Living Life to the Fullest:

The Arc of Howard County's Innovative Approach to Disability Services.

What does it mean to live a life of one’s choosing, especially for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities? This question lies at the heart of The Arc of Howard County’s mission, and it’s why we at Full Sail Media are thrilled to spotlight their incredible work in our Maryland Stronger Together calendar initiative.

Championing Full Community Inclusion in Howard County

For decades, the Arc of Howard County has been at the forefront of a paradigm shift in how we perceive and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their mission is fostering independence, encouraging personal growth, and ensuring full community inclusion.

Katie Collins-Ihrke, a passionate advocate in the disability field and executive director for The Arc of Howard County, shared with us the organization’s core philosophy: “It’s more about living a life and what makes living a life exciting. It’s taking chances and taking risks and trying new things, and people with disabilities haven’t necessarily always had that opportunity.”

This vision is encapsulated in what they call “The Arc Way,” built on four key principles:

1. Person-Centered Approach

2. Community-Based Experiences

3. Comprehensive Support

4. Staff Training and Development

These principles guide every aspect of their work, ensuring that each individual receives tailored support to achieve their unique goals and aspirations.

Programs That Transform Lives

The Arc of Howard County offers a range of services designed to support individuals at various stages of life and with different needs:

Day & Supported Retirement Services - For those not in full-time employment, this program offers opportunities for learning, recreation, personal enrichment, and volunteer work.

Community Development Services - These individualized supports help foster community connections and improve overall quality of life.

Supported Employment Services - Recognizing that meaningful employment is crucial for a fulfilling life, the Arc connects employers with potential employees and provides ongoing support and training.

Supportive Housing Services - Through person-centered planning, individuals develop living arrangements that meet their needs and help them become valued community members.

Project SEARCH - This innovative one-year internship program supports students with disabilities in their final year of high school, preparing them for future employment.

Collins-Ihrke emphasized the evolving nature of their services, particularly in housing: “Now people coming out of high school with intellectual and developmental disabilities are thinking, well, maybe I don’t want to live with roommates. Maybe I want to live by myself. How do you explore that? How do you afford that?”

She also highlighted the importance of their employment services, noting that, “Full community life means having a meaningful job that pays a living wage. The Arc’s skilled Employment Specialists not only work to match employers with employees but also provide additional training and give advice.”

Overcoming Challenges, Changing Perceptions

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Funding constraints, staffing issues (especially in the wake of the pandemic), and societal attitudes present ongoing hurdles. However, the Arc of Howard County faces these challenges head-on with resilience and creativity.

“We still have people who don’t understand what we’re doing, especially out in the community,” Collins-Ihrke explained, highlighting the importance of community education. “We’re just trying to help people have their lives. Attitudes are some of the biggest barriers that we face when trying to do this work.”

Despite these obstacles, the Arc continues to make strides. They’ve worked hard to increase staff wages, ensuring they can attract and retain dedicated professionals. They’ve also adapted their services in response to changing needs and expectations, such as supporting individuals who wish to live independently.

How You Can Support The Arc of Howard County

The Arc of Howard County’s work is vital, but they can’t do it alone. Here’s how you can get involved:

Attend Events: On September 6, The Arc of Howard County will be hosting their Fall Golf Classic, so be sure to mark your calendars for a fun day out that supports a great cause!

Volunteer: Whether it’s helping with day programs, maintenance work, or event support, there are numerous ways to contribute your time and skills - you can find out more on their official Volunteer page here.

Spread Awareness: Help change perceptions by sharing The Arc’s mission with your network. Consider Employment: If you’re an employer, consider partnering with the Arc to provide job

opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Donate: Financial contributions help The Arc continue and expand their vital services.

At Full Sail Media, we’re honored to partner with organizations like the Arc of Howard County. Their work reminds us of the power of inclusion and the importance of seeing the potential in every individual.

To learn more about the Arc of Howard County, volunteer opportunities, or to register for their upcoming golf tournament, visit their website here, archoward.org .

For our 2024 Full Sail Media, community changemaker calendar, we have partnered with 13 different organizations, all dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County is our featured partner for the month of June. To get your own 2024 Full Sail Media calendar, click the link below.

Order your FREE Copy of our 2024 Full Sail Media Calendar Now!

Follow along every month to learn about our FSM Change Makers.