E veryone loves exploring the world, and should have the opportunity to do so. At The Arc Baltimore, which serves adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, people of all ages and abilities can explore their surroundings.
The Arc, founded nearly 70 years ago, pro- vides an array of services, advocacy and support to people with a wide range of intel- lectual and developmental disabilities, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome and more. These individu- als and their families receive support and advocacy through training, day and residen- tial services, treatment foster care, respite care, family support and education, public The Arc Baltimore WINDSOR CORPORATE PARK 2545 Lord Baltimore Drive Suites L-N Windsor Mill, MD 21224 410.298.5688 thearcbaltimore.org
policy advocacy, assistive technology ser- vices and information and referrals. Seven years ago, The Arc needed a change for their Woodlawn location. “As a result of our efforts to support people in getting jobs and getting out into the community, we were looking to downsize from a center of roughly 25,000 square feet to a space less than a third of the size,” Christopher Knoerlein, director of communications and grants, said. “We approached St. John Properties because of our longstanding relationship with the company; they contracted with us to hire grounds crews at 14 of their locations, helping us employ several dozen people. Since we have always had a positive experi- ence partnering with St. John Properties, we knew that it was the best decision to approach them in our search for a more suit- able space.” The Arc’s location with St. John Properties focuses on senior community needs. “It is a hub of activity where people socialize, take art and educational classes, utilize computer tablets and participate in special activities,” Knoerlein said. “Most importantly, the staff support each person individually with devel- oping a meaningful schedule where they
can explore their interests with like-minded people out in the surrounding neighbor- hood. They attend the movies, go shopping or get coffee with a friend, participate in a cultural event or visit a museum.” The St. John Properties space is integral to The Arc’s work in making all participants feel welcome. “Because many of the people who attend the center in Woodlawn have mobility impairments,” Knoerlein said, “St. John Properties worked with our director of day services to retrofit three of the bath- rooms to improve their accessibility and safety. They widened the stalls, installed accessible sinks with temperature regula- tion and automatic sensor features and fit- ted grab bars throughout. In addition, they installed a ramp in the rear of the building and are working with us in installing a more accessible front sidewalk entrance.” The Arc continues its good work, offering resources and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to explore the world around them in positive, meaningful ways. Looking to the future, St. John Properties and The Arc intend to work together cohesively to make the world an inclusive place for people with disabilities.
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