SOUTHERN MARYLAND VOCATIONAL INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED

EPIC empowers adults with intellectual challenges to maximize their independence. The team at EPIC follows through on our mission each day as we encourage the community at large to assist in spreading our vision that everyone should, regardless of disability, live a respectful and fulfilling life.

EPIC believes that employment is the foundation for self-esteem and that everyone, no matter how challenged, has the capacity to engage in meaningful paid work. We promote gainful employment as a tool to maximize independence and self-sufficiency.
EPIC provides employment supports using three different methods:
Individual Community Placement ~ short term on the job training and periodic follow along services for an individual employee.
Community Contracts ~ a small group of workers and job coaches function as an integrated team to complete a contracted job.
Employment Discovery & Customization ~ While many people enjoy their jobs, some individuals have difficulty identifying the type of work they prefer or need accommodations such as job sharing or job care outs to find a job uniquely suited to them. This employment model provides supports to individuals in groups of four or less to explore and develop their ideal jobs.

EPIC’s vocational/day program is designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual challenges. Through the development of an individual plan, our dedicated staff can provide meaningful activities that encourage participation in physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functions. Whether the goal is developing daily living skills or securing successful employment, we are there to assist and support, every step of the way.

EPIC’s community based living service is strategically structured to promote the fullest level of independence while fostering supports that ensures family involvement. Through person-centered planning, each person residing in an EPIC home is able to enjoy life by learning a variety of life skills from healthy meal management, the importance of being active and fit, healthy cooking to include vacationing and enjoying the community. The future of community based living through EPIC will be a combination of apartment style living and homeownership for the individuals being supported.

Our team of trained direct support professionals, nurses, directors and assistants assess the needs of people interested in services by referral from DDA. Our team then guides each individual through their own personal set of outcomes that involve finding them employment, providing housing, and being active in their communities. Compared to other organizations dedicated to the needs of people with developmental disabilities, EPIC is mid-sized, a real advantage to individuals enrolled in our programs who benefit from more personal attention. EPIC’s smaller size also allows us to be more nimble and fluid to respond to the needs of our consumers.

EPIC provides services that enable 200 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the same way as people without disabilities live within the community. Their lives are characterized by the ability to play an active role within their community of choice.