Disability Employment Advocacy and Skill Training. Washington, DC

Wellness & Resource Center

A Low-Barrier Center Run By Consumers For Consumers . . .

Our Wellness & Resource Center is open to all individuals wanting to participate in peer supported activities, regardless of participation in psychiatric treatment or involvement with traditional case management.

THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT THE CENTER:

Communication & Education

Work Enhancement Skills & Computer Training

Wellness/Recovery & Peer Support

Advocacy

Creative Arts

Social Activities

COMMUNICATION & EDUCATION

Learn how to use better communication skills so you can be an active member of your own treatment team. Through the Common Ground curriculum you'll learn how to give voice to your experiences in the mental health treatment system. And through the JHACO Speak Up program you'll learn how to question and retain information about your doctors and meetings with treatment teams. You can also learn about community resources, legal rights and responsibilities, and cultural competency.

Listen to and learn about a range of topics from guest speakers, including representatives from Whitman Walker, Rehabilitative Services Administration, Department of Human Services, Social Security Administration, Consumer Action Network and others.

WORK ENHANCEMENT SKILLS & COMPUTER TRAINING

Do you want to work full-time, part-time, as a consultant, or start your own business? The Center can help you overcome barriers and reach your goals. Come learn basic computer skills, how to use computer programs such as Microsoft™ Word, Excel Access, or how to send and receive e-mail. You can attend workshops on resume writing, conducting a job search, interviewing for a job, and dressing for success.

At the Center you will find answers to common questions like:

How will part-time, full-time, or seasonal work affect my individual disability benefits or other benefits I receive from federal, state, or local programs?
How will work affect my healthcare eligibility?
What kinds of assistive technologies are available to help me get back to work?
How do I get involved with the Social Security Administration's Ticket To Work program?
How to write a PASS Plan
What other work incentive programs can help me get back to work?

WELLNESS/RECOVERY & PEER SUPPORT

At the Center you can attend an 8-week, Wellness for Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) seminar. Peer specialists will address a variety of issues, including building self-esteem; changing negative thoughts to positive ones; healthcare; medication; substance abuse; and lifestyle issues. WRAP is a widely used model of self-recovery and is designated as a best practice by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

ADVOCACY

Twice a year through the Leadership & Micro-Enterprise Academy we will offer the Freedom Self- Advocacy curriculum from the National Mental Health Consumer's Self-Help Clearinghouse. You will learn how to start a non-profit organization, how to become involved in committees and advisory councils, how to choose an issue to advocate for in your particular community and, most importantly, how to become an effective self-advocate.

Self-advocacy training includes knowing your disability rights and responsibilities, and understanding the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and other disability resources.

Invited speakers from University Legal Services (ULS) and Consumer Leadership Forum (CLF), and others, will conduct groups on self-advocacy, the grievance policy at the Department of Mental Health, and wellness and recovery methods for the self-advocate.

CREATIVE ARTS

Express yourself through visual and performing arts classes. Paint, draw, dance, create music and more! A great way to relax and share your skills with others or gain new skills.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Join friends (or make new friends!) at the Center for games, movies, potluck dinners, socializing, and other activities.