Welcome Back!
Hello RCM supporters. Whether this is your first email from us or one of many, we're happy to provide you with our revamped monthly newsletter. Here you can find some updates on what the RCM team has been up-to and upcoming opportunities.
RCM on the Hill
William Marbury and Antonio Myers talked about their positive experiences with HCBS and how these services have allowed them to participate fully in the community. William talked about the programs he participates in weekly with RCM while Antonio described his education history and how he's not working with RCM to find employment opportunities. Jason McGaughey discussed disparities in the field of Direct Support Providers that this act could improve, including very high turnover rate and low wages. "Passion keeps us in our jobs," Jason stated, "but it isn't enough." They were joined by Mary P. Sowers, Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, and Anne Montgomery, Deputy Director of Altarum's Program to Improve Eldercare.
If you want to help moderator Sarah Meak suggests writing to or calling the office of your state's representatives and telling them to support the HCBS Infrastructure Act. You can also provide suggestions for what improvements are most needed in your state.
Driver of the Year:Ibrahim Jallou
In our first year, RCM gave out over $15,000 in bonuses to our drivers through our new "Good Driving Bonus Incentive Program." Mr. Jalloh has been chosen to receive the driver of the year award due to his longtime commitment to RCM and his stellar driving record. He has been working with RCM since 2014 and has met the good driving bonus requirements every quarter, never once receiving a driving infraction.
When asked his secrets for avoiding distractions, Mr. Jalloh stated, "When I get in the van, I always consider that life comes first when I am behind the wheel and everything else can wait.” He puts silences his phone and keeps it out of sight, plus he takes extra caution when backing up, the main cause of accidents in RCM vans. “Backing up is discouraged and I only back up when it is absolutely necessary," Ibrahim said. "I make sure that my mirrors are centered and always check the back up mirrors several times before backing up.”
RCM has seen a positive change in their drivers since implementing the Good Driving Bonus Incentive Program and Mr. Jalloh has noticed this as well. He stated that the bonuses encourage drivers to be safer on the roads, and that eventually these safe driving practices become second nature. We wanted to share this success story and thank all our dedicated drivers for their hard work. Mr. Jalloh, we appreciate all your excellent driving habits and thank you for sharing your tips with us!
Join our Book Club!
The Next Chapter Book Club brings together adolescents and adults with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities to enjoy in the wonderful world of reading. Next Chapter has book clubs all around the country and RCM offers a great one here in the District! Being able to read on your own is not a requirement. Everyone is welcome. The book club meets at 5 PM on the first and third Wednesday of each month at Peet's Coffee, 1275 First st NE. If you're interested or know someone who may be interested swing by a meeting or contact rdindino@rcmofwashington.com for more information.
RCM's DSP Academy
Learn about the success of our program and how to apply
RCM just wrapped up its second, Direct Support Professional Academy in September! For those who don’t already know, the DSP Academy is a six-week customized vocational training program. Upon graduation, participants have all the training and certifications needed to be a DSP in the District. The curriculum is tailored to suit all learning styles.
This second cohort was done in partnership with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), and we saw many successful employment outcomes! We look forward to a continued partnership with RSA
as well as DCPS and the Career Bridge program.
See what out recent graduates had to say:
“The most valuable experience wasn’t academic. It has been enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. I have learned different disabilities people may have and how to support them. Through the training, I have learned how to support people to enhance their social skills, communication skills, and self-worth. I have learned empathy for others.”
“I enjoyed engaging myself with all types of disabilities and coming up with creative ideas to help support a person so that they can have a good quality of life.”
"Great learning experience, exceptional patience from the (RCM) employees with explaining material and answering questions. I enjoyed interacting with the people I was training with.”
If you would like more information on the DSP program or application information please visit the DSP page on our website. Also, check out some articles covering our program from The Washington Post and WAMU.
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