An Introduction to Employment Services

For those who are new to Employment Services, and may be unfamiliar with the acronyms “DDA” and “DORS,” here is a quick introduction.

• DDA: Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration
  Click here to visit the DDA website for full information
• DORS: Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Rehabilitation Services
  Click here to visit the DORS website for full information.

DDA and DORS are separate entities, but both strive toward the same goal – competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities. The main differences between the two are listed below:

• DDA services are long-term (lifelong) supports focused on adults 21 years and older with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• DORS services are short-term (time-limited) supports focused on adults and young people starting at the age of 14, serving people with all disabilities including mental health.

As a licensed DDA Provider and Community Rehabilitation Provider with DORS (contracted to provide both adult services and Pre-employment services) the Employment Services team of The Arc NCR is able to meet a wide range of needs in Harford and Cecil Counties in Maryland. We are currently supporting over 350 people through person-centered support to help secure and maintain jobs that match their skills and interests.

For examples of what these services look like in action, watch the videos linked below to see the perspectives of employers, people receiving services and the coaching team that provides services.