National Children's Center

The residential services program creates homes for people with developmental disabilities that are characterized by warmth and respect. The program provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities in various settings. The services are individualized to assist in nonvocational activities that will enable the individuals to live in their own home, apartment, family home or agency site. Program sites consist of apartments and houses that are located in residential neighborhoods in prince georges and montgomery county, and the district of columbia. The program offers a continuum of care, and varying degrees of support from 24-hour to limited drop-in supervision. Services provided to individuals consists of community integration, professional support services, training in activities of daily living and other areas, person centered planning, assistance with assistive technology, 24-hour emergency assistance, resource coordination, training in food preparation, nutritional services and nursing & medical services. Many of the individuals have secondary disabilities, such as deafness, mental health challenges, and autism. The sites have been modified as needed to be accessible to the individuals, and offer modern adaptive equipment, such as flashing light systems, ramps, tdds, etc. Two homes are designed for residents who communicate via sign language, and the staff in these homes is fluent in sign language. The goals and program for each resident are determined by each individual's needs and preferences, with an ultimate goal of maximizing independence, productivity, and community integration. The program is committed to a team approach that encourages communication with family and day programs. Individuals are fully integrated into their communities, and utilize a wide variety of community resources for recreation and learning.

Ncc supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to obtain employment, develop a career path and acquire and retain competitive employment. Agency employment specialists initiate a positive personal profile (ppp), which guides each person through a "discovery" process and creates a job search plan that is customized for each job seeker. The ncc employment specialists look for employment based on information obtained in the ppp and match interests, skill sets and required skills needed for the job to determine suitability. Job coaches provide the necessary job coaching and on-the-job training and support, while employers and co-workers are supported to work effectively with the new employees.

The early intervention program provides educational and therapeutic services through a variety of programs for children ages eight weeks to five years of age. The program establishes goals that will assist children in achieving developmental milestones and to be prepared for future educational success. Each child's educational and developmental goals are individually defined based on needs and abilities. Service coordination, support groups and training is provided for families.