Navigating Neurodiversity

See Me See My Ability conducted a community Zoom session for our podcast class and found that our clients love being out-and-about and social. We heard from two organizations that organize, free for the disabled, events in our tri-county area of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties, in Maryland. They are Shantel Thomas of the  BJK Support Services brokerage firm in  LaPlata (240) 901-2214, and Therese Thiedman of Southern Maryland Community Resources. or " S-M-C-R."  Email: therese.smcr@gmail.com.

Amber Brady, Instructional Specialist for Secondary Transitions, a department in Special Ed in Charles County Schools. Our Rita Rich talked to her for See ME. See My Ability about the help public school systems can be to most parents of physically or intellectually developmentally disabled children. Learn practical advice, and gain valuable wisdom about working with the school system to help you and your child.
 
#IDD #ADA #Disabilities #Public Schools. #Transitioning Youth 

The Arc Southern Maryland recently hosted at our Waldorf facility a guest speaker named Jennifer Bobbitt, BCBA, specializing in speech therapy and mental health. She is part of a guest speaker series open to members of the general public, those who work with clients like ours, and younger individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD.) 
This episode of See ME. See My Ability talks about using some American Sign Language signs to change how we communicate with others and will help others communicate with us. The idea is to reduce frustration levels.
If you want to hear Ms. Bobbitt's full presentation email us at info@arcsomd.org
 

Rita Rich the host of the See Me. See MY Ability podcast of The Arc Southern Maryland talks to the non-profit group Maryland Inclusive Housing about how they can help.
#Inclusivehousing #maryland #laurensilverstone #waitlists #fairhousing #IDD #disabiity 

Spring has sprung in Maryland and more and more of us are going outdoors to enjoy parties and celebrations, including consumers of the Arc So MD! And, our legislative leadership at the Arc Maryland are getting ready for their Annual Convention and Awards Ceremony. We talked with the Arc's Luc Chaussee, the director of communications and engagement, about their big day coming up on May 30 at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Maryland

Part two of The See Me See My Ability podcast's conversation with Grammy Award-winning music teacher Annie Ray, who created the Crescendo Orchestra made up of severely disabled students of Annandale High School, in Fairfax County, Virginia. Ms. Ray describes the energy boost she gets from her students as they go through the stages of mastering their instrument. Some students even have parents who are learning the same instruments from scratch at the same time they are!
All music heard in the background was used with permission from Annie Ray.
 

Annie Ray is a classically trained musician. This native of Northern Texas calls Fairfax County Virginia Home and is now music director for Annandale High School. But, we're burying the lede: She was awarded a Grammy Award in 2024 for teaching severely disabled students music, and for her years of creating The Crescendo Orchestra.  Listen to this very energetic teacher talk about her passion for teaching and helping kids and adults unveil their secret super power: They Are Musicians.
 
#annandalehighSchool #fairfax #FCPL #Crescendo #TheParents Orchestra.
https://annandalehs.fcps.edu/student-life-and-activities/performing-arts/orchestra

We don't want you to be a couch potato when the Kentucky Derby is run on May the Fourth!  Join our friends in adult spirits and Southern Maryland-style cuisine at one of Calvert County's famous vineyards. 
The Perigeaux Winery.
There's still time to buy tickets to enjoy adult beverages, live music, and the company of supporters of The Arc Southern Maryland. 
Listen to Arc Southern Maryland's Lyndee Waldbauer describe the who, what, where, and why you should buy a table and join us in an evening at the races. And, you can still sponsor our event and get your name on our swag! There will be a silent and online auction for commemorative pieces from the world of TV and movies, as well as services and gift cards from our allies and supporters in our community.
 
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All Marylanders, once they have their 18th Birthday May Vote In Our State!
There are very few exceptions. See Me See MY Ability talks with Mary Ann Mogavero of the Maryland State Board of Elections. Your one-stop to shop website to check on voter registration, finding your place to cast your ballot, and for early voting for the Maryland Primary is here.
For a brief background about Ms. Mogavaro click here.
#MDvotes 2024
Early voting is a week before Maryland's presidential primary day which is on Tuesday, May 14th. 
 

Victoria M. Rodríguez-Roldán was appointed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore as Statewide Autism Coordinator, in the Maryland Department of Disabilities. Ms. Roldan has spent years as an activist in the non-profit sector and has worked for the federal government. This Baltimore-based attorney has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Autism Self Advocacy Network, on the Bar of the Disability Rights Association, and has been a board members of the ACLU and the Equity New York.
She talks candidly about her work experiences, and her academic writings for law journals in the U.S.