Contact Information
9104 Red Branch Road
Columbia, Maryland 21045
Telephone: (410)964-1241
Fax: (410)964-3140
E-mail:
Web Address: http://www.athelasinst.org
Athelas Institute, Inc.
Services Offered:
Residential Services, Supported Employment, Vocational Day Program/Sheltered Workshop, Individual Support Services, Day Habilitation Program, Transportation, Behavioral Support Services, Respite Care and Community Support Living Arrangements.
Individuals Have the Following Types of Disabilities:
AIDS, Mental Retardation, Mental Disorder, Autism, Behavioral Problems, Blindness/Severe Visual Impairment, Cerebral Palsy, Deafness/Severe Hearing Impairment, Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder, Head Injury, Orthopedic Impairment, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Specific Learning Disability, Speech/Language Impairment, Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord Injury, other neurological impairments and other undetermined disabilities
Number of Individuals Currently Being Served: 391
Ages Served: 21 and above
Home Region of DDA: Central
Counties Served: Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County
Year Established: 1976
Mission Statement
To provide a variety of quality educational, rehabilitative, residential, employment, and individual support options for individuals with developmental disabilities within a supportive milieu utilizing natural supports to maximize opportunities for individual growth.
Unique or Distinctive Qualities
Athelas Institute's educational program has been affiliated with Catonsville Community College (now part of the Community Colleges of Baltimore County) since 1976. daily transportion and work activities are provided for individuals in Supported Employment who are between jobs. Meaningful day programs have been designed to meet the needs of Special Populations i.e. Dually Diagnosed, Head Injured, Autism, Severely and Profoundly handicapped, Medically Fragile. Since it's inception, Athelas continues to be a recognized leader in the field for providing innovative and creative services. Central to Athelas Institute's philosophy is the promotion of community involvement, informed choice and decision makng staff well trained to focus on the safety and overall well being of the individual.
Discuss How Your Agency Has Utilized The "Ask Me!" Survey Results.
Athelas has employed the results of the "Ask Me!" survey as an aid in enhancing the overall quality assurance goals of the agency. A specific focus has been placed on the Quality of Life domains of Personal Development, Social Inclusion, Self Determination, and Rights. Another initiative, as a result of the "Ask Me!" survey, was to strengthen the availability of transportation for both day and residential services. In an effort to assure the maximum level of quality services is delivered to the individuals its serves, program specific goals were also developed to target these areas. Staff are trained to use the "Ask me!" concepts to then assess the consumers' level of staisfaction with services they receive. Athelas. also utilizes the results as a basis in developing IP goals for individuals. Quality indicators are developed annually as a means to enhance the services itemized by "Ask Me!" for the overall agency, specific programs, and individual.
The "Ask Me!" Survey Results is available for the general public
Describe your quality assurance practices, including any agency accreditations.
Athelas Institute's Quality Assurance Committee has completed reviews and provided feedback on quality assurance issues to each of its programs for over ten years. Site visits are conducted at all day programs and houses on a regular basis. These visits include a review of the entire physical site, total medication review, and a review of all programs, plans, and data collection. The Behavioral Review and Human Rights Committees conduct annual reviews of all Behavior Support Plans, restrictive procedures, and prescribed psychotropic medications to ensure that the proper techniques are being used. An outside consultant conducts annual Quality Assurance Reviews on Individuals throughout the agency to determine the quality of services they are receiving. These reviews are composed of a consumer interview, individual plan review, program observation, and staff interview. A Quality Assurance Plan, based on the needs of the individuals erved and "Ask Me!" results, is developed each year to indicate overall agency and specific program goals. The Quality Assurance Committee reviews all incident reports, Quality Assurance Reviews, and progress towards Quality Assurance goals monthly. Athelas has also participated in the "Ask Me!" survey for two years before such participation was required by the Developmental Disabilities Administration. These practices have allowed Athelas to continuously improve upon the services being provided.
How Does Your Agency Support People In Becoming Active Members Of Their Community?
People are involved in community service projects/volunteering in their home and work communities. Individuals also participate in community-based programs and activities according to their personal interests.
Steps Individuals Must Take to Apply for Services
After being approved for Developmental Disabilities Administration's funding, contact Diana LaSov to arrange for a tour of the programs desired. Be prepared to provide a current IP, a psychological assessment, a medical assessment and other pertinent information. An in-house evaluation completes the application process.
Special Considerations/Comments: Door-to-door transportation is provided, case management is provided. Work at Center between jobs. Educational programs in conjunction with CCBC. Behavioral, clinical and nursing consultation services available.
Funding Sources: Developmental Disabilities Administration
are in PDF. (The freely available