The Arc of Howard County, Inc.

The Community and Family Services (CFS) department specializes in providing a wide array of services to people with developmental disabilities. These services include Residential, Personal Supports, Family & Individual Support Services, and Respite.

Residential
People are supported in a variety of living arrangements that meet their needs and preferences. The program currently provides services to people with needs ranging from drop-in assistance to 24 hour nursing services. People are supported to develop connections that enable them to become valued members of their community. With traditional residential services, people are required to pay a room and board fee and depending on a person's eligibility status may be required to make an additional contribution to care. Participants receiving traditional residential services are eligible to set up ‘personal spending accounts’ with The Arc so they have access to their funds. The Arc can be the representative payee for people or families can make deposits and keep a balance for their family member’s spending money. Most residential sites have a vehicle assigned for transportation to community activities and resources.

Personal Supports (CSLA)
Through Personal Supports, The Arc assists people living in their own home or a family home to participate fully in home and community life. Personal supports are provided for a specified number of staffing hours and people are responsible for their own living expenses.

Family and Individual Support
Through Family and Individual Support Services, The Arc of Howard County provides an array of services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Assistance and supports are also provided to people living independently in the community. Supports include provision of staffing, financial assistance to purchase equipment or provide for home modifications, and other appropriate supports as needed. Staffing patterns are dependent on the schedules of the people being supported.
Respite Care
Respite is an excellent resource for families in need of an occasional relief, and also can be a socialization opportunity for people with developmental disabilities. The Arc’s Respite Care Program offers planned, occasional relief to eligible family members or caregivers of people with developmental disabilities residing in Howard County. Services are based out of a home located in a residential neighborhood of Columbia. Along with the specific support needs for each person, the Respite staff provide and encourage opportunities for community participation. Respite care may be used on an hourly or overnight basis as funding permits. Respite care fees are based on household income or the private rate.

TRANSPORTATION
Transportation options for all services include public transportation, family or co-worker reimbursements as well as Arc transportation. We will work with the person to determine the best mode of transportation to meet their needs.

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL
We provide Information and referral to community resources for respite care, child care, social and recreational activities, and information on accessing funding for services. People and their families are given information and knowledge necessary to make choices and decisions for themselves.

Through Community Integration people participate in an array of activities and experiences based on monthly activity schedules and personal interests. The Arc partners with a variety of community organizations and entities to further enhance individual daily experiences in the community. Community Integration Services are provided under Day or Supported Retirement Programs.
Day
People with disabilities who are not of typical retirement age or choose not to work can receive services through The Arc’s Day Program. People are supported to participate in a variety of community experiences and learning opportunities. Services include support to explore, discover, and participate in integrated community experiences such as learning, recreation, personal enrichment and development, and volunteer opportunities.

Supported Retirement
People with disabilities that are over the age of 50 are able to participate in The Arc's Supported Retirement Program. In addition to the monthly activity schedule, people are supported to attend activities at local senior centers and community activities targeted toward seniors.