Employment Services for Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Our Employment Services Create Vital Community Connections
What Are Employment Services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities?
Employment services for individuals with intellectual disabilities provide specialized skills, job, and career support to promote independence, fulfillment, and community engagement.
At Bello Machre, our services are about more than connecting individuals with developmental disabilities to employment, they’re about cultivating meaningful careers that positively impact quality of life and allow them to thrive within their community.
“Ashlie and Mary from Bello Machre have supported Kelly’s Homemades every step of the way by assisting Kelly with product making at home and selling at the farmers market and other craft fairs. They have also helped with researching various places Kelly could set up her micro-business in the community. We couldn’t have been so successful without them.”
–Carolyn Sigmon, Kelly’s Mom
Job Discovery and Vocation Training for People with Developmental Disabilities
Every person is unique. That’s why we take a person-centric approach to customized employment for those with intellectual disabilities.
At Bello Machre, uncovering the best career path begins with understanding unique interests, goals, and abilities. It all starts with a job development plan that covers:
“Employment for Jared is important for many reasons. First and foremost, Jared is very capable of learning new skills and simply needs to be in an environment where that’s possible. Second, Jared’s working hours provide him with an opportunity to be engaged in a meaningful way on days when he does not have other activities.”
–Michelle Parris, mother of Jared Parris
Job Placement and Ongoing Support for those with Developmental Disabilities
Bello Machre’s employment support services extend across the career journey, and continue long after we’ve helped an individual find a job. Once we’ve identified the right job, we support the person in getting hired, thriving in their role, and staying employed. And though we might not be onsite everyday, we are always just a phone call away for the individual and the employer.
Job Placement for IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities)
While searching for a job is an exciting time, it can also be overwhelming. We walk side by side with every individual, helping them make connections within the community, preparing them for interviews, preparing employer partners, and ensuring the roles applied for align with previously identified skills and goals.
Job Coaching
We’re here to support individuals with special needs by coaching them through any job situation—from onsite on-the-job training, to temporary 1:1 coaching related to their specific work environment, to helping them pivot should they decide they want to do something different.
Job Retention Support
Job satisfaction plays an important role in job retention. We work to ensure individuals receive any support and assistance they might require on the job to make their experience a positive and fulfilling one, and help them address any challenges that might impact ongoing employment.
Supported Employment Services for People with Disabilities
At Bello Machre, we offer comprehensive employment services to ensure the process of securing a job (and getting to it) is seamless and stress free.
Get Started on Your Career Journey Today
“Ashlie and Mary from Bello Machre have supported Kelly’s Homemades every step of the way by assisting Kelly with product making at home and selling at the farmers market and other craft fairs. They have also helped with researching various places Kelly could set up her micro-business in the community. We couldn’t have been so successful without them.”
–Carolyn Sigmon, Kelly’s Mom
Inclusive Employment Opportunities Across Conditions
At Bello Machre, our employment services provide career programs and work programs to support individuals with a wide range of developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy.
These programs help people find meaningful and enriching opportunities through job coaching, training, and community partnerships.
Benefits of Employment for People with IDD
Meaningful employment for individuals with developmental disabilities promotes socialization, accomplishment, and a sense of purpose.
At Bello Machre, we’ve seen employment services achieve those positive results and so much more:
Partnering with Employers for Inclusive Workplaces
We’re proud to spotlight our meaningful employer partnerships that help us make workplace accommodations possible through dedicated IDD employment programs.
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY PARTNERS
- Backpack Buddies
- Baltimore City Recreation & Parks
- Blue Ribbon Project
- Cycling Without Age
- Elks Lodge
- Farring Baybrook Rec Center
- Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce
- Lucky and Blessed Fishing
- Meals on Wheels
- Middle Branch Rec Center
- Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce
- On Our Own
- Orphan Grain Train
- People on the Go
- Pic-n-Paint
- Severna Park Community Center
- Weis Market – Pasadena
CARROLL COUNTY PARTNERS
- Carroll County Chamber of Commerce
- Carroll County Health Department
- Carroll County Recreation & Parks
- Carroll Lutheran
- Community Media Center
- Exploration Commons
- House of Madness – Creepy Jason
- Moonlit Acres Retreat Farm
- Restore
Consider Becoming a Bello Machre Employer Partner
Businesses that hire workers from within the intellectually disabled community find it a rewarding experience that also enriches company operations:
Interested in partnering with our Employment Program or learning more?
Success Stories for Employment Services
The most powerful examples of finding meaningful jobs for people with disabilities come from the people themselves. Those who’ve achieved good outcomes and created careers they can be proud of.
From peer-to-peer support and video production, to book writing and homemade personal products, these are some of the many success stories our employment services helped make possible.
“I like getting my own groceries and making my meals. I also have quiet time on my own.”
Read more about Jared
“When I met the people at Bello Machre, I knew that was it! Everyone treated me like any other person figuring out what I wanted to do in life.”
Read more about Hannah
Explore Community Development Services
If you or your loved ones are interested in recreationally focused support, Bello Machre Community Development Services are a great option.
Our community-based day programs offer adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to grow, socialize, and explore the community in safe, structured group activities. Each day includes recreational, educational, and social activities tailored to participants’ strengths and interests.
With a 1:4 staff-to-individual ratio and transportation provided, CDS fosters independence while building confidence, friendships, and life skills. More than just a day program, CDS helps participants connect with their community and take meaningful steps toward greater autonomy.
Start Your Employment Journey with Bello Machre Today
Discover how our employment services program can support you or your loved one in finding meaningful work opportunities. If you are ready to take the next step, our Employment Services team is here to guide you through the application process.
FAQs About Employment Services
Understanding Employment Services
Job Opportunities & Support
Getting Started
Your Employment Services Team
Tameka Estwick
Employment Program Director
Tameka Estwick is the Employment Services Program Director at Bello Machre, bringing over 13 years of experience in the human services field. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a passion for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities that began in 2012, Tameka is dedicated to creating inclusive employment opportunities and fostering independence. Through strong community partnerships and person-centered leadership, Tameka works to empower others and help them thrive in meaningful, competitive employment.
Kendra Baldwin
Employment Program Director
Kendra Baldwin serves as the Community Services Program Director at Bello Machre, bringing over 15 years of experience in the human services field. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has been passionate about supporting individuals with developmental disabilities since 2008. Kendra is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their goals and thrive in meaningful work through inclusive employment opportunities, fostering independence and strong community partnerships.
