DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY ADMINISTRATION 
EMPLOYMENT FIRST NEWSLETTER
February 2021 Monthly News and Updates

REBUILDING DDA PROVIDERS THROUGHOUT MARYLAND THROUGH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE


MDDC Logo Maryland Development Disabilities Council Empowerment Opportunity Inclusion

Funding Opportunty 
Funds Available: $150,00
Proposal Due: April 9, 2021
The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council seeks proposals by consultants, business acumen development organizations, noted subject matter experts, and others to engage in a demonstration project to provide technical assistance to 5 community service providers licensed, certified, or approved by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to reimagine, refocus, and rebuild their business and service models during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specifically, the selected entity will support providers to transform service delivery models and business practices, recover and rebuild as needed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and identify effective strategies that can be replicated.
The recipient of this award will be expected to work with an array of key stakeholders on components of the scope of work. This includes, but is not limited to, people receiving DDA-funded services and family members, and representatives from the Council, DDA, Coordinators of Community Services (CCS), and providers.
One pre-proposal information session will be held. The pre-proposal information session will be the only opportunity to ask questions. Attendance, however, is not mandatory.
To learn more of this opportunity please Click Here.
Zoom Information Session: March 8, 2021 at 12:00 PM (noon)
To register for the Zoom information session, contact Shawan Pearson by email or phone: email spearson@md-council.org or call 410-767-6249.
Essential Employee Spotlight
The DDA continues to highlight essential employees that are working through the CO
VID-19 Pandemic. 
  

Fatima Parsons loved her job as a Dove Pointe receptionist, a position that naturally fit her sociable personality, but she felt that it was time to spread her wings...
With the assistance of Dove Pointe Employment services, she began looking for job openings similar to her current position, and in keeping with her Person-Centered plan. She was offered a position at Trinity Sterile as a sealer and was hired.

After a couple of weeks with Trinity Sterile, the qualities of her sociable, outgoing personality began to shine. Recognizing this, the company offered her a newly available position. Fatima gladly accepted and holds the position to this day. September 16th, 2020 marked her first anniversary as Administrative Assistant. Fatima reports that this was an unexpected but welcome surprise and states, "I love my job. I'm grateful and Miss Aimee (HR director) is a big help - actually everybody is kind and friendly. I love being a part of team." The feeling is mutual as Miss Aimee puts it, "She's a pleasure to work with and always smiling. I rely on her for a lot of things. It was a good move."  

Reported by James Tobat,  Dove Pointe Job Developer 


If you have success stories to share, please email Kathleen.walker1@maryland.gov 

Reminder - Funding Reimbursement for DDA Approved Employment Training

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is extending funding reimbursement for the DDA approved employment trainings and cost of Certified Employment Supports Professional (CESP) exam until the new Employment Services rates become effective. 

Please remember that anyone delivering Discovery, Job Development and Self-Employment Development supports after Employment Services are effective must have proof of competency in the best practices of Customized Employment as evidenced by completing and passing the Certified Employment Support Professional exam through the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE).  See the link below to know where and how to submit the information to get your reimbursement.
APSE 2021 Virtual Conference 

The 2021 APSE Conference will be an ALL-VIRTUAL event! In partnership with Matchbox Virtual, we will be sharing details as this event is planned.

Registration is now OPEN for Early Bird Registration!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT!
Mark your calendar for the week of June 14th, 2021 for the APSE Virtual Conference

Shining a light on topics, populations, and intersections in Employment First.

The 2021 APSE Virtual Conference will bring intention to our work by focusing time & attention on some of these areas: Justice system interactions, Mental Health, the intersectionality of race/ethnicity, crisis lessons learned, remote supports, forward-thinking technology, and sexual identity.

We opened registration with EARLY bird rates ($320 for members - seriously a great deal!). We are now seeking presenters for the breakout sessions, and the interest form for sessions is open until March 15, 2021. Please share widely!
Learn More
The DDA Educational Series Webinar Recordings

Want more information about Employment First?
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