Annapolis Spreads Awareness for Developmental Disabilities Month

Annapolis has a new advocate: Patricia (Tricia) McBride, an individual supported by The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region (The Arc NCR), has “absolutely loved” working in Senator J.B. Jennings’ office in celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month,” and it is an opportunity to promote awareness and understanding in the community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Thanks to the support of Senator J.B. Jennings’ office, Tricia has had the chance to live her dream of working in an office. She is able to enjoy a challenging work environment while her job coach from The Arc NCR supports her success and provides transportation. She performs a variety of clerical tasks, including greeting visitors, copying, answering phones, mailings and other assignments as needed. Tricia has enjoyed meeting a variety of people, including other senators and citizens.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to have Tricia McBride working in my office over the past month. She has been more than willing to take on any assignment that she has been tasked with. During her tenure with my office, Tricia displayed a friendly, positive attitude, with exceptional phone skills and exemplary work ethic. She has truly been an asset to my office and The Senate of Maryland,” says Senator J.B. Jennings.

The goal of Vocational Services at The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region is to provide supports to individuals with differing abilities, assisting them in reaching and maintaining their employment goals and helping them become active members throughout their communities. Support services include a wide range of vocational services including Job Readiness, Job Development, Supported Employment and Case Management. Vocational Services, as well as Treatment Foster Care, Supported Living, Family Support Services and Community Partners, are just a few of the programs provided at The Arc NCR. Together, they work to promote awareness, advocacy and empowerment for individuals with I/DD throughout Harford and Cecil Counties year-round. For more information, call The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region at 410-836-7177 or visit www.arcncr.org.

About The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region: For sixty-two years, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has helped people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build better lives by providing support services and advocacy to adults and children and their families in Harford and Cecil Counties. For more information, call 410-836-7177 or visit www.arcncr.org.

Photo Caption: Tricia McBride loves working at Senator J.B. Jennings’ office in Annapolis.