SEVERN, MD (September 15, 2021) – The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) announces the launch of Project Learn, a new initiative funded by the Developmental Disabilities Council of Maryland that will focus on supporting parents and the students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to understand the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and become strong self-advocates.
The project, in partnership with Education Team Allies, is made possible by a grant from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.
Additionally, this program will assist families in developing a plan for their child as it pertains to their further education, employment, and independent living.
“We are proud to partner with Education Team Allies and thankful for funding support from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council to make this happen,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Each student has unique educational needs, and Project Learn aims to provide students with plans and tools for their continued success.”
Project Learn consists of three components designed to ensure that parents and their children are involved in the process together, creating a plan that is best suited to their needs. These components include:
- Family Consultations
- Leadership Academy
- Resource Materials
“Parents and students face a myriad of decisions when faced with the IEP process,” said Beth Nolan, Co-Founder & Principal of Education Team Allies. “Our outreach has indicated that they need resources that are free, easily accessible, individualized, and specific to their school systems to support them in making these important decisions in relation to the impact it will have on the student’s life after high school.”
Project Learn is open to families and students with IDD who attend public school and reside in the following Maryland counties: Anne Arundel, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, and Dorchester.
Enrollment for Project Learn Family Consultations is currently open. To apply, fill out the form here.
Applications for the Project Learn Leadership Academy will open for students in late October 2021. Project Learn Resource Materials are county-specific and will be available online beginning in spring 2022.
For information about Project Learn, please contact Deena Kilmon, Director of Engagement, at resources@thearcccr.org or 410.353.1137 or visit www.thearcccr.org/projectlearn/.
About The Arc Central Chesapeake Region
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region provides services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through living options, workforce development, and fiscal management services. Serving Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, The Arc provides an innovative, person-directed approach across the arc of a person’s life with a focus on equity and self-determination. www.thearcccr.org
About Education Team Allies
Education Team Allies was founded in 2019 to help parents navigate the special education system. They assist families in developing an IEP or 504 for their child that includes a meaningful vision as it pertains to further education, employment, and independent living in addition to advocating for and fostering a culture of inclusion for all. Visit https://educationteamallies.com/ to learn more.