development create opportunities for people to live, work, connect, and receive services. A major component of this work is creating safe, affordable housing for people with disabilities and the greater community. Renovating and building new housing is a critical component of economic sustainability for our communities, and the enterprise’s community development initiatives put Maryland businesses to work.

“As we develop more housing throughout the region and support the residents who live in those units, we naturally partner with a wide range of local businesses,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Chesapeake Community Development. “It takes partnerships of every kind to get a brand-new building up and running or modernize a single-family home.”

A prime example of the economic impact The Arc’s enterprise is having on a region is through Port Street Commons. Located in Easton, MD, the 24,000-square-foot new construction cost roughly $10 million and required more than 30 different businesses, from contractors to landscapers, cleaners, furniture warehouses, local print shops, and office suppliers, to collaborate on the project.

“Because this development was located in Easton, it was very important to us to source as many vendors as possible from the Mid-Shore,” said Angie DeMoreland, Director of Executive Operations for The Arc and project manager for the construction of Port Street Commons. “In total, 45% of the contractors for this project are locally owned small businesses on the Eastern Shore, and 100% of the contractors were Maryland-based.”

With more community development work to come in the future in Easton and beyond, The Arc’s enterprise will continue to partner with more Maryland businesses and invest the dollars we spend on community development initiatives back into other Maryland-based businesses of all sizes, impacting hundreds of Maryland employees and business owners.

Economic Impact Through Services

Annually, The Arc supports more than 4,000 people across the State of Maryland. With a current budget of $315 million, the enterprise accounts for 15% of the total Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) annual budget.

The Arc is a significant driver of economic impact not only at the state and regional levels but also for individual people and small businesses throughout the community. Through its services, The Arc empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live more independently, engage in meaningful work, and contribute to the local economy.

The more than 2,000 participants in Self-Directed Services each act as an individual small business with their own budgets and employees. “The participants in Self-Directed Services are not only managing their own lives but are also integral parts of Maryland’s small business landscape,” said Jonathon. “They are creating jobs, generating income, and contributing to the local economy in ways that ripple throughout their communities.”

At the more individual level, The Arc’s team supports more than 85 people in varying stages of employment. By facilitating access to jobs, education, and community engagement, The Arc helps create a more inclusive and vibrant economy where everyone can participate and benefit.

“Work is a profound way for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience full inclusion in their community,” said Jonathon. “Beyond the individual financial impact, employment strengthens the community as a whole, as people have greater economic independence and contribute to the local economy through their spending power.”

The Arc also generates economic impact for families through programs like the Family Fund and Holiday Giving, which are designed to support families financially.

“Too many families struggle to afford the resources they need for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Jonathon. “These programs reduce financial stress, giving families the financial breathing room they need, and ultimately leaving more room in their household budgets to support long-term economic stability.”

In 2024, the Family Fund distributed $95,000 to families with children with disabilities to access critical resources and therapies, while the Holiday Giving program supported 300 children.

Celebrating Maryland Economic Development Week

Maryland Economic Week in Maryland is held annually in October, sponsored by the Maryland Economic Development Association. The week is designed to increase understanding of economic development’s contribution to the state’s business climate, job retention and growth, the tax base, and the overall quality of life in Maryland. While economic impact is at the forefront of conversations during this time, The Arc generates significant economic impact all year long through its rapid growth and collaboration with every level of business.

[Oct 15, 2024 – Linthicum, MD] Chesapeake Community Development, an Arc Central Chesapeake Region company, is excited to announce the appointment of Ross Benincasa as Senior Vice President of Community Development. Chesapeake Community Development is a quickly growing subsidiary of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), and in his new role, Ross will play an essential role in partnering with leadership to support the strategic growth of The Arc’s enterprise.

Ross brings more than 11 years of experience in community development and real estate. His previous roles include Executive Director of Discover Easton and Co-founder of Rivers & Roads, where he consulted with local government on economic development and tourism.

“We are excited to welcome Ross to our Executive Leadership Team,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “Ross has unique experiences and passion for community development and understands the critical role Chesapeake Community Development plays in supporting the enterprise’s vision of creating inclusive communities that welcome everyone.”

In his new role, Ross will lead the team responsible for managing development projects from concept to completion, overseeing property acquisitions, identifying strategic opportunities, and working with community partners and stakeholders. As a natural leader and community-builder, Ross is committed to ensuring each development aligns with community needs while fostering growth and inclusivity.

Ross holds a bachelor’s degree in professional writing and education from Elizabethtown College, with a minor in Marketing. He has been recognized by the American Scholastic Press Association for Outstanding Service to the Community and was a presenter at the 2021 National Main Street Conference.

The Corvette Club of Annapolis, a thriving local club, presented The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) with a check on Tuesday for nearly $13,000 to support The Arc’s work with children and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funds came from the club’s 7^th annual Corvettes on West Street (COWS) show in August. 

“We are very grateful for our partnership with The Corvette Club of Annapolis,” said Caroline Slobodzian, Director of Development, The Arc. “For more than 15 years, they have supported our work with children and families, offering countless hours and resources to our key initiatives like Holiday Giving.”  

The club has supported The Arc as their preferred charity since 2008, giving proceeds from its annual car shows, adopting children for Holiday Giving, and supporting The Arc’s work throughout the community. COWS, now in its 7^th year, has become a much-anticipated event amongst Corvette owners, with 85 cars participating from across the country.   

“Supporting The Arc allows our club members to give back to our community in a meaningful way. We believe in their mission to provide opportunities and support for people with IDD,” said Pete Klein, President, The Corvette Club of Annapolis. “We’re proud to contribute to their impactful work through our events and fundraising efforts.” 

Funding raised from the 2024 Corvettes on West Street (COWS) will support The Arc’s Children, Youth, & Their Families services, funding key initiatives like the Family Fund and Holiday Giving.

For more information about our programs and services, click here. 

On September 25, Living Boldly brought together advocates, leaders, and community members to celebrate progress and inspire further action for disability rights in a day-long session in Annapolis. Living Boldly is a self-advocacy group led by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities dedicated to fostering confidence, independence, and dignity for people with disabilities through advocacy, education, and community engagement. 

What is Self-Advocacy? 

Self-advocacy is when people with intellectual and developmental disabilities represent themselves, their ideas, and their own best interests to advocate for changes in their lives and their communities. Self-advocacy is essential because it encourages people with disabilities to take an active part in the decisions that affect their futures. This is an essential part of The Arc’s work in the community, and The Arc’s self-advocacy group, Living Boldly, provides access to important information so people can form their own ideas and opinions about what they really want. Composed of people throughout the community, this public group is not limited to those receiving services from The Arc to ensure a diverse range of voices is represented.  

Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves equity, access, and opportunity, Living Boldly creates a safe space for people to help each other grow and encourage more independence. Living Boldly supports people in amplifying their voices and shaping policies that directly impact their lives.  

Celebrating Advocacy, Progress, and Empowerment 

On Wednesday, Living Boldly hosted their first bi-annual meeting in Annapolis, MD. The Arc’s President & CEO, Jonathon Rondeau, opened the event with a message of gratitude and celebration, praising the collective achievements of the group, saying, “I am excited to celebrate the profound impact everyone in this room has had this year. Each of you has made so much progress and learned so much. You are better off, those around you are better off, and your communities are better off because you continue asking, ‘What else is possible?’”  

Delegate Dana Jones followed with a video, commending the leadership of Living Boldly’s self-advocates and highlighting how their stories shape legislative change. The day also included a panel discussion from leaders in the community, a legislative overview, fireside chat, and interactive opportunity to experience a voting booth.  

The panel discussion featured Dr. Stephanie Dolamore, Deputy Director of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, as well as Dominique Palmer, Advocacy Specialist at The Arc Maryland, and Greg Snyder, Vice President of Government Relations at the Maryland Association of Community Services. The panelists shared insights into recent legislative progress and stressed the importance of self-representation. Dominique Palmer spoke passionately about people with disabilities telling their own stories and providing testimony to legislators, while Greg Snyder encouraged participation in the upcoming 2025 legislative session, highlighted what to expect next year, and touched on new accessibility features for engaging with the Maryland General Assembly. 

The importance of voting was another central theme throughout the event. Emily Arneson, Assistant Vice President of Government Relations at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, emphasized how crucial it is for people with disabilities to have a strong presence in the electoral process and provided attendees with detailed guidance on how to register to vote, research candidates, and make sure that elections are accessible for all. Emily encouraged attendees to sign up for the Annapolis Insider Newsletter, which sends weekly highlights of the legislative issues important to people with disabilities. Her presentation underscored that voting is a vital tool for ensuring that disability rights remain a priority on the legislative agenda. 

Carol Beatty, Secretary of Maryland’s Department of Disabilities, outlined the work of the Maryland Commission on Disabilities and explained the commission’s goals, sharing information about the various programs that are in place to support people with disabilities across the state. She emphasized the importance of these programs in fostering inclusivity and independence within the community. 

The final session of the day was hosted by Mat Rice, Executive Director of People on the Go Maryland, who discussed the importance of empowering self-advocates. People on the Go Maryland is an organization committed to helping people with disabilities take charge of their rights and futures. Mat stressed that advocacy is not just about policy—it’s about people standing up for themselves and others, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. 

The event concluded with an awards luncheon honoring Nick Sabo and Bryan Rodriguez for their resilience and community contributions, demonstrating the transformative power of self-advocacy. Earlier this year, Nick began a volunteer position that wasn’t fully accessible to his needs. Instead of stepping back, he advocated for changes, and with his persistence, the company adjusted the position to meet his accessibility needs. Bryan is known for his friendly, social, and helpful nature and was celebrated for his positive impact on his community. His kindness and willingness to help those around him have inspired others, and he serves as a role model for what it means to be an advocate in everyday life. 

Living Boldly Continues The Arc’s Legacy of Advocacy  

Living Boldly is vital because it places people with disabilities at the forefront of advocating for their rights and shaping the policies that impact their lives. The Arc is deeply rooted in a tradition of advocacy, and Living Boldly continues that legacy by empowering people with disabilities to raise their own voices and ensure their needs and perspectives are heard directly by legislators, policymakers, and the wider community. 

“Sometimes people without disabilities try to tell our stories for us, but we need to be the ones to tell our stories about how we experience things as a person with a disability. If we let others tell our stories for us, it takes away our power.” – Dominque Palmer, Advocacy Specialist for The Arc Maryland. 

Living Boldly ensures that the people who are most affected by these issues are the ones leading the charge for change. This advocacy takes many forms, and Living Boldly’s work includes everything from improving the enforcement of laws to educating legislative leaders on what inclusion and equality really mean to our communities.  

How to Join Living Boldly 

Living Boldly is open to anyone in the community with a disability who shares the vision of creating a more inclusive and accessible world. You do not need to receive services from The Arc to join. 

Living Boldly has two chapters, one based in Anne Arundel County and one based on the Mid-Shore. Both groups provide opportunities for people with disabilities to connect, learn about their rights, and take an active role in advocacy. Members can attend meetings, participate in workshops, or connect with current members to learn how to get involved in legislative advocacy, community organizing, and leadership development. By joining Living Boldly, advocates can make a lasting impact on their communities while also developing the skills needed to shape their own futures. 

To learn more about how to join Living Boldly and find meeting times and locations, check out The Arc’s Living Boldly Page today.  

The Arc is pleased to announce that Emily McDermott has joined the enterprise as Vice President of External Relations, where she will lead The Arc’s development, government relations, communications, and engagement teams. Emily joins The Arc at a pivotal moment as The Arc continues to grow rapidly and expand services throughout the region.  

Emily has more than 18 years of progressive leadership experience working as Director and Account Supervisor at FOVNDRY, Communications Manager for the Atlanta Opera, and other communications agencies and non-profits. She is known for her thoughtful and collaborative leadership style, her ability to balance vision with compassionate action, strengthening relationships, and fostering strategic partnerships that drive growth and amplify the organization’s mission. Most recently, Emily served as the Senior Account Director at Abel Communications in Baltimore, where she supported employee recruiting, client relations and process, new service development, business development, and cultivating internal culture. With her experience, Emily is poised to further enhance The Arc’s reputation and visibility, helping the organization reach key audiences and share its impactful stories.  

“I am excited to welcome Emily to our Executive Leadership Team,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO. “Emily brings a wealth of expertise to the team as well as a genuine passion for community-building. Her work will enhance The Arc’s reputation and visibility, helping us reach key audiences and share impactful stories.” 

A natural leader and listener, Emily is committed to telling The Arc’s story in a way that resonates deeply with the community. She will lead a dynamic external relations team eager to highlight the organization’s mission, vision, and work throughout the region.  

Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations with a minor in psychology from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Her dedication to excellence has earned her the Paul E. Welsh Award, and she was named to The Daily Record‘s VIP List of Successful by 40 honorees. 

The holidays can be a stressful time for many families. For more than 20 years, The Arc has worked with the community to provide gifts, wrapping supplies, and grocery gift cards to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their siblings throughout the region. Designed to support families with children who have disabilities, Holiday Giving brings the community together to ensure that every child experiences the magic of the holiday season.  

What Makes The Arc’s Holiday Giving Program Unique? 

The Arc’s Holiday Giving Program is tailored to meet each family’s specific needs. Families are encouraged to request items that reflect their child’s interests, needs, and abilities. The Arc then partners with donors and businesses throughout the community to purchase the items from each child’s list, before distributing the items to families in mid-December.  

“In addition to gifts and toys, we also work with the community to provide wrapping paper and grocery gift cards so families can put together a holiday meal,” said Caroline Slobodzian, Director of Development. “Our goal with Holiday Giving is to remove financial barriers for families so they can focus on each other and enjoy the season.” 

Each child receives gifts from their individual wish lists, ranging from toys to clothing, and the family also receives a minimum of $100 in grocery gift cards to help with holiday meals. Holiday Giving provides gifts for all of the children in the family, not just the child with a disability, fostering a sense of inclusion and joy for the entire household. 

Adopting a Family: How You Can Help 

Community members are encouraged to get involved by adopting a child for the holidays. The Arc’s team collects the gift information for each child and distributes the information to donors in early November. The community then purchases gifts for children, following the specific lists provided by the families themselves. You can opt to either shop for the child you adopt yourself or donate $150, and The Arc will do the shopping for you. With 300 children supported this year, the program offers a powerful way for people to make a difference in their local community during the holiday season. 

“I am so thankful and so grateful for the support we’ve received through Holiday Giving,” said one parent. “The gifts we received were a huge blessing. It was a hard year for us, but we were trying to make it work. I had no idea how I was going to give my kids the holiday they deserve, but your thoughtfulness and generosity really brightened our Christmas. This program was a lifesaver. Seeing the smiles on my kids’ faces was such a blessing, and I am beyond grateful for that.” 

People wishing to adopt a child or family through Holiday Giving should click here for more information or email give@thearcccr.org.  

Applying For Holiday Giving: Applications Open on October 1, 2024 

Families interested in receiving gifts from The Arc’s Holiday Giving Program can apply starting on October 1. This is a first-come, first-serve program, the application will remain open until October 15, or the program reaches capacity – whichever comes first. Given the high demand for this program, families are encouraged to apply early to secure their spot.  

To be eligible for the program, families must live within the nine counties supported by The Arc Central Chesapeake Region and have a child with an intellectual or developmental disability under the age of 21. Families are required to submit one application per child; The Arc will support every child in the household.  

“We’re proud that our Holiday Giving Program reflects the true spirit of generosity,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth, & Their Families. “By allowing families to ask for what they need and want, we ensure the gifts are meaningful and impactful. It’s more than just toys—it’s about giving families the opportunity to celebrate together and feel supported by their community.”  

For questions about the program or your eligibility, please contact us at resources@thearcccr.org. 

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and to promote inclusive employment practices. NDEAM highlights the need to break down employment barriers for people with disabilities, fostering a workplace culture that values the talents and skills of all people. 

The History of National Disability Employment Awareness Month 

The origins of NDEAM date back to 1945, when Congress declared the first week of October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” This initiative aimed to address the employment challenges faced by disabled veterans returning from World War II. The movement grew over the years, reflecting society’s evolving understanding of disability rights. In 1962, the word “physically” was removed from the observance’s title to include people with all types of disabilities. 

By 1988, recognizing the broader challenges faced by people with disabilities in finding employment, Congress expanded the week-long event into a month-long observance, officially renaming it National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Today, NDEAM continues to emphasize the importance of ensuring equal opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities in the workforce. 

The Importance of Inclusion in the Workforce 

Working is a profound way for people with disabilities to experience full inclusion in their communities. It comes with many of the rewards we all desire – financial, social, and professional independence. But inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce is not only a matter of social importance; it’s also a smart business strategy. Studies show that diverse teams, including employees with disabilities, enhance productivity, creativity, and problem-solving in the workplace.  

Newk’s Eatry in Gambrills, MD, is one employer partnering with The Arc’s Work Development Program. “Jamal opened the door for other people [with disabilities] to have chances. He showed us you can’t always judge a book by its cover and helped me look at people with disabilities through a different lense,” said Rodney Johnson, General Manager. “People assume that people with disabilities can’t do a job, so they don’t give them a chance. They deserve an opportunity.”  

Despite the progress people with disabilities have made in the workforce, there are still significant barriers and challenges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 7.2%, more than double the rate for people without disabilities. Moreover, people with disabilities who are employed are more likely to work in part-time roles or earn lower wages than their peers. 

This gap highlights the importance of initiatives like NDEAM, which seeks to break down barriers and create pathways to meaningful employment for people with disabilities. Inclusive hiring practices not only benefit employees with disabilities but also enrich companies by fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Employment is not just about earning a paycheck; it’s about having a sense of purpose, contributing to society, personal fulfillment, and achieving independence. For people with disabilities, the opportunity to work can provide a critical pathway to self-sufficiency, confidence, and a sense of community. 

Supporting People with Disabilities in the Workplace 

The Arc’s robust workforce development program supports over 85 people in varying stages of employment throughout the community. From long-term employees with 15+ years with the same employer to new jobseekers who are just beginning their employment journey, The Arc’s workforce development program supports people in identifying their talents, growing their skills, and combining their interests and passions with the support they need to maintain long-term careers at workplaces that value them.  

“People with disabilities bring so much to the workplace, including unique perspectives and skills, and their contributions drive innovation and success,” said Laura Degler, Assistant Director of Workforce Development.  

Through partnerships with local businesses and agencies, The Arc’s workforce development programs provide job training and career coaching that empowers people with disabilities in the workplace. “Our team supports people in everything from identifying what type of work interests them, preparing their resumes and practicing interviewing, to on-the-job support after they’ve been hired,” said Laura. 

When you express interest in starting your career or finding a new job, our Workforce Development team meets with you to discuss your goals and vision for the type of work you want to pursue and how it aligns with the life you want to lead. Together, we review job postings, update resumes, navigate the application process, and practice interview skills, which are all essential components of job and career development.  But the support doesn’t stop there; our team provides ongoing coaching after you’re hired and even helps with managing transportation to get to and from work.  

Moving Forward: The Future of Disability Employment 

NDEAM serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. As businesses continue to embrace diversity and implement inclusive hiring practices, it’s important to focus on long-term strategies that ensure people with disabilities are not only hired but are also provided with opportunities for growth and advancement within the workplace. 

Programs like The Arc’s Workforce Development play a vital role in making this vision a reality. As we celebrate NDEAM this October, we work together to build a more inclusive workforce where people of all abilities can thrive. 

If you or someone you know could benefit from The Arc’s Workforce Development Program, check out our admissions process and apply for services so we can get to know you. 

Please join The Arc Central Chesapeake Region at the ribbon cutting for Port Street Commons to celebrate the incredible impact this project will have on the community and to honor the many supporters who have brought this project to life.  

Thursday, November 7, 2024 

10:00am (Program begins at 10:15am) 

480 Port Street, Easton, MD 21601 

RSVPs are encouraged. Please click here to RSVP by November 1. 

The ribbon cutting will feature remarks from a variety of community leaders who share in The Arc’s vision for innovative community resources. Following the speeches, you are invited to enjoy refreshments and tour the facility to experience the thoughtful design and integrated approach that makes Port Street Commons a vital asset to the community. 

What is Port Street Commons? 

Port Street Commons is a 24,000-square-foot multi-purpose space strategically designed to integrate office space, a place for services (including counseling), and affordable housing – all under one roof. This innovative project will be a unique resource for the community and was developed in response to community requests for greater choice in disability services, better access to mental health care, and more affordable housing opportunities throughout the region.  

Port Street Commons will include both The Arc at Port Street and The Residences at Port Street. As The Arc’s new, permanent Eastern Shore Headquarters, The Arc at Port Street will support the organization’s growth and operations throughout the Mid-Shore. With a Community Hub, Behavioral Health Suite, and office and training spaces, The Arc at Port Street is a significant investment in infrastructure that will allow The Arc to continue innovating and growing services for people throughout the region.  

The Residences at Port Street will be owned and operated by Chesapeake Neighbors and will feature nine two- and three-bedroom affordable housing units for low and moderate-income renters. Chesapeake Neighbors recently held a lottery to identify the first tenants for this space. Tenants are slated to move in December 2025. 

A Community Focused Vision 

Port Street Commons is part of a broader initiative to revitalize Port Street. Eventually, the Port Street Corridor will connect the historic Town of Easton with Easton’s waterfront, creating a vibrant community. 

Support for has come from stakeholders throughout the community. With a wide array of federal, state, local, and private support, over $6.1 million has been secured for the project. This collaborative effort highlights the broad community support, and the significance of Port Street Commons in meeting local community-identified needs.