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Joanna
Joanna, who has a mild intellectual
disability, came to TLC’s Outcomes Service from
Blair High School in Silver Spring. High school
graduates with disabilities, or transitioning youth,
often face significant challenges in obtaining the
support they need after graduation. At the time she
came to Outcomes, Joanna’s job searching was
dwindling and she was infrequently volunteering for
office work.
Under the skillful direction of
her job coach Michelle Strom, Joanna became diligent
about searching for a job, coming to the center on a
weekly basis and maintaining an open mind to new
experiences. Michelle says Joanna is a “dream”
client who is independent but also knows how to ask
for help. When a kennel assistant position opened up
at Layhill Animal Hospital in November 2008, Joanna
not only went on her own to the interview, she
landed the job on the spot.
Joanna became one
of her supervisor’s most loyal and trusted employees
in a place with high turnover. By August, nine
months after she was hired, she was promoted to
veterinary technician. Joanna was able to purchase
her new work scrubs with the help of the Outcomes
LEAP program. She is currently looking into becoming
a licensed veterinary technician and is excited and
enthusiastic about her future.
Jason
He is very dependable and always eager to learn. This is what his MCPS
Building Service Manager, Kenneth Joppy, relates
when speaking of Jason. Jason began as a part-time
Building Services Worker in October 2004 while still
attending his TTI Transition To Independence
program. Over the years Jason has been given
training to perform a wide variety of custodial
duties at his elementary school in Germantown, which
houses close to 1000 students. He quickly learned
that during school breaks and on snow days his
responsibilities would be even more demanding. He is
often asked to assist students and has spoken to
several classes about his job duties at their
school. Jason always says that he loves his job and
it is clear that the staff and students look forward
to interacting with him each day.
An
enthusiastic yet easy-going young man, Jason stays
busy outside of work as well. He belongs to several
social groups, takes classes at Montgomery College
and enjoys spending time with countless friends. He
is an avid Atlanta Braves baseball fan and also
enjoys listening to music, watching movies, playing
his PS2 and working on his independent living
skills. Recently Jason was chosen to give a speech
to a large group of parents of special education
students explaining his successful transition from
school to adult independence. Pleased with his
accomplishments so far, Jason realizes that with his
positive attitude, anything is possible. Fortunate
to have a solid support team to assist him in
achieving his goals, Jason's proud parents continue
to be delighted with his accomplishments and
anticipate the day when he moves out on his own.
This notion is one they never would have imagined
years ago. Jason's success is an excellent example
of how the collaboration of a supportive team
including family, teachers, vocational counselors
and employers can make significant contributions to
young adults motivated to achieve and surpass all
expectations.
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TLC's
Outcomes Service was recently awarded
its fifth consecutive three-year accreditation
from the Commission on Accreditation of
Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services, Employee Development Services, Community Employment Services
and Transition Services. 
Individuals
with disabilities are entitled to full participation in the
community which includes the need and choice to engage in
employment, maximize independence, and access community
resources. Outcomes provides a variety of services to help
achieve these goals. The following programs and services are
offered and are funded by the Developmental Disabilities
Administration, Montgomery County Department of Health and
Human Services and private resources.
