dds

Department on Disability Services

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NBC Washington Highlights the Talents of Artists with Disabilities

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Art Enables is a supported employment and vocational training program guiding artists with disabilities to careers as entrepreneurs. Shawn Payne’s passion for designing women’s shoes caught the attention of NBC’s Erika Gonzalez.

NBC Washington Highlights the Talents of Artists with Disabilities

Person-Centered Thinking

Person-centered thinking is a philosophy behind service provision that supports positive control and self-direction of people’s own lives. DDS is working to implement this through training sessions and other agency wide initiatives.

Employment First Initiative

Two people clasping hand, one in wheelchair

Under the Employment First philosophy, competitive, integrated employment is the first and overwhelmingly preferred option for working-age youth and adults with disabilities.