The Arc Southern Maryland podcasting class talked about relationships yesterday and wanted to send you their thoughts about Saint Valentine's Day. Here's your bonus episode!

The Arc Southern Maryland is gearing up to go to Annapolis next week to advocate for continued funding of services for those with developmental disabilities. D-D- Day is next Wednesday, February 21. We talked to two young men about their thoughts about representing the Arc Southern Maryland and hearing their messages to lawmakers and all Marylanders. Meet Adam Dethlof and Alex Murray.

For more information see the website of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council here https://www.md-council.org/

For background information about legislation that is being watched by the Arcs across Maryland please click here:  http://www.thearcmd.org/

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Every year parents and advocates for those of us with developmental or intellectual disabilities go to our State Capital in Annapolis to talk to lawmakers about our needs and wants. We all pay taxes to our government for services. In America we have a right to speak up and demand our fair share. This podcast features the Executive Director of the Arc of Maryland Ande Kolp and Arc Director of Communications and Engagement Luc Chasse. The Arc of Maryland serves as the legislative liaison to lawmakers. In this episode you will learn that your stories and points of view are very important to lawmakers and they want to hear from you. Please see below to register your attendance and for more background on D-D-Day, Wednesday,  February 21, 2024

To register for DD Day: https://DD-Day-24.eventbrite.com

Link to where Fact Sheets for the Day will be available: https://www.md-council.org/policy/public-policy-priorities/dd-day-at-the-legislature/

Link to watch an event on the web via livestream: https://www.facebook.com/people/Maryland-Developmental-Disabilities-Coalition/100064565118995/

Justin Valenti is a visual artist, author, and a 28-year-old man diagnosed with Autism. He recently received recognition from Maryland Governor Wes Moore for his contributions to visual and street art in the Free State. Justin shares his story with See Me. See My Ability: The Podcast of the Arc Southern Maryland. We are more than meets the eye. Justin is the epitome of living beyond one's diagnosis. 

Find Justin's work via the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/justinvalenti96

https://www.facebook.com/VisArtsCenter

Find a link to Justin's books on Amazon Here:

http://tinyurl.com/Justin-Valenti-Artists-Books

The artwork that accompanies this episode is from Justin's Facebook page and used with permission.

We're not contagious! We may talk differently, have difficulty talking or making eye contact, or seem different. But, like you, we want to be seen and heard. Welcome to the first episode of 2024 of See Me. See My Ability. We're more than meets the eye! Get to know us. 

People with IDD have more dental issues than most and the expense can be staggering. Our most expensive procedure this year was over $12,000; we could only fund half of it. Medicare benefits don't cover the costs of sedation dentistry. We need your help! On Giving Day and every day, every dollar you donate will help get rid of the pain that comes from poor dental care. https://arcsomd.org/dental/

In this episode of See Me See My Ability our Arc of Southern Maryland podcasting class explores some of the virtues and commemorations celebrated during the month of November. It's a time to give, and the Arc needs your help. https://arcsomd.org/giving-tuesday-2023/