UMB Workforce Initiatives hosts the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services at the Community Engagement Center for an overview of the state agency’s programs and services.
Community members gathered July 14 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) Community Engagement Center for an informative workforce development session featuring Tamla McDowell-Omodho, staff specialist with the Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). Nearly 50 individuals registered for the event, with 11 participants attending in person and virtually.
McDowell-Omodho provided an overview of DORS programs and services designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment. DORS supports Marylanders with physical, emotional, intellectual, developmental, sensory, and learning disabilities through vocational rehabilitation services that are tailored to individual employment goals, including career counseling, job readiness training, job placement assistance, supported employment services, and assistive technology resources.
Participants also learned about transition services for students with disabilities ages 14 to 21, including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Student Employment Services, which help young people explore career pathways, build workplace readiness skills, and prepare for successful employment outcomes. The presentation outlined eligibility requirements, required documentation, and the process for requesting services through DORS.
Attendees received step-by-step guidance on what to expect after submitting a referral, including intake appointments, eligibility determinations, and the development of individualized employment plans. The session also highlighted DORS’ Workforce and Technology Services, which offer career training, employment development and placement services, behavioral health support, academic services, and rehabilitation and assistive technology resources.
The event was hosted by UMB Workforce Initiatives, a program that supports community members in finding employment, accessing high-quality career training opportunities, and connecting with adult education services. The event also reflected the Office of Community and Civic Engagement’s commitment to bringing valuable information, services, and opportunities directly to community members.
By partnering with Maryland state agencies such as DORS, the office helps ensure that West Baltimore residents gain increased awareness of and access to public resources that can support employment, education, and economic mobility.