Update on Quality Supports

By Karyn Harvey, PhD, Assistant Executive Director of Quality Supports

What does it feel like to have an intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)? On one level, the answer to that question is different for each person. No two people have the same experience. On the other hand, however, there are some universalities. One is that having an intellectual or developmental disability means experiencing a certain degree of social trauma: bullying, exclusion and/or rejection. It may also mean experiencing a significant degree of loneliness and isolation. 

Recent studies have shown the effects of social exclusion and/or rejection on the brain. In one particular study, participants were included in a game and then deliberately excluded. Their brains were connected to electrodes that could then show which part of the brain was stimulated and thus active during the experience. When participants were excluded, all of their brains fired in the anterior cingulate cortex. This is the part of our brain that fires when we feel physical pain. They experienced exclusion from a simple game as physical pain. Imagine what people who have been rejected over and over again have experienced.

The Quality Supports Division at The Arc Baltimore has been attempting to reduce the pain and suffering due to exclusion, rejection and loneliness through increased in-house therapy from the psychology department, trauma and sensitivity training for Arc staff, and finally, through involvement in our Connections program.

In-house therapy, or in-vivo therapy, as we have called it, takes place in the context of people’s day rather than in an isolated setting. The psychology staff visit individuals at their centers and in their homes and have therapeutic and supportive interactions with them. Our psychology staff is trained in trauma therapy, including EMDR and Positive Identity Development, which is an approach that I originated several years ago and is being used in several clinics serving people with I/DD throughout the country.

In addition, we have revised our yearly behavioral supports refresher training to include a trauma-informed care model that assists staff in working with individuals in a manner in which they can provide both emotional and behavioral supports. The training department has also revised a number of trainings to increase staff participation and enhance more acute awareness of the many issues involved with disabilities.

Finally, the Connections program facilitates social engagement through sponsoring a variety of social events in which single individuals with I/DD can meet friends or find partners. There is a team of dedicated Arc staff and volunteers who work to ensure the success of these events. Through generous donations, we've organized cruises, formal dance events and plenty of community-based dating opportunities. We are determined to expand this program in order to enhance social connections and increase meaningful relationships. 

If you would like more information about trauma or our efforts, please contact me at 410-296-2272 x 5144 or kharvey@thearcbaltimore.org.

A Generosity of Treasure and Spirit

By Kate McGuire, Chief Advancement Officer

The November and December holidays are often a time at The Arc Baltimore when we are reminded how deeply our members and contributors care about people with disabilities and about our mission and what we do here. Their offerings and responses to requests are motivating to us – and can be humbling. Let me tell you why.

We sent out a holiday appeal earlier this month and told a story about John from one of our programs in Towson. To put it mildly, he loves to give presents and he takes great care over many months to select meaningful presents for everyone on his shopping list. The story touched more than one reader as notes congratulating John have accompanied contributions.

But there was one note from someone who could not send a contribution, but who took the time to write a note and express her appreciation for our work and explain why she could not send a check. She has a nephew with autism and she is trying to help the family with some expensive therapy needs. She hopes to give to us again in the future.

Some families we know make a small gift every month. Some do it with an automatic debit from their credit card so they can spread their gift out over the year. Some of our families do the same, but retain a habit from years past and send their monthly gifts in envelopes we’ve provided, or in their own.  This habit often continues, even if a loved one we knew may have passed. One such gift came last week from a mother who is missing her daughter who passed away suddenly this past year. We feel her anguish. November and December holidays aren’t always easy times.

A long-time board volunteer heard about a new program we are fundraising for (with a challenge grant fundraising match requirement) and he increased his usual contribution by nearly 40%. Another board member responded to a request for Thanksgiving food packages – and delivered an overflowing bag the next day. Our volunteer leadership are so invested in our mission and we appreciate their commitment.

Lastly, an employee of one of our employers contacted me last week. He said that his division collects $1 every week from employees who want to enjoy casual Friday dress. They want to give the collection to The Arc. It’s such a small way to make a difference – but so meaningful.

These are but a few recent examples of the generosity of treasure and spirit that we witness. Donations come large and small, and honestly, mostly small, but no less impactful. We work hard to remind and convince our readers that it’s a good time to give. State funds are very restricted. It’s the contributions from family members, friends, and others who admire and care about people with disabilities that can help us do the extras – emergency assistance for eviction prevention, construction of wheelchair ramps, outings with friends, or even a telephone headset so a gentleman who can’t grip the receiver can still talk to his girlfriend. Simple things. Vital things.

These “extras” aren’t really extra to the people we impact. They are essential. It’s why we shared John’s story and why we appeal for your support. It’s why we are grateful for every single contribution entrusted to us.

Thank you, and no matter the holiday you celebrate, let it be peaceful, healthy, and full.