Community-Based

Below is valuable information regarding community-based programs. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Employment Service
Employment services encompass a range of programs designed to support individuals in achieving and maintaining competitive integrated employment. Career Exploration Services focus on developing essential soft skills—such as communication, problem-solving, and workplace conduct—through prevocational learning experiences in group settings. This foundational training prepares individuals for future job opportunities without teaching specific job tasks. The Discovery service further enhances this process by guiding individuals through a person-centered employment planning journey, divided into three milestones that assess interests, skills, and ideal work conditions, ultimately resulting in a comprehensive Employment Plan.

Once individuals are prepared for the workforce, Job Development services assist them in securing employment through customized job search strategies, interview coaching, and community networking. These services emphasize both direct efforts, such as applications and employer outreach, and indirect strategies like attending business events. Once employed, Ongoing Job Supports ensure individuals can adapt to their roles and maintain job performance through job coaching and task analysis. Additionally, Follow-Along Support provides monthly assistance post-employment, including regular check-ins to ensure sustained success in the workplace. Together, these services create a holistic support system for individuals on their employment journey.

Employment Discovery and Customization (ED&C)
ED&C provides assessment, discovery, customization, and training activities for a limited period of time. ED&C will assist an individual in gaining competitive paid employment at an integrated job site where the person served is receiving comparable wages and where most of the employees do not have a disability.

Community Development / Day Habilitation Services (CDS)
Community Development Services (CDS) aim to help individuals develop and maintain skills for community membership through participation in community-based activities. These services include direct support for learning and maintaining skills and are tailored to individual needs. Activities may involve employment preparation, social skills development, volunteering, and participation in community events, with a focus on promoting independence and inclusion. Each participant receives a personalized schedule based on their preferences and goals, ensuring activities foster community engagement without institutional characteristics

Personal Supports (PS)
Personal Supports provide regular personal assistance, support, supervision, and training to assist the individual to participate fully and independently in their home and community life. These supports can be provided in the participant’s own home, family home, or in the community. Personal supports include, but are not limited to: support, supervision, and training in such activities as

  1. Housekeeping,
  2. Menu planning, Food shopping, Meal preparation,
  3. Budgeting, Bill paying,
  4. Addressing medical needs,
  5. Transportation, as well as
  6. Leisure, recreational and social activities.

The range of services provided depends on the needs of the individual.

Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)

Career Assessment Service (CAS)
Career Assessment Services identifies strengths and barriers to employment and is often the first step in the vocational rehabilitation process. Employment potential is assessed through psychometric testing, formal and informal work samples, situational, community and on-the-job evaluations.

Employee Development Services (EDS)
This program offers intensive training in the development of appropriate workplace behavior and skills leading to competitive employment. Resumes, job seeking skills, interviewing and employment contacts are developed with emphasis placed on initial and on-going readiness skills. Each participant is assisted with individualized job placement in the community.

Job Development and Job Coaching
Based on the DORS plan for employment participants receive assistance with resumes, cover letters and thank you letters. Individuals are supported to: locate jobs, apply for jobs, network with employers and interview with employers. Once a job is located, participants receive initial monitoring and support to ensure successful adjustment to the job. Intensive training provided to facilitate communication, identify any needed accommodations and suggest strategies to increase the individual’s opportunity for success.

Speech Language Services (SLS)
Individuals who need assistance with communication skills may receive a speech evaluation and/or therapy. There is a focus on compensatory strategies to use in the community or on the job. The speech-language pathologist works with the team to provide functional and meaningful strategies to assist with successful job placement and retention.

Self Directed Services (SDS)
TLC is a vendor of Self-Directed Services.  

Participants using the self-directed services model act as the employer of record, responsible for setting provider rates and staff wages that align with DDA standards. They must manage their self-directed budget, covering staff wages, taxes, and benefits without exceeding their allocation, which is based on DDA-established rates. The budget includes “fully loaded” rates, encompassing salaries and various associated costs, and exceptions for higher staff wages may be requested. The DDA will cover administrative costs for coordination and fiscal management services, which do not need to be included in the budget. Additionally, all direct support staff and vendors must meet minimum qualifications, with verification handled by the Fiscal Management Services provider.

Private Pay (PP)
The Private Pay program offers individuals 18 and over the opportunity to receive services by paying an hourly rate whether they want to supplement existing funded services or do not meet the state program eligibility requirements. Participants decide on services based on their needs. Services include, but are not limited to, job development, job coaching, self-advocacy, community integration, support applying for social services, activities for increasing independence, and travel training in the community. A free consultation is provided to all prospective clients to discuss needs.