Since 1988 October has been declared National Disability Employment Awareness Month. “NDEAM,” celebrates the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. The Arc Southern Maryland talked to a government contractor recruiter who knows quite a few scientists and technicians with top clearances who are on the Spectrum or have other disabilities. So, don't discount yourself if you have a diagnosis! We also talked to Arc Southern Maryland Clients Alex Murray and Jeannie Sturgess, who have held jobs for most of their lives. Jeannie is in over 10 years with one employer! #Listen and #share how those with disabilities contribute to our economy and can earn and save their own money.

We've wanted to feature a guest who can speak frankly about the challenges married couples and their families face when one family member is diagnosed with special needs. Discovering the online community created by Carrie Cariello was a real find! She provides no-holds-barred accounts of being part of that special community. And, this podcast was an exceptional conversation that we cannot wait for you to hear!

We want to reward our listeners with a chance to win one of Carrie's books! Here' are the ways you can enter to get us to send you one straight from Amazon.com. 

There are three ways to enter between now and October 13.

1. Share the giveaway post from our social media pages. For instance, https://www.facebook.com/TheArcSomd/

You can enter just one way, or if you’re feeling lucky, complete all three to increase your chances of winning! We’ll select the winners randomly after October 13, so don’t miss out! 

Much thanks for Toronto Jazz artist Ron Davis for permission to sample his music.. 

Ron is an award winning musician, attorney and Francophile based in Toronto, Canada. He's further proof that our podcast, and everyone at the Arc Southern Maryland has friends and supporters everywhere. We've got a great family. Find out more about us here.

See Me, See My Ability tackles the tough topic some parents of neurodivergent or IDD students face:  restraint and seclusion in our schools of their sons and daughters. Restraint and seclusion crisis management strategies are used in many schools nationwide and worldwide. But, what if we all, friends, neighbors, teachers, and security forces, better understood our sons and daughters? We talked with Guy Stephens, the executive director of the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint about what is a deadly problem.  Find out more about educating your staff, and schools, plus get tools for self-advocacy here.

The Arc Southern Maryland facilitates the training of police and other security personnel on handling encounters with people like our clients. These are young men and women with developmental disabilities, varying communication abilities, and sensitivities to sounds and lights. In this, the second part of our special two-part series Calvert County Deputy Sheriff Corporal Nick DeFelice talked with See Me See My Ability about his training and why he likes his job of community outreach. 

Have you ever had an encounter with a police officer, security guard, or someone else in authority and you didn't know how to behave? If you or a loved one has a problem communicating or understanding everything that's being asked of you? You're not alone. This week's episode features Neil Lichter, the program director for Baltimore County Based Pathfinders for Autism, who works with police agencies and the Arc to teach police and our community members how to communicate better and accommodate one another.

https://pathfindersforautism.org/

Next week we'll publish Part 2 featuring #calvertcountysherrif corporal #NickDeFelice

See Me. See My Ability, the podcast from The Arc Southern Maryland celebrated being in production for one year on August 22. Industry standards say we beat the odds. Most podcasts and podcasters poop out and stop output after six months!  Thanks to your help we are going strong. We're open to your reviews at [email protected] and thank our friends, family, and community members for sharing their stories. We're not done yet!

#DunkinDonuts #Maryland.gov #podcasters, #NonProfitInstitute, #GellerMedia #Comcast #Autism #ARC #ArcMD #Annapolis #HouseofDelegates #MarylandSenate

We'd like to thank all the production people who have allowed us to sample their music via Creative Common Licenses, and permissions we don't have to pay for including in part:

Happy Birthday by Michael Riepen 

It's Your Birthday! by Monk Turner + Fascinoma 

And, our friends from #Canada whose blanket music licenses and permissions to Rita Rich are so important to her. Friendships from #CanadianMade are long lasting and strong. Shout out to #ICareForRares.

Everybody can use a new lid, or cover and this month when you buy one at a LIDS franchise in your local mall or shopping area you can help support the ARC!

We talk to the Arc of the U.S.'s Kristen McKiernan about their new partnership with the Lids Foundation. You can read more about it here. 

LIDS PARTNERSHIP | The Arc

Much thanks to The ARC of the United States for the Episode Photo

Meantime, listen to our fun podcast and leave us some reviews. When you listen you'll find out about important conferences and meetings for staff, parents and all of our allies.

The Arc Southern Maryland could not provide safe places for our residents without Casey Roberts. He's been the director of community living for the past four years. Meet Casey and hear how he shares his time with our clients. 

Are you a person with disabilities--any disabilities? Have you ever been taught about the 1990 signing of the American Disabilities Act? Listen to this podcast to learn about the work that's gone into making more places, events, and things open to you and those you love. A lot of people worked hard before you, your parents, and even your grandparents were born to make life more equitable and accessible for those with disabilities!  Keep it here to learn about a new law that goes into effect in Maryland in October-Learn about the new Purple Alert! It will help those who love you find you should you get lost! Thanks to our guests  Maryland House Delegates Michele Guyton of Baltimore County and Aaron Kaufman of Southern Montgomery County, two of the Purple Alert laws sponsors.

#disabilityrights #history #Safety #accessabililty #Alert  #purple, #State #Delegates #Guyton #Kaufman

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: [email protected].