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ARC Baltimore presenter urges housing, transit and workforce changes to expand community inclusion
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Summary
Swanisha Hinton of ARC Baltimore told the HRC that community inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities depends on accessible, affordable housing, reliable transportation and workforce stability; she highlighted Rosewood Center’s closure and current barriers to choice and independence.
Swanisha Hinton, vice president of quality enhancement at ARC Baltimore, spoke to the Human Relations Commission about persistent barriers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities face in Baltimore County and the state. Her presentation emphasized housing scarcity and in-unit accessibility, curb and sidewalk maintenance that blocks community navigation, long paratransit waits, employment limitations and workforce shortages in direct-support roles.
Hinton described the historical shift away from large institutions — referencing the Rosewood Center’s closure — and said community-based supports today are intended to promote choice and independence. "Leaving the past behind means no longer asking if people with disabilities belong, but ensuring they lead the way," she said.
Hinton explained that individualized transition plans, behavioral and mental-health assessments, nursing supports and 60-day case-manager check-ins were part of earlier institutional transitions and that modern plans are more person-centered and choice-driven. She also warned that some services are considered optional under Medicaid and that waiver changes and stricter documentation have constrained access to formerly available supports (for example, 1:1 staffing now requires higher documented health risk scores).
Commissioners asked about quality-of-life follow-up and data collection; Hinton said ARC Baltimore conducts annual surveys and self-advocacy check-ins and uses aggregate data to monitor services. Commissioners suggested partnering with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council and other fair-housing partners for future presentations and outreach.
What’s next: Commissioners and staff discussed scheduling district visits to shelters and community sites in 2026 to improve outreach and to pursue informational presentations on fair-housing and ADA public accommodations.
