EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Ardmore believes that employment is the foundation for self-esteem, a tool to maximize independence, contributes to self-sufficiency and that everyone, no matter how challenged has the capacity to engage in meaningful paid work. With this belief in mind the following supports are provided:

Supported Employment – Ardmore staff provides job development, placement, career development, counseling, supervision, training, and support. Supported employment opportunities are provided on the employers job site for full and part-time employment at such companies as Pizza Hut, Days Inn, Motor Vehicle Administration as well as many others. Job coaches play a pivotal role in the employee’s growth, development and successful placement in individual, enclave, and crew positions.

Supported Work Center – Ardmore supports individuals with developmental disabilities in an industrial employment site. Supports in the center include a combination of sensory stimulation activities, activities of daily living, work, and community activities. Depending on the person’s needs, he/she might take advantage of all or just some of the supports. Work adjustment is a methodology used to develop work skills, good work ethics and work habits, attention to task, frustration tolerance, and ability to relate to supervision. Supported work includes a variety of work opportunities in packaging, recycling, assembly and mail services.

Respite Services – On a limited and individualized basis, the Supported Work Center can accommodate consumers for respite. These services are accessed through the DDA Southern Maryland Regional Office, and the Emergency Response Coordinator.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Ardmore currently supports 37 individuals residing in Prince George’s and Montgomery County. Ardmore operates four 3-bed Alternative Living Units (ALU) and six 4-bed Group Homes. Our residences are single-family homes located in beautiful suburban communities. Shopping, community centers, parks, libraries, and many other points of interest are just minutes away from each home. Ardmore also provides long and short-term in-home supports to persons living with family, friend or on their own through our Family and Individual Support Services (FISS) program.

Ardmore’s residents are always on the go! Our residents attend weekly social events such as theme parties, dinners, trips, and sporting events. Ardmore residents are encouraged to do their own shopping, join local social organizations, participate in community activities, and even volunteer their time for local causes. They are truly a part of the community.

TRANSPORTATION

Fixed route transportation services are available in the morning and afternoon, transporting employees from their homes to either their work site or to Ardmore’s industrial sites. Additionally, shuttle services are provided to and from the training facility and the job sites. Transportation is also provided for doctor/dentist appointments and social and recreational outings. Our vehicles transport participants to evening employment. Transportation is provided on weekends, when needed to our consumers living in our residential programs. All of the drivers are equipped with cellular phones for emergencies. Ardmore has a very comprehensive maintenance program for periodic maintenance. A senior transportation staff member performs routine maintenance on each vehicle. Our drivers must successfully complete courses in First Aid, CPR, and defensive driving, with refresher courses every three to six months.