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The mission of TLC's Outcomes Service is to enable adults with brain injury, cognitive impairments, neurological and developmental disabilities to reach the highest levels of productivity, independence and inclusion in the community.

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Vocational 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: Supported Employment offers assistance with job placement, job coaching and supports to find and maintain competitive employment. Transition Services assist students with special education needs transition to employment and greater independence. Individual Support Services offers individuals the help needed to maximize independent living skills. Additional programs include Community Supported Living Arrangements (CSLA) - to assist an individual in non-vocational activities in order to live independently and participate in the community The Division of Rehabilitation Services and private resources provide funding for our Vocational Services Program consisting of: Career Assessment Services (Vocational Evaluation) identifies strengths and barriers to competitive employment as an initial step in the vocational process. Employee Development Services (Work Adjustment Training) offers intensive training in the development of appropriate workplace behavior and skills leading to competitive employment. Community Employment Services (Job Coaching) addresses specific needs to assure successful adjustment to the competitive work environment. Speech-Language Services offer evaluation and therapies as well as unique approaches to enhance communication skills and develop compensatory strategies for the workplace.

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Staff

Outcomes is accredited by CARF, The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities in the following areas: Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services Employee Development Services Community Employment Services Nancy Amundson, M.S., Director Staff positions: vocational evaluators, employment specialists, speech-language pathologist, program coordinators. For additional information please contact Nancy Amundson, Director, at 301.294.9205.

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Outcomes Success Stories

Jennifer On any given afternoon you can walk into TLC's Early Learning Center (ELC) and Teachers Assistant Jennifer will greet you. Her smile and warm personality will make you feel instantly welcome. Jennifer has been employed at ELC since December 2004 and was recently awarded Employee of the Month. She completed CPR and First Fid trainings, and eagerly participates in all continuing education courses offered by ELC. Jennifer's supervisors commend her positive attitude, enthusiasm for helping children, willingness to offer an extra hand and ability to work on a team. When you observe Jennifer interacting with the children at the Center, you sense immediately that Jennifer has chosen the perfect career path. She is patient, kind and attentive to their needs. In 2006, Jennifer received an award from the Maryland Association of Community Services. Jennifer's dedication to service in her community did not begin with this position. Throughout high school, Jennifer volunteered at Summit Halls after school program, the Family Service Agency and the Gaithersburg elementary school cafeteria. She continues to volunteer her spare time at Montgomery County Public Schools. As a woman who takes great pride and pleasure in helping children, Jennifer also manages to leave time for relaxation and leisure. She participates in Outcome's monthly Consumer Support Group and is an active member of her church community. Jennifer enjoys spending time with friends and riding four-wheelers with her dad.   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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