Through adaptive programming, a dedicated staff, and open partnerships with businesses, families and community members, we find new opportunities for our clients to grow and develop as independent adults. We also work closely with families with teenage children, helping them access career-track training and employment in high-growth fields.

Services

Intake: Program participants living in the District must be referred by the DC Office of Rehabilitation Services Administration. In Maryland, referrals may come from the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services or the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration.

Employment: Our employment specialists work in small groups and/or one-on-one with adults with developmental disabilities to help them identify their strengths and interests, develop needed skills, help place them in a good work environment and provide ongoing support to ensure success.

Education: The program also features an adult education component. Classes are offered in the morning and evening. Referrals to the education component come through DC Employment Services.

Program Services: Employment Specialist and individual assess career skills, interests, and preferences for opportunities to develop a career path.

Development of Goals and Objectives: We use a person-centered approach with individualized outcomes, goals and objectives that address the individual’s desires, strengths, needs, and preferences.

Job Development: Skills, interests, experience, and abilities of individuals are marketed to employers. The employment specialist discusses options and use technology and other resources to locate job openings and secure interviews. Job leads are shared amongst employment staff.

Travel Training: Employment Specialists provide travel training as needed. They accompany the individual on their route to and from work. Travel training is short term; maximum of one to four weeks.

Job Coaching: The employment specialist works with the individual, providing intensive job coaching services at the start of employment, working with the employer to create and enhance natural supports on the job. As the individual becomes competent and works with greater independence, the employment specialist fades to a weekly drop in. When necessary, to support the individual and employer, job coaching hours increase if there is a change in the individual’s job duties.

Employment Counseling: Techniques or strategies are developed that address the individual in coping with workplace issues.