June 13, 2014
Dear Transition Times and MCTrans members!
As we planned on May 21, 2014, the last Joint Meeting of our groups – the Parent Exchange II – here is the list of resources for the topics we discussed. There are the resources shared by all the members present at the meeting. If you have anything to add to this list, please share it on MCTrans listserve, so everyone will have it, too. The list is being sent to the members who attended the meeting and Reda will also add this to the MCTrans site.
We will soon post it on the PCR Transition Times resources under May 21, 2014 meeting, as resource materials provided by you, for that meeting. Thank you for the great exchange meetings!
Abby Lubran, Haydee De Paula, and Reda Sheimberg.
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Resources shared during the Parent Exchange II Meeting
On May 21, 2014,
By Transition Times and MCTransitions group members
You can go to PCR Transition Times and Community Links or to the MCTransitons website for agenda and follow up resources for this and other previous meetings. Here are the links:
http://pcr-inc.org/community-resources/transition-times/ and www.MCTransitions.org
Topics we discussed:
1. Getting informed and connected to other families:
Remember knowledge is POWER! J
a. Go to www.MCTransitions.org– it is the site of the e-group MCTrans – join the e-group/listserve and attend their meetings, that are announced on the listserve and on other e-groups in Montgomery County. MCTransitions (or MCTrans) has over 400 members. MCTrans has monthly meetings at The Arc, usually on the Second Tuesdays of each month, from 7:30 to 9:00pm. Just come to the meetings. You should check on their website to confirm the meeting date.
b. Attend Transition Times monthly meetings –a joint project of Potomac Community Resources and The Arc Montgomery County. Meetings are usually on the third Wednesday of each month.
-Meeting dates are on the general flyer on The Arc Montgomery County website:
thearcmontgomerycounty.org/program-services/Seminars-Workshops/transition-times.html, and on the PCR Resource website: pcr-inc.org/community resources/transition-times/
c. Join MCNeeds – This is an e-group/listserve that covers all ages and all disabilities – it has over 2,000 members. We also announce all our meetings on this group. See attachment for the flyer on how to join it, please.
2. Keep all your calls /contacts (with names, of who you talked to, their phone numbers, e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, what was said, when it was said, etc., on a thick notebook - 200 pages are great!), starting today. These are your records – you may need this information many times in the future.
3. Social Opportunities:
a. Check the information on PCR Community Links:
http://pcr-inc.org/community-resources/community-links/
b. See list of DHHS Recreation and Social Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities, in the attachment.
c. See list of DHHS 2014 Summer Camp Resources in the attachment.
d. Silver Spring Social Club – Victoria Baldassano –
e. Jubilee Social Club S.T.A.R.S. - Rebecca Albrecht 301-949-8626 ext. 120, or Tigest Alemu at 301-949-8626 ext. 174,
f. Jubilee Adventure Planning Workshop -Rebecca Albrecht 301-949-8626 ext. 120, or Tigest Alemu at 301-949-8626 ext. 174,
g. ZamDance, Jackie Zamora, , Saturday classes – 11:30 & Sensory Friendly 12:45, Club Nights just started for social interactions. Right now there are dark rooms with strobe lights and DJ music and dancing, as well as snacks. With more interest, Sensory Friendly may be included. This is one terrific class, they have performed at a few community events and the self-esteem building from this is phenomenal. It is an exercise and dance class but also a social connection.
h. Brainy Camp - http://www.brainycamps.com/
i. Jubilee Association of Maryland - http://www.jubileemd.org/ – Check programs and events: 10408 Montgomery Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895, Tel. 301.949.8628, Fax. 301.949.4628.
j. Upcounty Community Resources - http://ucresources.org/ - check activities/programs, Amos Associates, LLC – Respite Care & Family Support Services - http://www.amosassociates.org/index.html -704 Twinbrook Parkwaym, Rockville, MD 20851, (Montgomery County), Office Telephone: 301-315-6374, Fax Telephone: (301) 315-6375.
4. Finding volunteer and work experience:
a. PCR Community Links/Transition resources/Transition Youth Resource Fair Exhibitors and Presenters 2013 –: http://pcr-inc.org/community-resources/community-links/
b. The Arc Montgomery County Volunteer site: http://thearcmontgomerycounty.org/volunteer.html
c. Individual Volunteer:
thearcmontgomerycounty.org/volunteer/individual-volunteer-opportunities.html
d. Summer volunteer program:
thearcmontgomerycounty.org/volunteer/individual-volunteer-opportunities/youth-opportunities.html
e. Montgomery County Student Service Learning (SSL): http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/ssl/
f. Montgomery County Volunteer Center: http://www.montgomeryserves.org/
g. The Arc Montgomery County Volunteer Opportunities:
thearcmontgomerycounty.org/volunteer/individual-volunteer-opportunities/youth-opportunities.html
h. George Tilson, Career/Workforce Consultant: Tilson & Diaz Solutions, Inc.;
I. Best Friends Pet Resource (Gaithersburg) -395 Muddy Branch Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, (301) 926-6005,www.bestfriendspetcare.com
j. Montgomery County Recreation Department Junior Counselor Program - http://www3.montgomerycountymd.gov/311/(S(b1ikl4yi1v1xyvmibgsioj45))/SolutionView.aspx?SolutionId=1-2W92KG
Ages 13-16 -The Junior Counselor position (formerly known as the Counselor-in Training (CIT) position) is part of a leadership training program that provides an opportunity to develop leadership and recreation skills while providing program support. ....Information and dates for the mandatory training and the Junior Counselor programs is listed in the Montgomery County Summer Camps and Programs guide. This information is also on the County's Internet on the Camps Information page. If you have a specific question regarding the Junior Counselor schedule, placement, payment, or training please call 240.777.6870.
Or ask about jobs/volunteer opportunities at the MC Dept of Recreation- Charlie Butler- 240-777-6884 -
......
Teen programs – SSL Camps - Montgomery county Recreation Department - http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/thingstodo/camps/teen.html
k. Teens Service Learning – MCPS - http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/ssl/.
l. Teen Service Learning Opportunities Frequently Asked Questions:
http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/rec/files/teenvolunteerFAQ.pdf
m. Special Needs Access Project (SNAP)- Josh/Kathy Carpenter - 301-744-7627/301-946-3806 Check their website: http://specialneedsaccess.com/ - “The Special Needs Access Project, or “SNAP”, is an independent agency founded in 2012 specializing in one-to-one recreational services, classroom facilitators (“shadows”), and at-home tutors for children with special need.”
n. Mariott’s Bridges.. School to Work Project - http://www.ncwd-youth.info/node/341 Contact: Linda Bender, Director of Administration -(301) 380-7771, , http://www.marriottfoundation.org. The Marriott Foundation's mission is to foster the employment of young people with disabilities. To achieve this, it developed and operates "Bridges... from school to work," “a program which places young people with disabilities who have recently exited, or are preparing to exit high school in jobs with local employers. With a long-term focus on career development, the program continues to work with these youth after placement to help them grow and advance on the job. Bridges was launched in late 1989 in Montgomery County, Maryland, where it continues to operate.”
o. Sunflower Bakery: http://www.sunflowerbakery.org/ - “Sunflower Bakery is an exciting enterprise that combines skills training with actual work experience. Our mission is to prepare individuals with developmental or other cognitive disabilities for employment in baking and related industries through skilled, on-the-job training.”
Note: Summer “Sweet Sessions for Teens” - (14 to 18 years old) will be available this year (2014), back by popular demand. Contact:
p. Project Access High School Transition Program for Students with Disabilities - Project Access is designed to significantly facilitate the transition of high school students with disabilities into postsecondary education, to increase the success rate and retention of freshman students with disabilities at Howard Community College, and to improve career counseling and job placement services for students with disabilities. http://www.howardcc.edu/students/academic_support_services/project_access.
q. Project SEARCH - http://www.seeconline.org/project-search-montgomery -“In September of 2012, Montgomery County Government launched Project SEARCH-Montgomery in partnership with SEEC, The Ivymount School, The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration, and the Maryland Department of Rehabilitative Services. The program was initiated by County Executive, Isiah Leggett… Today more than half are employed by the county….[this is a] 30-week transition-to-work program combining job and community readiness education with a rotation through three 10-week unpaid internships. The program is based across multiple government departments and facilities providing real workplace experiences to enhance the acquisition of marketable work skills and the development of robust resumes. In addition, interns benefit from classroom instruction at the work site to learn and practice fundamental skills to meet workplace expectations.”
Apply on line: http://www.seeconline.org/project-search-initial-inquiry.
For Project SEARCH NIH (http://www.seeconline.org/node/107) contact: Denise Ford, Director of Hospitality Services, NIH Clinical Center at ; Steve Blanks, SEEC’s Director of Workforce Development at ; Lu Merrick, Director of Post High School, Ivymount School at
For Project SEARCH Montgomery (http://www.seeconline.org/node/108) contact: Gail Nachman at ; Steve Blanks at ; Lu Merrick at
r. Montgomery Works - Yolanda Tully - 301-929-6888 -
s. Montgomery County Humane Society - 14645 Rothgeb Dr, Rockville, MD 20850,(240) 773-5900 - http://www.mchumane.org/employment.shtml . Check their employment needs. They also say on their site: “Also, there are always volunteer opportunities available!” - Check http://mchumane.org/volunteer.shtml for volunteer opportunities on their site
t. Best Friends Pet Care –Gaithersburg: www.bestfriendspetcare.com/gaithersburg-md/
395 Muddy Branch Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, h: (301) 926-6005, Fax: (301) 926-6118;
Employment opportunities: http://bestfriendsgroup.net/employment-opportunities.html
u. – Michael’s - 1509 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD20852-1601, (301) 881-8100; 13850 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD, (301) 603-8001
v – Barnes & Noble – Stores at different locations – Rockville: Montrose Crossing, 12089 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD, 20852, 301-881-0237;Bethesda: 4801 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-986-1761
w –Montgomery County MCPaw Program – Partners for Animal Well Being - http://www.mcpaw.org/ Volunteer opportunities:- http://www.mcpaw.org/volunteer/. http://www.mchumane.org/volunteer.shtml
x – Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW) : http://www.paw-rescue.org/others.php
y - Balducci’s – Food Lover’s Market - 10323 Old Georgetown Road,Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 564-3100, Fax: (301) 493-5947.
z – MD Div. Rehab. Services (DORS)- Pat Simon – Wheaton, 301-949-3750,
AA– Independence Now - check their programs and events: http://www.innow.org/home/main/events - Montgomery County Offices: 301.277.2839 Phone, 301.625.9777 Fax, TDD: Use Maryland Relay: 711; Silver Spring Office: 12301 Old Columbia Pike, Suite 101, Silver Spring, MD 20904; Rockville Office: Independence Now, 401 Hungerford Drive, 3rd Floor, Rockville, MD 20850.
5. Social Security:
a. Check Resources from Transition Times Social Security Meeting on 9/10/2013: http://pcr-inc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Social-Security-Disability-Benefits..pdf, http://pcr-inc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DDS.-The-Arc.pdf, and
FAQ-%20Social%20Security%20Disability%20Programs.pdf
b. IMPORTANT! Download or order the FREE publications from SSA EVERY YEAR! SSA suggests you always have the latest publications because there are many changes every year. Here is the list of publications:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/index.html
c. A recording of a webinar with Michael Dalto, Work Incentives Project Director, Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD, from November 2010) is on YouTube. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrkdGDSxj-c. While some of the dollar figures have changed, the attached Power Point (used in the recent session) has figures for 2012.
d. SSI Federal Payment Amounts for 2014: check it every year: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/COLA/SSI.html
e. Important Information: Changes In Certain Services - 05-10544, ICN 456001, May 2014, http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10544.pdf
Summary: Find out about changes in Social Security services coming in 2014.
f. A YouTube Video on Social Security in Sign Language, that has a little summary of the Social Security programs. Check them out! http://www.ssa.gov/multimedia/video/asl/
g. Maryland Work Incentives Network MD-WIN (888-838-1776),
h. Maryland Disabilities Determination Services: E. Caroline Mason, Medical Relations Director, 410-308-4336;
i. Disability Support Solutions, Rebecca Rubin, 11 N. Washington St, Suite 520, Rockville, MD 20850, (301) 523-5362, , Assistance with SSI, Medicaid, etc.
j. Document room and board – See SSA document “understanding supplemental Security Income (SSI) on chapter called “living arrangement” – page 22, and SSI Spotlight on Living
-Also look at: Reporting Your Wages When You Receive SSI: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10503.pdf 05-10503, Arrangements, page 68: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-living-arrangements.htm
k. Local contact information for SSA: 877-512-3848 (check the hours the office is open before you go there), 10230 New Hampshire Ave, Suite 304, Silver Spring, MD 20903 – National toll free numbers: 1-800-772-1213TTY1-800-325-0778; http://www.ssa.gov/
l. Where to report income received/earned:
– Download “A Guide for Representative Payees” publication of the Social Security Administration: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10076.pdf. Look at last chapter on “Changes to report.” ICN 470103, April 2013
Summary: If you receive SSI and work, don’t forget to report your wages timely so your payments will be accurate.
-Social Security’s Electronic Wage Reporting (Forms W-2): http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10034.pdf, 05-10034, ICN 456208, May 2008
Summary: If you run a business (some of our sons and daughters are entrepreneurs), make www.socialsecurity.gov/employer your first stop for information on W-2s, electronic filing and verifying Social Security numbers.
m. Download order free publication from SSA every year: “Understanding Supplemental Security Income” publication:
http://www.idaholegalaid.org/files/Understanding%20SSI.pdf
n. Download or order on line the hard copy of the “2014 Red Book” publication from Social Security Administration:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/ (choose Spanish or English, on line or pdf version).
o. Download or order on line the hard copy of the “2014 Blue Book” publication from Social Security Administration (Listing of Impairments):
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/index.html OR
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm
6. Navigating the Adult Service World:
a. PCR Community Links – Transition Resources:
http://pcr-inc.org/community-resources/community-links/
b. MC Department of Health/Human Services, Aging & Disability Services Community Support Network: Tom Greene, 240-777-1508,
c. Service Coordination: Contact your son’s or daughter‘s Service Coordinator for help/advice - (if you do not have one, or do not know who she/he is contact: 240-777-1216-) or call Laura Newman: Administrator of Community Support Network: 240-777-1136. (She may be the best person to help you at these challenging times for Resource Coordination).
By the DHHS definition, Service Coordination assists“ individuals with developmental disabilities who receive funding from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) in obtaining the best quality and most appropriate services and supports with available resources within the community. Resource Coordinators provide case management and advocate for individuals receiving services.
montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Program.aspx?id=ADS/ADSResourceCoord-p234.html
d. Joseph McRedman - Joe McRedmond, Owner/Consultant, Disabilities Consulting Services, LLC, (202) 271-8010, , www.disabilitiesconsultingservices.com