Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This FAQ reflects SEEC’s commitment to clarity, accessibility, and lifelong partnership. Our goal is to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and their families easily understand services, pathways, and next steps so you can move forward with confidence.
SEEC supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across much of Maryland and Washington, D.C. We partner with people across their lifespan from transitioning youth to adults seeking employment, community engagement, personal supports, and supported living.
Our services are person-centered and designed to promote choice, independence, inclusion, and long-term stability. SEEC is a lifelong partner, adapting supports as goals, needs, and circumstances change.
Every person’s path is different. Services are based on age, goals, support needs, and available funding.
The best way to identify the right fit is to have a conversation with our team. We take time to learn about the person seeking services and help identify options that align with their goals and vision for the future.
We encourage people seeking services and families to contact SEEC to schedule an intake or informational meeting by emailing outreach@seeconline.org.
Our team will help you understand funding pathways and what may apply to your situation. Funding varies by service and may include:
- Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (MD DDA)
- District of Columbia Developmental Disabilities Administration (DC DDA)
- District of Columbia Rehabilitation Services (RSA)
- Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
- School system partnerships
- Private pay options
DORS funding is required for some employment and transition services, such as Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Project SEARCH. Not all SEEC services require DORS funding.
Services are individualized and based on each person’s needs, goals, funding authorization, and service type. Some services include 1:1 supports, while others use group or blended support models.
Yes, SEEC offers Nursing and Behavioral Support services that are individualized and based on a person’s needs, goals and funding authorization. The primary focus for both Behavioral and Nursing Services is to enhance the person’s independence and inclusion in their community.
Transportation options are discussed during intake and planning. Depending on the service and funding, this may include MetroAccess, public transportation, or other arrangements.
Yes, you may schedule a visit to SEEC’s administrative headquarters as part of the intake and service engagement process. However, our delivery of services occurs in the communities of the people we support.
SEEC serves people throughout Montgomery County, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
SEEC follows a structured, person-centered intake and onboarding process that includes:
- Initial conversations and interviews
- Review of documentation
- Site visits or community engagement
- Person-centered planning
- Coordination with funding partners
For specific questions please email outreach@seeconline.org or submit an inquiry to get started.
Timelines vary depending on the service, funding approvals, and responsiveness during the intake process. Initial engagement often takes several weeks, and in some cases the full process may take up to three months before services begin.
Who is Pre-ETS for?
Pre-ETS is designed for students and young adults, ages 14-21, who are exploring career interests, building job readiness skills, and preparing for life after school.
What does Pre-ETS focus on?
Programming is structured, supportive, and cohort based. Participants build skills in:
- Career exploration
- Workplace readiness
- Self-advocacy
- Counseling on Post Secondary Education
How long is Pre-ETS and when does it meet?
Pre-ETS is offered in cohorts and meets on Saturday’s from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Specific schedules are shared prior to enrollment.
What is Project SEARCH?
Project SEARCH is an employment-focused program designed to support young adults as they transition from school into competitive, integrated employment.
What is the application process for Project SEARCH?
Our team can guide you through eligibility and next steps. Project SEARCH has a separate application process that includes:
- Attending an Information session
- Completing an application and providing 2 letters of recommendation
- Ensuring state funding is accessible
- Completing an interview and assessment day
How does SEEC support employment?
Our approach focuses on matching individual strengths with meaningful employment opportunities.
SEEC provides individualized employment supports, including:
- Discovery and career exploration
- Resume and interview preparation
- Job development and placement
- Employer partnerships
- On-the-job coaching and ongoing support
What is Learn to Earn?
Learn to Earn is a program that supports people on their journey to employment by highlighting current skills and helping gain new skills. It helps people facing barriers to finding and keeping a job and integrates classroom lessons into the weekly schedules and daily lives of job seekers. Staff teach job related skills with a curriculum that includes technology, building relationships, and emotional regulation.
How long is Learn to Earn?
Program length and schedules vary and are discussed during the intake process.
What is Community Engagement?
SEEC’s Community Engagement services help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) build meaningful lives in their communities. Through personalized, community‑based activities, people explore their interests, build skills, form relationships, and take part in activities that bring purpose, connection, and joy. Supports are tailored to each person’s goals, interests, and support needs.
What is Community Engagement for?
Community Engagement supports adults who:
- Want to make friends and build social connections
- Want to learn new skills
- Want to explore interests, hobbies, or community activities
- Benefit from structured and supportive daytime programs
- Are not currently working or work part-time and want to add community activities to their weekly schedules
- Want meaningful ways to spend time in the community
What are Supported Living services?
Supported Living services are tailored to each person. Support may range from scheduled daily help to overnight or 24‑hour support, depending on what a person needs to thrive.
Supports may include help with:
- Daily living skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry
- Budgeting, paying bills, and managing a household
- Health and safety
- Medications and coordination with nursing services
- Building routines and for independence
- Getting out into the community and taking part in activities
- Coordinating with family members, roommates, and natural supports
Who Supported Living Is For?
Supported Living supports adults who:
- Want to live in their own apartment, townhouse, or home
- Need ongoing support to live safely and thrive in a home of their own
- Benefit from consistent, personalized daily support
- May live alone or with a roommate they choose
- Want flexibility in when and how support is provided
What are Personal Supports?
Personal supports services are provided any time during the day or night. Staff support people with things like paying bills, meal planning, grocery shopping and budgeting.
Personal Supports services may be a better fit than Supported Living Services for people who:
- Live with family or live independently
- Need fewer hours of intermittent scheduled support
- Want help building specific skills or getting targeted support
Moving Out
What is the Moving Out program?
“Moving Out” is a program designed to support adults, along with their families, interested in establishing a pathway to independent living. Over the course of three months, participants engage in a collaborative process to create a personalized housing plan tailored to their unique needs and aspirations. After the three-month program, housing plan implementation can continue as a Housing Support Service.
The program consists of group sessions and one-on-one meetings. Participants learn about topics related to:
- Community resources
- Budgeting
- Housing options
- Preparing for independent or semi-independent living
The goal is to determine the level of support needed to thrive independently.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for adults with IDD who want to build confidence and practical skills to live more independently.
Our team can help people and families decide which service is the best fit. Many people who live with their family receive personal supports and then transition into Supported Living when they move into their own home.
SEEC does not operate residential homes. Services are provided in community-based living arrangements that promote independence and inclusion.
Choosing services is an important decision, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.The best way to receive personalized guidance is to speak directly with our team.
For specific questions please email outreach@seeconline.org or submit an inquiry to get started.