Ask The Arc
Why Should I Choose The Arc to Help Me?
Families and individuals have a choice in how they access services from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) when funding becomes available to them. The Arc has a dedicated history of honoring self-determination so supports are driven by the person served.
Believing that individuals benefit from the assistance of a professional navigator, The Arc establishes partnerships with each person served so they are not alone. This provider-managed model is similar to how one trusts their health technicians for medical advice; handyman for home repairs; or attorney for legal services. These types of relationships do not remove choice; rather, people have a trained expert to provide advice, information, and service in a knowledgeable, efficient, and caring way.
With DDA maintaining a waiting list below someone can access funding, many families have already sought assistance from The Arc along their journeys prior to state services becoming available. The Arc's Educational Advocacy, Parents' Day Out, Sibshops, Future Planning, and information and referral services are offered as part of The Arc's grassroots commitment to creating inclusive communities. These past partnerships naturally blend well when DDA funding becomes available.
The Arc Support Coordinators are certified with housing and employment credentials required by the state to demonstrate high quality deliverables. These certifications, along with other trainings that extend beyond what the state requires, make The Arc a helpful addition to teams as Person-Centered Plans are created.
A core addition to each person's team is hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to assist them to accomplish their goals. Understanding that the person served and their DSPs will develop a close, professional relationship, The Arc locates and rtains potential people who are then interviewed by the person we serve; with the person having the ultimate choice in the hiring process.
Support Coordinators then line up individual trainings, monitor quality assurance, and oversee administrative duties so that services are maintained. These administrative responsibilities are required by the state, but are often difficult for families to juggle on their own.
Lives are further enriched as The Arc makes volunteers connections, cultivates third spaces for community involvement, provides job training and career maintenance, and helps people live in homes of their choice, braiding family, friends, and paid support. Services come full circle as Future Plans are established so caregivers know that their family member will have a partner, advocate, and be cared for in their absence.
Call (301) 663-0909 to learn how The Arc can partner with you.
