SEVERN, MD, (July 15, 2020) – 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 business on the importance of inclusive workplace practices. More information on the seminar will be available on The Arc’s website in August.
