September brought new opportunities for Service Coordination, Inc. (SCI) Program Navigator Kasey to connect with individuals, families, schools, and community partners across Maryland. From collaborative roundtables and resource fairs to personalized Information and Referral follow-ups, Kasey spent the month helping people better understand available services, navigate application processes, and take meaningful next steps toward support. Along the way, she strengthened partnerships and expanded awareness of resources that promote independence, inclusion, and person-centered outcomes.
Disability Supports Roundtable & Community Safety Discussion | Sept. 1
Kasey participated in the September Disability Supports Roundtable, where members welcomed several new organizations to the group, including Fello and Best Buddies. The meeting focused on the theme of “Back to School,” highlighting assistive technology and transition resources that support students with disabilities at every stage of their educational journey.
Discussion centered on tools and services that help students begin the school year successfully, prepare for post-secondary education and employment opportunities, and access resources that promote independence and self-advocacy. Participants also explored opportunities for intergenerational connection and collaboration as a way to strengthen community engagement and support positive mental health outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Kasey also participated in a community safety workgroup focused on helping Howard County law enforcement better understand and respond to interactions involving people with neurodivergence. Through small-group discussion, participants identified resources and awareness-building opportunities that could support safer, more informed responses across the community.
Community Partnership Meeting at We Rock the Spectrum | Sept. 2
Kasey met with the owners of We Rock the Spectrum in Forest Hill to discuss ways to better support individuals receiving Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) services. They explored opportunities for community engagement, collaboration, and outreach that could increase awareness of DDA and Medicaid resources among individuals and families in the community.
Local Health Improvement Coalition Collaboration | Sept. 3
Kasey participated in a collaborative meeting with the Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC) of Howard County, Maryland, to discuss opportunities for strengthening community outreach and increasing awareness of available disability resources and services.
During the meeting, Kasey shared information about the supports available through SCI, including resources related to DDA, Community First Choice (CFC) services, and Support Planning. The group explored ways the coalition could help connect community members to these programs and improve access to information for individuals and families seeking long-term support services.
The discussion also focused on developing a collaborative partnership through programming hosted at libraries throughout Howard County. By leveraging these community-based locations, both organizations hope to expand outreach efforts, provide educational opportunities, and connect more residents with essential resources and services. This partnership has the potential to increase community awareness, promote early access to support, and strengthen resource accessibility for individuals with disabilities and their families across Howard County.
Information and Referral Follow-Up at Pikesville Library | Sept. 9
Kasey participated in an Information & Referral follow-up meeting with an individual seeking support and guidance for her mother and father-in-law. The meeting was conducted at the Pikesville Library to discuss available long-term services and supports.
During the meeting, information was provided regarding the Long-Term Care Medical Assistance (LTCMA) application process, including eligibility considerations and application procedures. Additional discussion focused on CFC and the Community Options Waiver, with attention given to how these programs may help meet the care needs of her family members.
The individual was also provided information about Maryland Access Point (MAPS) and the role it plays in connecting individuals to community-based services and supports. Guidance was offered on accessing additional resources, including connecting with the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for advocacy and assistance related to long-term care services.
The individual was encouraged to follow up with the appropriate agencies to begin the application process and to reach out for additional support as needed. Information and referrals were provided to promote informed decision-making and access to available community resources.
Information and Referral Follow-Up in Columbia | Sept. 15
Kasey met with an individual through the Information and Referral program to assess her needs and connect her with appropriate benefits and services. During the meeting, Kasey provided one-on-one assistance with completing applications for Medical Assistance and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to help the individual access financial and healthcare supports.
Kasey also discussed ongoing service needs and provided guidance regarding Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS). The individual plans to continue following up with MAPS to complete the necessary steps to initiate CPAS services. Through personalized support and resource navigation, Kasey helped the individual move forward in securing critical benefits and community-based services that will support her health, independence, and overall well-being.
AAWC Job Fair at Annapolis High School | Sept. 16
Kasey partnered with Sierra Green to participate in the job fair at Annapolis High School, where they connected with community members seeking employment opportunities, resources, and support services. Throughout the event, Kasey provided information, guidance, and referrals to individuals and families to help address employment and community resource needs. See pictures below.
In addition to engaging with attendees, Kasey established a valuable connection with the school’s Special Education Transition Liaison to explore future collaboration opportunities. The discussion focused on developing an educational initiative for students and families that emphasizes the importance of applying for DDA services before age 21. This partnership aims to increase awareness of transition planning resources and help families better prepare for the shift from school-based supports to adult services, promoting a smoother transition into adulthood for individuals with disabilities.
Aging Your Way Expo in Carroll County | Sept. 23
On September 23, Kasey attended the Aging Your Way Expo in Westminster, Maryland, to engage with community partners, increase awareness of available resources, and strengthen relationships for future collaboration.
During the event, Kasey connected with representatives from the Bureau of Aging, MAPS, and the County Commissioners’ Office to discuss opportunities for community engagement, resource sharing, and future partnerships that support older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families.
The event also provided an opportunity to connect directly with community members seeking assistance. Kasey met with a mother who expressed a need for support, advocacy, and guidance in navigating available services. After discussing her concerns and resource needs, Kasey scheduled a follow-up appointment to provide Information and Referral services, explore available supports, and assist with connecting her to appropriate community resources.
Participation in the expo enhanced community visibility, strengthened professional partnerships, and created opportunities to connect individuals and families with resources that promote independence, access to services, and improved quality of life.
Information and Referral Follow-Up at Friendship Valley Elementary School | Sept. 24
Kasey participated in an Information and Referral follow-up meeting with a family at an elementary school in Westminster, Maryland. The meeting brought together the family and school staff to discuss the student’s needs and identify strategies to support their continued success.
Kasey was impressed by the highly collaborative approach demonstrated by the school team. Staff worked closely with the family to brainstorm solutions, share insights, and develop new strategies that prioritized the best interests of the child. The team exhibited strong communication practices and had a well-developed plan in place to address the student’s educational and support needs.
Moving forward, Kasey will continue to provide follow-up support to the family by assisting with applications for Medical Assistance and DDA services. Ongoing support will focus on helping the family navigate available resources, access eligible benefits, and ensure the student receives the services and supports needed to achieve positive outcomes both in school and within the community.
Information and Referral Follow-Up at Mount Airy Library | Sept. 25
Kasey participated in an Information and Referral follow-up meeting with a father and son at a local library in Mount Airy, Maryland. During the meeting, Kasey provided information and guidance regarding available disability and employment-related resources, including the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), DDA services, and CFC waiver programs.
The discussion focused on identifying supports that could help the individual increase independence, access community-based services, and explore available vocational and long-term support options. Kasey answered questions about eligibility requirements, application processes, and the benefits available through these programs.
Kasey will continue to follow up with the family to provide ongoing resource navigation and assistance with completing applications as needed. Through continued support and collaboration, Kasey aims to help the family successfully access services and connect with programs that best meet their needs and goals.
Family Resource Fair at Life Skills Autism Academy | Sept. 26
Kasey participated in a Family Resource Fair at Life Skills Autism Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, where she engaged with families whose loved ones were currently receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services. During the event, Kasey provided information about DDA and educated families on available supports, eligibility requirements, and the process for accessing services and funding.
Throughout the fair, Kasey answered questions, shared community resources, and helped families better understand the steps needed to connect with long-term supports that can promote independence and quality of life. The event provided an opportunity to raise awareness of DDA services among families who may not have been familiar with available programs and resources.
In addition to supporting families, Kasey networked with several community organizations to strengthen resource connections and future collaboration opportunities. These included Baltimore Saints Hockey and Visions From Above, both of which offer valuable programs and supports for individuals with disabilities and their families. Building these relationships helps expand SCI’s network of community partners and enhances the ability to connect individuals with meaningful recreational, social, and support opportunities.
Throughout September, Kasey expanded SCI’s community presence through collaborative meetings, resource fairs, school and library follow-ups, and direct Information and Referral support. Her work helped individuals and families better understand service options, take next steps toward needed benefits and supports, and build connections that advance independence, inclusion, and person-centered outcomes across Maryland.
