The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), today announced the findings of a nine-month study on employment opportunities for people with I/DD and Direct Support Professionals (DSP) on the Upper Shore of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
This project was conducted in partnership with a Rural Maryland Council Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund grant and Jeff Trice Consulting, and is part of The Arc’s commitment to the Eastern Shore.
The study identifies opportunities for businesses to be more inclusive, diverse, and accessible, and identifies employment gaps for DSPs. The study sets benchmarks for businesses seeking to diversify their workforce and offers solutions to seek undiscovered talent in their own communities.
“Since 2018 The Arc has reaffirmed our commitment to providing services for people with I/DD on the Eastern Shore,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “The findings in this report highlight our early successes in employment, and shows the opportunities to increase employment for people with I/DD and DSPs on the Eastern Shore.”
The Arc will host a virtual seminar on September 15, 2020 at 10:00AM to discuss the findings in-depth and will facilitate conversations with local businesses on the importance of inclusive workplace practices. More information on the seminar will be available on The Arc’s website in August. You can read the full report here.
About The Arc Central Chesapeake Region
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region provides services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through living options, workforce development and fiscal management services. Serving Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, The Arc provides an innovative, person-directed approach across the arc of a person’s life with a focus on equity and self-determination. www.thearcccr.org
About the Rural Maryland Council
The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) brings together citizens, community-based organizations, federal, state, county and municipal government officials as well as representatives of the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to collectively address the needs of Rural Maryland communities. We provide a venue for members of agriculture and natural resource-based industries, health care facilities, educational institutions, economic and community development organizations, for-profit and nonprofit corporations, and government agencies to cross traditional boundaries, share information, and address in a more holistic way the special needs and opportunities in Rural Maryland. www.rural.maryland.gov
About Jeff Trice Consulting
Jeff Trice Consulting takes a holistic approach to helping organizations and people achieve optimum results-by thinking differently, looking at things from a new perspective, and having new conversations. We help build connections, grow relationships, and create a positive energy that gets people talking. Jeff’s background in workforce development, economic development, and business ownership positions him to help organizations create measurable, real-world change, achieve better outcomes, and make critical decisions when facing defining moments.