See ME. See My Ability

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 agenci...

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 info@arcsomd.org and thank our friends, family, and community members for sharing their st...

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, li...

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 acces...

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, an...

Amber 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 about working with the school system to help you a...

The 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 (IDD.)  This episode of See ME. See My Ability tal...

Rita 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 #disabiity 

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 Tu...

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...

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 t...

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 Lynde...

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 cl...

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 Disabili...

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 Sp...

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 inf...

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 Commu...

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 diagnosi...

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. 

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 info@arcsomd.org. Please send us ideas and suggestions for our See Me. See My Ability podcast.  Please consider us as you consider your year-end tax-deductible donations to charities.  

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/