October 2018 | Issue 5
Welcome to the SEEC Community newsletter!
In This Issue
  • Knowledge Management By Lori Sedlezsky 
  • October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
  • Celebrating a Successful FootGolf Event!
  • Montgomery County Special Olympics athlete brings home the gold
I’ve heard the term “Knowledge Management,” but what does it mean and why is it important? By Lori Sedlezsky
SEEC’s knowledge management (KM) works across all departments to identify strategies to gather information, share that information, and translate it into improved performance and services. Implementing these new strategies and supporting existing best practices will move SEEC to the next level of quality supports and improved outcomes for people with disabilities.

Knowledge Management activities include the customization and roll-out of a new data management software system. This system, called Penelope, will help us more efficiently gather, house and then organize data into reports that will inform quality of services and outcomes of people being supported. 

Other innovations Knowledge Management is bringing to SEEC include further developing staff training and mentoring, to meet the learning needs of adult learners, and mapping the way communication moves throughout the organization in order to capture best practices. Knowledge management is driven by continuous quality improvement and involves staff at all levels. New hire orientation and training is getting an overhaul to include evidence-based best practices. SEEC also received a highly-competitive EARN Maryland workforce development grant from the state Department of Labor. With these additional funds, SEEC is spear-heading new training initiatives for Direct Support Professionals from SEEC and as well as from four consortium provider agencies.

Did you know that October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)?
Reflecting a commitment to a robust and competitive American labor force, the 2018 NDEAM theme is “America’s Workforce: Empowering All.” Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. 

On Wednesday, October 17th, SEEC celebrated NDEAM by hosting our 4th Annual Employer Networking and Recognition Breakfast at United Therapeutics. Over 70 SEEC community partners and businesses attended and together celebrated the benefits of hiring a diverse workforce. Attendees enjoyed the engaging venue, a lively program, a fabulous awards ceremony, and a delicious breakfast catered by Seasons 52. 

Neill Christopher with The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region presented the Keynote address. Multiple employers and employees were recognized. Matt Hardwick with ResInnova and Jesus Yactayo with Shapiro and Duncan were both acknowledged for embracing and engaging the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce. David Dise with Montgomery County Government and Venus Jordan with Congressional Country Club were recognized for their ongoing commitment to promoting an inclusive workforce. And Bruce Wallace was recognized for his many years of successful employment and for being a leader in the SEEC community. 

Dane Scott, Managing Partner of Seasons 52 and Business Advisory Council member, gave the closing remarks. He spoke about the fact that hiring people with developmental disabilities isn’t something employers should do, it is something they must do, and he challenged the room to ask themselves how they could help make a difference. 
Are You a Federal Worker or do you know someone who is? 

Show Some Love to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by giving to SEEC through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Our designation number is #36458.
 
What is the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)? 

The CFC is the official workplace giving campaign of the federal government. The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. The CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with 36 CFC zones throughout the country. It overseas raising millions of dollars each year.
 
How can a federal employee make a pledge through the campaign? 

Federal employees can make a pledge online via the centralized giving platform. Donors can choose a payroll deduction or a one-time or recurring monthly pledge via a credit card, debit card, or direct bank transfer.
Celebrating a Successful FootGolf Event!
  On Saturday, September 29 th SEEC celebrated its first annual FootGolf Par-Tee on the Greens at Sligo Creek Golf Course! It was a great event with over 70 players in attendance. The weather was beautiful, and everyone who came out played a great game and enjoyed a delicious barbeque afterwards. SEEC wishes to extend an especially big thank you to our generous sponsors: Insurance Exchange, Seasons 52, Consolidated Insurance, ResInnova, Shapiro and Duncan, and Snyder Cohn. We appreciate our ticket purchasers and sponsors. We couldn’t have done it without you all! We hope those of you who weren’t able to make it this year will join us next year! 
SEEC would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Oby Nwaogbe for her donation made to SEEC after her Facebook fundraiser. Oby was at the FootGolf event, promoting her newly-published book entitled, “Sibling Caregivers: How To Have A Life, Be Encouraged And Live Stress Free.” Oby’s brother, Rolly, is supported by SEEC. For more information, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Sibling-Caregivers-Have-Encouraged-Stress/dp/1719580200.
Montgomery County Special Olympics athlete brings home the gold
We are very proud of one of our own! Bijan Bagheri was featured last week on WJLA-TV ABC7 for his tennis prowess and his work at NIH. Bijan is a person whom SEEC supports. We are very proud of his numerous accomplishments and thrilled he’s been recognized. Click here to hear the story.
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