Adult Services

The Merrimack Special Education Collaborative (MSEC)Adult Services Programs have been providing job placement,training and support services to adults with disabilitiessince 1987. These services are funded throughthe Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and theMassachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC).

Today and Tomorrow Work Services

Today and Tomorrow Work Services assists individuals turning22 to continue to receive support in order to work in thecommunity. The services address each individual’s identifiedgoals regarding involvement in personal or communityactivities and work status. Referrals are accepted from the DDSLowell area office. Referrals from out of region are negotiated.

Community Based Day Services

Community Based Day Services (CBDS) are provided withrespect to the six quality of life areas outlined by theDepartment of Mental Retardation :Respect and dignity Individual control Community membership Relationships Personal growth and accomplishment Personal well being

An array of activities is provided from which individualscan choose to participate. Although work is not the primarygoal for the people in CBDS, they are provided theopportunity to participate in work experiences throughMSEC community-based employment contracts withlocal companies or our own entrepreneurial businesses.

Employment Supports

People who participate in supported work services areprovided with work opportunities in the areas of interiorplant maintenance, building maintenance, merchandiseprocessing, food service, mail processing and packagingand assembly.

If an individual finds an interest other than what iscurrently offered by established work contracts, workexperiences can be established on an individual basis.An MSEC job coach may accompany individuals to aninternship or volunteer placement initially. MSEC staffwill facilitate natural supports and attempt to fade out.Several individuals now work competitively as a result ofthese internships.

Adults participating in Today and Tomorrow workservices are invited to join bi-weekly Work Activitiesdiscussions. These are informal meetings that provideindividuals with the opportunity to learn about topics likehuman rights, self-advocating, health issues, voterregistration and work safety. Other topics of conversationmay include worker of the month, facility improvement andcurrent events topics. In addition, MSEC also offers afterwork recreation social events and a semiformal dance.

MRC Services

MSEC is a participating provider of the CompetitiveIntegrated Employment Services (CIES) program establishedby The Executive Office of Health and HumanServices. Both MRC and DDS fund MSEC to utilize all fiveCIES service components to adults with disabilities. Thefive CIES comprehensive services components include :Intake, Evaluation, and Assessment of consumer’s vocational interests and goals. Job‐targeted Educational and Skills Training Activitiesincluding soft or technical skills that will prepareconsumers to enter the job search and placementenvironment. Job Development/Placement services to obtainemployment and support to maintain consumer’semployment. Initial Employment Supports are provided to stabilizecompetitive employment from the thirty‐first daythrough ninety days. Ongoing Supports are offered past ninety days withsupports where and when needed.

MSEC’s job development team has eight members totalingover 100 years of experience in building communitybusiness partnerships and working to assist people withdisabilities find and secure competitive employment.

Referral Process/Contact

Initial contact from DMR followed by referral packet sent to :

Program Supervisor
40 Linnell Circle
Billerica, MA 01821
978-528-7800