By Krystle J Bailey
March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The annual campaign began in 1987 when President Reagan recognized the month of March as a time to increase public awareness about Americans living with disabilities. The campaign is intended to shine light on the barriers that those with disabilities face as well as their ability to live fulfilling, productive lives. The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), along with Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) and National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), come together each March to create a campaign that honors, celebrates, and educates Americans living with disabilites and their communities.
The Arc of Atlantic County has been serving South Jersey residents with disabilities since 1961. Founded by solution-oriented parents and community members who wanted more accessibility for disabled individuals, the Arc continues to support the Atlantic County disabled community through employment, housing, and recreational resources. The Arc of Atlantic County aims to “promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.”
LaToya Smith has become a well known and highly celebrated member of the Arc of Atlantic County. Now, at 38 years old, LaToya has been utilizing the Arc’s services since she was a child. From Saturday programs to Zumba, LaToya has been committed to utilizing the resources available in order to live a full, vibrant, and independent life. LaToya has participated in ceramics, Zumba, cooking classes and more at the Arc of Atlantic County. She has been recognized on numerous occasions for her advocacy and service on the board of The Arc of Atlantic County as well as her involvement in the community. In addition to her service and advocacy, LaToya is a medal-winning bowler in the Special Olympics and a prolific artist.
LaToya discovered her love of art and her natural drawing abilities in 2013. Since then, she has taken many art classes at the Arc of Atlantic County and has continued to perfect her craft. She has become so skilled, she recently began selling her artwork at conventions and festivals.
“When I started drawing, I thought it was just a phase. Now I’m selling my artwork,” shares Smith who plans to continue reaching the community through her drawings.
In addition to her advocacy and art, LaToya is also a hard working employee at Regal Cinema and lives an independent life in supervised living along with her pet cat, Max.
“LaToya really represents everything you hope for when you’re trying to help people with inclusion. She has a beautiful life. She is the kind of person that people should know who lives in their community,” explains Mark Hills, Communications Coordinator for the Arc of Atlantic County.
LaToya is one of the countless individuals who have found a path to independent living and a life of fulfilment through the Arc of Atlantic County.
“We have so many fantastic people that we serve who are all so accomplished in their own rights and I think the world needs to know,” shares Hills who shares a great friendship with Arc member, John.
John and Mark met through the Arc and became great friends. The duo hosts a podcast together called John and Mark’s Fun and Music Show. Their shared love of music and the arts has forged an unbreakable bond between them.
The Arc of Atlantic County is committed to raising awareness while providing resources and support to local South Jersey residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They operate group homes, supervised apartments, day centers, and two thrift shops whose proceeds go towards enriching the lives of those that the Arc serves.
In honor of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Latoya Smith’s message to others is to never give up on a dream.
“People should never give up. Don’t let your handicap stop you from what you like doing. Don’t let anybody see you as your handicap. Just because you’re handicapped, doesn’t mean anything. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.” – Latoya Smith.
Get involved, stay up to date, and learn more at www.thearcatlantic.org.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
