The Arc of Howard County

02/28/2026

02/28/2026

Bryan had an amazing time exploring the immersive experience at Bubble Planet Experience in DC and staying active while jumping at Sky Zone Columbia MD!

Opportunities like these support our mission of helping people with disabilities live full, meaningful lives in the community. It was such a blast! And honestly, we had so much fun, we’re already planning to go again! 🥳

02/27/2026

We can never say thank you enough to everyone who supports The Arc of Howard County! Because of you, the people we support feel empowered and included. They are given opportunities to enjoy authentic friendships, thrive in their workplaces, and experience independence.

THANK YOU for standing with us and believing in the work that we do!
https://archoward.org/get-involved/

02/26/2026

On DD Day, The Arc of Howard County, represented by our Executive Director Katie Collins-Ihrke, joined forces with the Autism Society during an advocacy meeting with District 13 staff as they discussed DD funding and self-directed services in the State of Maryland. The Arc also personally visited other districts to gain their support and advocacy for DD services.

It is important to protect critical resources for people with IDD to live, work, and thrive in their communities. Please join us!

02/25/2026

Happy International Friendship Day! 💛

At The Arc of Howard County, friendships are part of the everyday magic and nurturing it is important to us. Whether it’s sharing a laugh during activities, cheering each other on, or just spending time together, we love seeing real connections grow.

At its best, friendship reminds us that we belong and that we’re never alone.

What do you think are the characteristics of a good friend? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 👇

02/24/2026

More DD Day photos! Let's advocate for disability rights. If you don’t stand for SOMETHING, you will fall for ANYTHING.

02/24/2026

No to budget cuts! No to institutionalization! Yes to Medicaid and quality of life!

This is Richard's battle cry on Developmental Disabilities Day (DD Day) as he and The Arc of Howard County staff joined hundreds of advocates from the disability community to fight for the restoration of the proposed $150 million budget cut.

The cut would threaten our DD friends in receiving services that help them thrive in the community. We don't want that to happen. Help us advocate for their rights!

PS - Richard has been speaking up for what’s right every DD Day for over 15 years. We are proud of him!

02/23/2026

Caring for an adult child with mental health and developmental disabilities can be both rewarding and challenging. No one should have to do it alone.

Launching on March 12 is a 6-week caregiver support group to receive connection and encouragement with fellow caregivers. While this is not The Arc's program, we're happy to help spread the word and support our community.

Discussion and sharing will be facilitated by Shiowei Cheng, an intern working with the Howard County Office of Aging and Independence and an MSW student at University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Take time for yourself.

02/22/2026

Stay warm! We'll provide more updates if the inclement weather continues!

02/21/2026

The people we support had an absolute blast visiting Luna Cat Collective in Ellicott City! 🐱 Their time with the friendly felines were full of cuddles, playtime and lots of smiles. There's nothing better than spending the day with furry friends. We love having such a fun cat cafe right here in our community! 🐈‍⬛🐈

02/21/2026

Please read the Howard County Police Department's post about this young man. If you recognize him, please call the police. They are trying to locate his family or caregivers.

02/21/2026

We've been doing Black History presentations all month long (by staff and people we support), and we're fired up by the inspiring stories of courage and strength!

M.P. delivered a powerful, heartfelt message as she presented history on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman. M.P. had previously expressed great interest in wanting to do a presentation for Black History Month. She said, "Black History is very special." Awesome job M.P.! A BIG shoutout also goes to L.A. for his take on Gladys West!

The Arc staff members Christina and Traci were excellent in presenting Sojourner Truth and Stevie Wonder. Good job everyone!