A MESSAGE FROM THE
DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONAL SERVICES AND QUALITY ASSURANCEThe past year has been a period of growth and development for the Outcomes Department at TLC. As COVID-19 restrictions have eased, our service model has adapted to better meet the needs of those supported in the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) program, the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) programs, and private pay programs. One of the significant changes we have implemented is the expansion of in-person services, while still providing virtual support for those who prefer it.
Within TLC Outcomes' DDA Community Development Services (CDS), we now offer 24 inperson groups throughout Montgomery County, Maryland, from Monday to Friday. These groups run for four hours a day and include a range of activities such as volunteering at local community programs to develop employment skills, attending informational interviews to learn about job opportunities, and engaging in social skill development through visits to local museums, parks, and swimming activities.
Karen Morgret Director of Vocational Services and Quality AssuranceSupported Employment (SE) is a key focus of TLC's DDA program services. In the recently ended fiscal year 2023, 90% of TLC Outcomes' DDA participants who desired employment were successfully working. They worked an average of 33 hours per week, earning an average hourly wage of $18.41. Participants who are underemployed or unemployed can attend virtual job readiness skills
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A MESSAGE FROM THE
DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONAL SERVICES AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
sessions on Wednesdays, where they engage in four hours of skills development covering areas such as social communication, job readiness, job seeking, stress management, current job opportunities, and helpful tips for job retention. For unemployed or underemployed DDA SE participants, there is also an in-person SE job group available on Thursdays. The morning group focuses on job readiness skills from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, while the afternoon group from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm emphasizes the development of job-seeking and job-retention skills.
DORS Programs for Transitioning
Youth (TY) have transitioned from primarily virtual services to in-person services in fiscal year 2023. TLC Outcomes conducted a fall and winter-spring program called Life After High School (LAHS), specifically designed for high school juniors, seniors, and senior plus years. This 12-week program takes place once a week from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm at TLC Outcomes, covering topics such as interest assessments, social skills, selfadvocacy, employer expectations, and job readiness. We will be offering a fall Life After High School Program starting in September 2023. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to DORS. To be eligible, you must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan with your high school. In fiscal year 2023, 24 youth participated in the LAHS program, and four individuals took part in the Summer Workplace Success program.
The Outcomes Department at TLC has worked diligently to enhance services and programs, offering a blend of in-person and virtual support, to ensure the successful transition and employment of individuals with diverse needs.
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THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973
This year marks 50 years since a major milestone in advancing access and equity for people with disabilities: the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Rehab Act) prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment and in the employment practices of federal contractors. The Department of Labor is observing this important anniversary by examining its impact throughout 2023.
DORS NEWS DDA NEWS
During the 2022 legislative session the General Assembly of Maryland passed House Bill 660. This act created a Commission to Study the Division of Rehabilitation Services to evaluate and make recommendations on improving various aspects of the Division of Rehabilitation Services’ programs and services. The study began in 2022 and the final report was published in March 2023.
The Maryland DDA began its new five (5) year Medicaid waiver that was approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) this month, July 2023. For more information and to learn about the new waiver click here.
TLC supports participants served in the Community Supports Waiver and the Community Pathways Waiver.
To learn more about DDA services in Maryland check out this updated publication. The publication updated in May 2023 for the state of Maryland is called Guide to Services for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Families.
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TICKET TO WORK
TLC Outcomes launched a new Ticket to Work program as an affiliate of The American Dream Employment Network (ADEN).
This program provides services to individuals in the DMV, as well as throughout the state of Maryland. Services are provided virtually. In case you are wondering "what is Ticket to Work?", here is a short definition.
Ticket to work is Social Security's program that supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries ages 18 through 64 who want to work.
The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. The Ticket Program helps people with disabilities progress toward financial independence. Individuals who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability and are ages 18 through 64 probably already qualify for the program. Individuals that have a disability and receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are eligible for this program. The Ticket to Work program is a good fit for people who want to improve their earning potential and are committed to preparing for long-term success in the workplace. The Ticket program offers beneficiaries with disabilities access to meaningful employment with the assistance of Ticket to Work employment service providers called Employment Networks (EN).
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MEET TLC OUTCOMES DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS, COMMUNITY RELATIONS, AND MENTAL HEALTH
DENISE POPEVIS
Denise Popevis is a our newest member of the Outcomes leadership team. Below, Denise provides a brief introduction to her role at TLC:
"I am excited to be a part of the Treatment and Learning Center’s Outcome Services as the Director of Business, Community Relations, and Mental Health. I joined in late November 2022 and would like to introduce myself to the Outcomes community.
I began my career in the human services field over 25 years ago. During my career, I have supported and advocated for individuals in a variety of capacities. This has included working as a case manager and advocate for individuals with mental health and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), a director for provider agencies managing, implementing, and supervising supports and services, and a clinician. Specifically, working within the I/DD community, I have worked as both a provider of services and through local government positions. I began as Resource Coordinator, now known as Coordinators of Community Services (CCS}, where I coordinated and monitored all services rendered through the Medicaid DDA waiver for individuals I supported. I then transitioned to a provider as the Director of Programs. In this role, I was responsible for the management and implementation of residential and day habilitation programs in both Maryland and Virginia. Finally, I worked for Arlington County DHS There, I was responsible for monitoring and ensuring quality services were rendered in compliance with Virginia's DD Medicaid Waiver for all of Arlington County's Supported Employment, Habilitation and Transportation services. My experiences have given me a unique insight and perspective into what individuals, families, and providers experience. Throughout my career and in my work, I have been
committed to promoting independence and inclusivity in a person-centered approach for persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and/or mental health needs. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to be a therapist to help others see their own capacity for growth. In pursuit of this goal, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Counselor Education with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I believe in a person-centered therapeutic approach, which I strive towards when partnering with individuals. I hope to promote individuals' self-exploration to increase their self-awareness, self-esteem, and trust in one’s own abilities. Here at Outcomes, I work with both individuals and groups. I am excited to be a part of the Outcomes community and look forward to helping support individuals in achieving their goals. I may be reached by email at DPopevis@ttlc.org or by phone at 301.424.5200, ext.282."
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CELEBRATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS THIS SUMMER AND IN THE FALL
WHAT IS DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH, WHEN IS IT, AND WHAT IS IT?
Happy Disability Pride Month! Disability Pride Month is celebrated each year in July. Disability Pride initially began as a day of celebration in 1990 the year that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. In 1980 Boston held the first Disability Pride Day. The first official celebration of Disability Pride Month occurred in July 2015, which also marked the 25th anniversary of the ADA. Since then, cities across the country have celebrated disability pride month with parades and other festivities.
Disability pride has been described as “accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.”
OCTOBER 2023 DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH (NDEAM)
SEPTEMBER 2023 – DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS (DSP) WEEK
The Federal Government Department of Labor (DOL) office on Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has chosen “Advancing Access and Equity” as its theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2023. Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive policies and practices that benefit employees and employers alike.
In case you missed it in November, be on the lookout for our TLC Outcomes news, where we will update you on celebrations during the summer and fall and give you the latest news from TLC Outcomes.
Per the American Bar Association Disability pride has been described as “accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.”
The week-long celebration this year is anticipated to be September 9-15, 2023. DSP’s are critical to nonprofit organizations such as TLC. TLC Outcomes hires many DSP’s and the value they bring to individuals that TLC supports cannot be overstated. TLC Outcomes DSPs assist persons served with learning Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL’s) such as cooking, home maintenance, budgeting, laundry, shopping, attending appointments, and community activities. DSPs at TLC Outcomes help the individuals they support by teaching job-readiness skills, job-seeking skills, job-keeping skills, including workplace behaviors, in addition to job development and job coaching on the job. TLC Outcomes DSPs open doors to employment and help individuals they serve have a sense of community. TLC Outcomes DSPs are true relationship navigators. They are the link between persons served, their friends, families, employers and other significant individuals in their lives.
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Success Stories: Jen and Conor Share Their Employment Experiences with TLC Outcomes Service
Since its establishment in 1986, the TLC Outcomes Service, located in Rockville, Maryland, has been dedicated to advocating for adults with disabilities. With a primary objective of facilitating meaningful employment opportunities, the organization aims to promote independence and overall well-being for individuals with disabilities. In this interview, we meet Jen and Conor, two remarkable individuals who have benefited from the TLC Outcomes Service, as they share their employment experiences and shed light on the invaluable support they have received.
Jen's Journey at Giant:
Jen, a courteous and enthusiastic individual, has been working at the Giant supermarket on Hungerford Drive in Rockville for nearly 12 years. As a courtesy clerk, she takes pride in assisting customers and her coworkers with tasks such as bagging groceries. Jen's job provides her with a sense of fulfillment, particularly through the interpersonal interactions she has with customers and colleagues.
The Role of TLC Outcomes Service:
One of the key factors contributing to Jen's success at her workplace is the support she receives from her outcomes case manager at TLC.
Kelly, her case manager, plays a crucial role in ensuring Jen's work experience is positive and fulfilling. Kelly regularly communicates with Jen's supervisors at Giant, providing them with updates and addressing any concerns. This open line of communication ensures that Jen's needs are met, and she can thrive in her role.
Conor's Contribution at the National Institutes of Health:
Conor, another remarkable individual, has been working at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda for almost 12 years as an Office Services Clerk. His responsibilities include delivering mail both on and offcampus, as well as handling office tasks like refilling coffee machines and managing document disposal. Conor's dedication and hard work have earned him the respect and camaraderie of his colleagues, making his workplace feel like a second family.
The Support System of TLC Outcomes Service:
Conor, like Jen, receives invaluable support from his outcomes case manager at TLC. Through occasional visits to his office, Conor's case manager ensures his work environment
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Success Stories: Jen and Conor Share Their Employment Experiences with TLC Outcomes Service
remains conducive to his success. Additionally, she provides guidance and assistance, such as informing Conor about available housing vouchers from the Housing Opportunities Commission. This support system assures Conor that he has someone to turn to whenever he needs assistance or advice.
Skills and Growth Through Employment:
Both Jen and Conor have developed numerous skills through their respective jobs. Jen's tenure at Giant has equipped her with various abilities, including efficient bagging, restocking shelves, and assisting in different departments like the bakery and flower shop. Conor's experience at the National Institutes of Health has taught him independence, responsibility, and the importance of being an active and engaged citizen
The Joy of Employment:
Having a job brings a profound sense of fulfillment to both Jen and Conor. For Jen, the opportunity to engage in one-on-one conversations with customers and coworkers sparks excitement and happiness in her daily life. Conor, on the other hand, finds immense satisfaction in waking up each morning with a clear purpose and the anticipation of a productive day ahead.
The Transformative Impact of TLC Outcomes Service:
Jen acknowledges the pivotal role played by the TLC Outcomes Service in helping her find the right job Prior to her employment at Giant, she faced challenges due to the long commute associated with her previous job at a daycare center. With the support of TLC Outcomes Service, Jen was able to identify a job that aligns with her skills and interests, significantly improving her work-life balance.
Embracing Sports and a Healthy Lifestyle: Conor's involvement in sports through the Special Olympics has been instrumental in maintaining his physical well-being and enhancing his enjoyment of life. From basketball to softball and soccer, Conor's participation in various sports activities highlights the importance of staying active and engaged in physical pursuits.
Jen and Conor's employment experiences exemplify the transformative impact of the TLC Outcomes Service. Through their dedication and the ongoing support they receive, these individuals have found fulfillment, independence, and purpose in their respective workplaces.
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2023 TLC OUTCOMES SERVICE EMPLOYER RECOGNITION BREAKFAST
The TLC Outcomes Service held their employer recognition breakfast recognizing the employers who have hired 93 individuals utilizing our Outcomes Service. A diverse workforce makes the workplace stronger, and we are proud to partner with 62 employers who hire the individuals we serve. A highlight of the event was watching the video of TLC participants Jen and Conor, who attended this event. In the video, Jen and Conor sit down to discuss their experiences and personal stories, highlighting the impact of TLC Outcomes on their professional and personal lives. Some of the organizations able to attend our event to receive recognition included CVS Health, GMMB, IBSS Corp, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Saint Peter's School, Skookum, and Work Comp Staffing Solutions. We look forward to continuing our successful partnerships with these employers and entering new relationships with employers who are just discovering the value and positive business impact of hiring individuals with disabilities.
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2023 TLC OUTCOMES SERVICE EMPLOYER RECOGNITION BREAKFAST
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