The Arc Baltimore

03/04/2026

Time is running out! ⏳

The deadline to nominate a star for the Catalyst for Change Awards is this Friday! Whether it’s a standout staff member or a dedicated community partner, we want to celebrate the heroes championing disability rights and inclusion.

It only takes five minutes to give someone the recognition they deserve. Submit your nomination today!

🔗 https://www.thearcbaltimore.org/catalyst-for-change-awards/

03/03/2026

Protect Essential Disability Services in Maryland!

Join MACS, The Arc Maryland, and The Arc Baltimore by contacting your legislators to oppose proposed DDA budget cuts totaling over $310 million. These reductions threaten essential one-to-one staffing and community-based services, risking the stability, safety, and independence of Marylanders with developmental disabilities. When you reach out, share your personal story and emphasize how these cuts jeopardize provider sustainability, staffing quality, and the long-term health of the support system.

Please email your local representatives—whom you can find in the email below—as well as the General Assembly leadership and budget chairs to urge they protect this vital funding.

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District

The Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS), in partnership with The Arc Maryland, is urging providers, families, DSPs, and advocates to contact legislators starting tomorrow, March 3, as the General Assembly deliberates the DDA budget.

Governor Wes Moore’s proposed reductions total $155.4 million in State General Funds and $310.8 million overall. If these cuts move forward, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will have their access to essential supports put at risk.

What’s at stake:
• Reduced one-to-one staffing for people with significant medical and behavioral needs
• A proposed budget cap that could mean fewer service hours, loss of meaningful day opportunities, and even potential discharge from services

These are not abstract numbers. They impact real people, real families, and real lives. For many Marylanders, these services mean stability, safety, independence, and community inclusion.

Take Action: Call or email your legislators and urge them to oppose these DDA budget cuts. Share how these changes would affect you or your loved one.

02/27/2026

Don't wait to nominate!

There is still time to nominate a star for the Catalyst for Change Awards! From our incredible staff to our dedicated community partners, we want to hear about the people championing disability rights and inclusion. Take five minutes to give a hero the recognition they deserve.

Submit your nomination today!
https://www.thearcbaltimore.org/catalyst-for-change-awards/

02/27/2026

What’s at stake when we cut DDA funding? For Ingrid, it’s her independence.

From learning to do laundry to overcoming a lifelong fear of stairs, Ingrid’s growth is fueled by one-on-one supports. Her mother, Liz, is speaking out to ensure Maryland doesn’t trade human dignity for budget lines.

Read why these services are a lifeline:

The hearing on $150 million in proposed cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration was mostly dry, until recipients and family members began telling their personal stories, and two years of fears and frustration bubbled over.

02/27/2026

Cheers to 15 years!

To honor Andrew Pope's impressive work anniversary, the Blades & Rosenfeld, P.A. team gathered for lunch and a gift to show their appreciation for his long-standing commitment and contributions.

Congratulations to Andrew for his hard work and dedication!

02/23/2026

Due to the inclement weather, all Arc Baltimore day centers will be opening two hours late on Monday, February 23th. As this is an evolving event, please check back in the morning as their maybe a possible reevaluation.

The contracts division of Landscape, Janitorial, and policing will open at normal operating hours.

People in Project Search and Career Catalyst will be called by their supervisor with any schedule changes.

Community living staff should report to their site according to their regular schedule.

The Arc Baltimore offices and Day centers will open at 10 AM for staff and New Hire Orientation will start at 10 AM.

02/19/2026

Karen McDonough said that her son, Sean, saw “immense” improvements in his day-to-day life after he joined a community provider that oversees his day services, giving him “meaningful engagement, friendship, and activities that enrich his life.”

“These supports are crucial to his sense of a safe, productive, independent social and enjoyable life – a life that is not confined to being at home with mom or dad,” she said.

“That peace of mind exists because of the supports funded through DDA and provided by a trusted community provider,” she said. “The proposed budget cuts threaten both his present stability and his future.”

People with developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers clawed back most of last year's proposed $400 million in budget cuts to the agency that provides their care, only to find themselves back this year facing $150 million in possible cuts.

02/18/2026

Advocacy isn't optional. It’s essential.


We were glad to join The Arc Maryland, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, People On The Go of Maryland , Disability Rights Maryland , and Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS) for . This year, it was especially important to gather in Annapolis to highlight the value of community-based services. Our advocacy team of 30 mobilized to meet with nearly 25 legislators this session.

In addition, our community met at Lawyers Mall to listen to advocates share stories with lawmakers about why these supports matter. By speaking up together, we help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live and thrive in their own community.

02/17/2026

Proposed cuts to Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration will destabilize critical services, disproportionately impact people who rely on specialized supports, and undermine civil rights protections. Tomorrow at 11:15 AM on Lawyers Mall (located outside of the State House) in Annapolis, people with developmental disabilities, families, and community providers will share their voices and stories about how they rely on community-based services to live, work, and thrive in their communities. This rally from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition is open to all!

People On The Go of Maryland Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS) Disability Rights Maryland Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council

The Arc Baltimore The Arc Carroll County Maryland The Arc of Frederick County The Arc of Howard County The Arc Montgomery County The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region The Arc of Prince George's County The Arc Southern Maryland The Arc of Washington County, Inc.

02/17/2026

Valentine’s Day might be over, but the love is still very much alive at The Arc Baltimore 💌

From heartfelt affirmations to encouraging notes shared around the office, we’re carrying those good vibes forward. Because kindness, connection, and showing up for one another aren’t just for one day—they’re part of who we are.

02/16/2026

The proposed FY27 budget includes significant cuts that threaten the independence and quality of life for the IDD community. These aren't just numbers, they are real lives. We need a visible show of unity to show lawmakers what's at stake.

📍 Where: Lawyers Mall, Annapolis 
🗓️ When: 11:15 AM (Immediately following the Graduate Hotel program) 
👥 Who: Everyone! Providers, families, advocates, and allies.

No ticket to the morning program? No problem! You can still join us for the rally and connect with legislators afterward. Let’s make our voices heard!

These Are Our Lives.

The proposed FY27 DDA budget includes $155 million in state cuts and more than $310 million total with the federal match. These reductions impact essential home and community based supports for people with disabilities and families across Maryland.

On DD Day, February 18, join us in Annapolis for a Rally at 11:15 a.m. on Lawyer’s Mall, located in front of the State House. Together, we will share our stories and highlight why DDA Home and Community Based Services are vital to more than 19,000 Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The rally is organized by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition and will take place immediately following the DD Day at the Legislature program that morning. While tickets are required for the earlier event at the Graduate and are sold out, the rally is open to all who are able to attend.