Supported Employment
Work is an integral part of adult life and The Arc supports adults with disabilities by providing employment opportunities, vocational counseling and career development. These services are designed to enhance each person's abilities and skills, allowing them to work as independently as possible in the community. Trained job coaches monitor each worker's performance and serve as intermediaries with employers to help workers succeed on the job and to resolve concerns before they become workplace issues. Some examples of work assignments include custodial and lawn care, commercial grounds maintenance, packaging and assembly, and warehouse services.
Community Volunteer & Recreational Opportunities
Community volunteer opportunities provide adults with disabilities with resume-building experience and a chance to try different types of work. Volunteers are generally paired with other nonprofit agencies in Montgomery County and may be engaged in supporting senior citizens or administrative work.
Inclusive community-based recreational experiences are also available. Adults with disabilities participate in activities based on their interests and preferences, including visits to museums, theaters, and sporting events. They may join walking/running clubs or other groups, all focused on creating connections with other people in their community.
Active Retirement
Seniors with disabilities can participate in various community-based activities each weekday with the support of a senior activity coach. These activities support their transition from the workplace and work-related activities to retirement and senior living activities. The Arc Montgomery County focuses on maximizing existing community resources and facilitating connections to seniors without disabilities, which is key to the program's success.
Additional Information
- Hours and locations vary
- Those interested must reside in Montgomery County
- Those interested must apply to the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) for eligibility and funding approval
- Currently, The Arc is only accepting new admissions who require 1:1 supports if the applicant’s current behavior plan states 1:1 supports
For more information, email Kelli Hunter-Bennett , or call 301.984.5777 x2232.
FAQs of Employment & Meaningful Day Services
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Do you provide transportation to Employment and Meaningful Day Services?
Do you provide transportation to Employment and Meaningful Day Services?
The Arc Montgomery County does not provide transportation to and from the meeting locations or job sites of Employment and Meaningful Day Services for people who do not live in one of The Arc’s CLS homes. Participants take Metro Access, public transportation, or get rides from family members or residential providers. The Arc Montgomery County conducts travel training for participants so they learn to use Metro Access or public transportation independently and confidently. -
Where do Meaningful Day Services take place? Do Meaningful Day groups meet at the same place each morning and do they end their activities at the same place each day?
Where do Meaningful Day Services take place? Do Meaningful Day groups meet at the same place each morning and do they end their activities at the same place each day?
Meaningful Day Services take place in the community, and the recreational activities sometimes involve going to places in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and other counties in Maryland. The activities are wide-ranging, and examples include visits to museums, swimming, games and sports in county recreation centers, and movie theaters. Meaningful Day volunteer activities take place at non-profit organizations in Montgomery County.The people we support in Meaningful Day Services are grouped with others who share their interests and personal goals. Each group has no more than four people and meets at the same location each morning and ends the day at the same location each afternoon.
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What are the types of Employment Services offered by The Arc Montgomery County?
What are the types of Employment Services offered by The Arc Montgomery County?
The Arc provides the full array of Employment Services:
- Discovery: Determining job seeker’s skills, interests, contributions, and environmental preferences.
- Employment Preparation: Career exploration, resume and cover letter development, interview skills and training.
- Job Development: Creating customized employment goals and searching for positions that match the job seeker’s skills and interests.
- Job Coaching: Providing support at the job site, building skills towards independent work.
- Ongoing Job Support: Providing support to the person in learning and completing tasks in the person’s competitive integrated employment.
- Job Retention: Providing support to the person to maintain their competitive integrated employment.
- Follow Along Services: Drop-in supports to ensure job stability and employee satisfaction.
