Families

ECHO Programs & Services

There is a story behind every man and woman that becomes a part of the ECHO family. Through the support of their families and the caring staff at ECHO, each individual is able to overcome barriers to employment and community access and achieve their optimal levels of personal and economic growth through ECHO programs that provide jobs for people with disabilities and much more.

Programs & Services include:

• Vocational Evaluation
• Group Supported Employment
• Individual Supported Employment
• Extended Employment Services
• School-to-Work Transition Program
• Transportation
• Medical Day Support
• Community Integration
• Training in Work Skills and Socialization

Group Supported Employment

ECHO specializes in providing valued, meaningful community-based employment designed to maximize each individual’s opportunities in accordance with their interests. The individuals work in small groups with on-site support at businesses in the local community.

Benefits include:

• Opportunities to try a variety of work
• Daily training and support at the worksite by qualified staff
• Paid vacation/sick days and holidays
• Transportation services from home to work for most participants in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties
• Pay based on productivity using approved wage rates
• Help in achieving individual goals
• Opportunities to access the community
• Advocacy support

Individualized Supported Employment

ECHO is now offering a new program, Individualized Supported Employment (ISE), to assist participants secure employment through coaching, individualized support and training. ISE is a powerful and flexible way to create employment opportunities, ensure regular employment benefits, provide ongoing support and achieve full participation and integration into the workforce and the community at-large.

Individuals in the program are assigned a job coach to assist with the employment process from start to finish. This involves assessing the individual’s strengths, weaknesses and job interests and assisting with skill building, resume writing, job applications and job interviews. Once in the workplace the job coach helps with learning the various job responsibilities. As the individual becomes more familiar with the position the job coach fades and only provides services as-needed to ensure the success of the individual and business partnership.

Please contact us at (703) 779-2100 or info@echoworks.org for more information.

ECHO Academy and PAES Lab

The ECHO Academy is a structured teaching environment that will enhance individuals’ purpose, independence and employability. The ECHO Academy complements our Employment, Day Support, and Transportation services. The Academy encompasses five areas of focus: Hygiene; Computer Skills; Life Skills; Social Skills, Personal/Community Skills; and, Vocational Development.

The innovative PAES lab details participants’ career aptitudes and interests. The Lab is a simulated work environment where individuals are assessed on career potential and employability skills. PAES can help identify functional skill levels, career interests, aptitude for community-based employment, and work behavior strengths and barriers to success.

For more information please contact Valerie Burton at valerieb@echoworks.org or (571) 707-8244.

Medical Day Support

ECHO’s Medical Day Support Program offer person-centered, comprehensive support and training for individuals with significant support needs. The goal of this program is to maintain and enhance an individual’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional abilities that will result in an optimal quality of life for each individual. This program serves up to 20 men and women.

The Medical Day Support Program Staff consists of:

• Licensed Registered Nurse(s)
• A Licensed Practical Nurse
• An Occupational Therapist
• Certified Nursing Assistants and Aides
• Drivers

Our staff consults with families, physical therapists, special education teachers, support coordinators, physicians and residential providers to ensure a comprehensive, personalized program to meet each individual’s goals. Each person has a customized exercise program developed by the occupational therapist that works to enhance his or her strength, endurance, and range of motion. This program also provides opportunities for community involvement, socializing, and skill development.