People with disabilities want to be seen for who we are, not the diagnosis we have been given. We discuss inclusion, human rights, services, and our personal relationships. We want to influence how businesses employ us, and how we and our families are treated by places we visit. We’ll be sharing our concerns about security, anger management, and misconceptions people have about us. We’ve been given a voice and we’re using it. And, we’ll be listening to learn from others who live, love and wo ...
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The IDD community loves to be social and together. But, sometimes those with intellectual or developmental disabilities have problems picking up on when people are flirting with them, or want to have a conversation with them, or just want to hang out. If you’ve ever watched programs on cable TV featuring those on the Spectrum, you’ll be interested …
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We're always in training at the Arc Southern Maryland. Our personal support staff and others are always learning how to be better teachers and aides to those who use our services. An expert named Emoke Fox, a seventeen-year veteran of working with those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, from a company specializing in teaching safe w…
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Bonus Episode! Come To Our May 3rd Fundraiser!
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7:35There's still time to plan to attend our Day at the Derby on Saturday, May 3! It's at the beautiful Perigeaux Winery in St. Leonard, in Calvert County, Maryland. https://perigeaux.com/ This is our Fourth Annual Day at the Derby and promises to be better than ever! Find out more here at arcsomd.org/derby New this year, we're naming the Queen and Kin…
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Suppose you are a parent or relative of a person who was diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability, and you want to learn more about post-grade school/public school help. In that case, Stacey Warner is your go-to person. Ms. Warner spoke to our podcast's host, Rita Rich, about the services she is helping families navigate in our th…
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Women's History Month-Roots and Resiliance-Cheryl Knott 2
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14:38This is the second of two episodes celebrating Women's History Month with Arc St. Mary's resident and lifelong St. Mary's County resident Cheryl Knott. Both sides of Cheryl's family tree have called Southern Maryland home since the 17th Century before there was even a United States of America. Cheryl's own experiences as a woman with birth defects …
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In honor of Women's History Month, this is the first of two episodes featuring one of our friends and residents, Cheryl Knott. Cheryl has roots in St. Mary's County Maryland that go back to the rule of King Henry VIII of England, when the state was one of the English colonies. Listen as Cheryl talks about growing up with physical disabilities and h…
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Mobile Tech Helps Us Talk Featuring Connor and his Parents
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10:13If you have new cell phones or Pad-type personal computers consider downloading Voice-to-Text apps. They help people who, for many reasons, have trouble speaking. One types words into a gadget and an artificial voice speaks out loud for them. This episode was produced at the Twin Beaches Branch of the Calvert County Library and features Connor Pore…
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We Advocate for US! People on The Go Southern Maryland
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8:29Correction: 3/11/2025 Re the contact to get in touch with People on the Go Southern Maryland please contact For more information on joining the group, please contact Alyssa Thomas [email protected]. Ms. Weed is no longer the primary contact for more information even though you are hearing her voice in this podcast. Self-advocacy is one of the thi…
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This is a special bonus podcast episode! We usually post bi-weekly. But we have a call to action. Alarms have been sounding throughout the developmental disabilities communities about the proposed changes to Maryland's State Budget that would cut staff and services for us and our loved ones. On January 16th the ARC Montgomery County organized a clo…
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The Charles County Charitable Trust encourages collaboration between all the nonprofit organizations they support. There's a practical reason for keeping track of what could be considered your competitors. With tight state and federal budgets, less money will come from Washington, D.C., and Annapolis in the form of grant dollars. So, localities, li…
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Leading authorities want you to get a job even if you're still in middle or high school even if you may have been diagnosed with Autism or be an individual with other developmental disabilities. It's about developing a work ethic. In Calvert Country, one of the three counties the Arc Southern Maryland serves, this podcast episode also tells you abo…
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See Me See My Ability 2024 End of Year Special
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17:45We're looking back at special moments from behind the scenes in our podcasting classes at the Arc Southern Maryland, and playing back some memorable moments from our completed productions of See Me. See My Ability. Many thanks go to all who have taken and hosted our classes at the Spring Dell Center in LaPlata and the Calvert Country School in Prin…
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Kevin Detwiler is a 54-year-old client of Arc Southern Maryland. He's a retired substitute teacher who has held a variety of jobs while partially paralyzed and using a wheelchair. Natasia Herbert is a 27-year-old mom with a baby on the way. She says she loves working for Arc clients and gives a shoutout to her supervisor in Saint Mary's County. Lis…
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Tis the Season of Giving Tuesdays at the Arc Southern Maryland
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15:54The Arc Southern Maryland thanks all those who gave money to us during November. We call all the Tuesdays in this month Giving Tuesday. For almost two decades the Tuesday after Thanksgiving was proclaimed by charities and other nonprofit organizations Giving Tuesday. Listen to our development manager Renee Seigley explain why the concept was extend…
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In this episode of See Me See My Ability we're going to explain how Marylanders with all abilities or limitations will be able to increase their access to money and the freedom to save or spend it any way they like. Meet the director of at State of Maryland ABLE Program Betty Anne Mobley. Able accounts are a way for people with disabilities and the…
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Guest Elena Salitto on Why The Disabled and Elderly Need a Lawyer that Specializes in Them
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11:10Whether you're 25 or a 105 the idea of having others take care of your needs can be a sticky topic. In this episode of See Me See My Ability the Arc Southern Maryland talks to an attorney about how you can bring up the target if you are the one taking care of others, or if others are taking care of you. Laws change and are in the process of changin…
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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 Spe…
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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 a…
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Parents Who Became Pros: Guy Stephens, founder of the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint
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16:58See 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…
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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 …
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Part 1: Preparing for Encounters with Police and Security
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17:09Have 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 Pa…
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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, f…
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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…
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Meet The Arc Southern Maryland Staffer Casey Roberts
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6:13The 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.By arcsomdpodcast
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Celebrating Disability Rights and the New Purple Alert
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15:37Are 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 grandparen…
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We Luv the Groove Lounge and Dragon Races
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11:10See 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 Servi…
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Must Listen Episode for New Parents of Disabled Children
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18:21Amber 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 …
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Ever Hear of Manding? It could change you and your loved ones life!
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19:00The 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 …
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Got a disability but want to move out on your own? It's possible!
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9:26Rita 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 #disabiityBy arcsomdpodcast
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Awards and Recognition Time For The Arc Maryland
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5:14Spring 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,…
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Part 2 of the Arc So MD Interview with Grammy Award Winner Music Teacher Annie Ray
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12:00Part 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 thei…
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Annie Ray-The Grammy Winning Music Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities
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13:38Annie 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 ve…
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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 Ma…
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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 …
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Autism Advocate Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan
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14:24Victoria 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…
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Ross Barchacky of Inclusively talks about his disabilities and finding jobs
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9:19Ross 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…
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32:05By arcsomdpodcast
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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!By arcsomdpodcast
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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 Marylander…
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28:52By arcsomdpodcast
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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 A…
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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. Jus…
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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.By arcsomdpodcast
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We salute our smile makers at The Arc Southern Maryland, including the Jaycees of Charles County, Charles County Civitan, and the Chesapeake Chapter of Ghostbusters! We would love to hear from you at [email protected]. Please send us ideas and suggestions for our See Me. See My Ability podcast. Please consider us as you consider your year-end tax-de…
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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 f…
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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/By arcsomdpodcast
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Make Money With DORS Rep Brian Haas, Maryland Department of Education
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14:48DORS Representative Brian Haas shares great tips with The Arc Southern Maryland's podcasting class about the steps they should take to get a job and make money, and how the State of Maryland's Division of Rehabilitation Services is there to help. Episode 6 DORS Maryland websiteBy arcsomdpodcast
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Arc Ally Maria Icaza, Dunkin Donut Franchisee
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7:11The Arc Southern Maryland recognizes those who employ our clients during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Dunkin' Donuts Franchisee Maria Icaza tells us why she supports The Arc.By arcsomdpodcast
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The Arc Southern Maryland clients talk about work, fun, and being bilingual as this month is known as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and one of our favorite holidays!By arcsomdpodcast
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Episode 3 of the See Me See My Ability Podcast of the Arc Southern Maryland is about couples finding one another at Arc programs.By arcsomdpodcast
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