See ME. See My Ability

Awards and Recognition Time For The Arc Maryland

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 2 of the Arc So MD Interview with Grammy Award Winner Music Teacher Annie Ray

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-The Grammy Winning Music Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities

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

For Adults! A Day at the Derby

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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Voting in the Maryland Primary is Easy

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. 
 

Autism Advocate Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan

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. 

Ross Barchacky of Inclusively talks about his disabilities and finding jobs

Ross Barchacky is a disabled American veteran who served in the Army during Operation Enduring Freedom, after 9/11/2001. He is Head of Partnerships for a company that finds employment opportunities for other veterans called Inclusively and is also a member of the Arc of Loudon County's board of directors. Barchacky, via Zoom, visited the Podcasting Class of the Arc Southern Maryland.
 
Employee Spotlight: Ross Barchacky, Director of Partnerships (inclusively.com)
 
For more resources on developing a "skills" resume and other helpful hints please listen to our archives, and this podcast featuring Brian Haas of the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)

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Happy Valentine's Day!

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!

Speak Your Mind Like Adam and Alex

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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