Empowering Individuals to Live, Learn, Work, and Thrive
At Professional Counselor Group, we are dedicated to supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in achieving meaningful, self-directed lives within their communities. We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, exercise personal choice, develop independence, build relationships, pursue goals, and participate fully in community life.
Our Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) are designed to provide comprehensive, person-centered supports that promote independence, self-determination, community integration, health, wellness, and overall quality of life. Through individualized planning and compassionate service delivery, we empower individuals to maximize their abilities, achieve personal goals, and live fulfilling lives.
Serving individuals and families throughout Washington, DC, our team is committed to creating opportunities that foster inclusion, personal growth, skill development, and lifelong success.
What Are Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?
Intellectual and developmental disabilities are lifelong conditions that may affect intellectual functioning, communication, learning, adaptive behavior, mobility, social development, or daily living skills.
An intellectual disability generally involves significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, affecting practical, social, and conceptual skills.
A developmental disability is a severe and chronic condition that originates before adulthood and may result from physical, neurological, intellectual, or multiple impairments that substantially impact major life activities.
While individuals may experience challenges in certain areas, they also possess unique strengths, talents, interests, and aspirations. At Professional Counselor Group, we focus on abilities rather than limitations and help individuals build the skills and supports needed to live meaningful, productive, and self-determined lives.
Our Person-Centered Philosophy
Every individual is unique. Therefore, every service plan should be unique.
Our services are built upon person-centered principles that place the individual at the center of all planning, decision-making, and service delivery. We work collaboratively with individuals, families, guardians, support networks, and community partners to develop personalized supports based on the person’s goals, strengths, preferences, culture, and vision for the future.
Our approach promotes:
- Self-determination
- Individual choice
- Community inclusion
- Respect and dignity
- Independence and self-sufficiency
- Personal growth and development
- Family engagement
- Meaningful outcomes
We believe individuals should have control over their lives and actively participate in decisions affecting their future.
Comprehensive IDD and DDS Services
Person-Centered Planning and Support Coordination
Our person-centered planning process helps individuals identify goals and develop customized support strategies that promote independence and personal achievement.
Services include:
- Individualized support planning
- Goal development and monitoring
- Service coordination
- Resource identification
- Community resource linkage
- Advocacy and support
- Transition planning
- Crisis prevention and planning
Each service plan reflects the individual’s strengths, preferences, needs, and desired outcomes.
Individualized Day Services and Community-Based Supports
We provide structured supports that help individuals develop practical skills while actively participating in community life.
Services may include:
Daily Living Skills Development
- Personal hygiene and grooming
- Dressing and self-care
- Meal planning and preparation
- Household management
- Laundry and cleaning skills
- Organization and time management
- Personal responsibility development
Community Participation
- Community outings
- Recreational activities
- Educational opportunities
- Library and cultural programs
- Volunteer activities
- Faith-based participation
- Civic engagement
Social Skills Development
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Conflict resolution
- Friendship development
- Community interaction skills
- Social confidence building
Independent Living and Supported Living Services
Our independent living supports help individuals achieve greater self-sufficiency while maintaining health, safety, and community inclusion.
Services may include:
- Home management assistance
- Independent living skill development
- Apartment and household support
- Budgeting and financial literacy
- Grocery shopping skills
- Medication reminders and monitoring
- Safety awareness and emergency preparedness
- Daily routine development
Our goal is to help individuals live as independently as possible while receiving the support necessary for success.
Employment and Career Development Services
Employment is an important pathway to independence, self-confidence, financial stability, and community inclusion.
Professional Counselor Group assists individuals in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining meaningful employment.
Services may include:
Career Exploration
- Identifying interests and strengths
- Vocational assessments
- Career goal development
Employment Readiness
- Resume development
- Interview preparation
- Workplace communication skills
- Professional behavior training
- Time management skills
Supported Employment
- Job placement assistance
- Employer engagement
- Workplace accommodations
- Job coaching
- Employment retention support
Volunteer Opportunities
- Community service participation
- Skill-building experiences
- Community engagement opportunities
We believe every individual should have access to meaningful work and opportunities to contribute to their community.
Health, Wellness, and Behavioral Support Services
Health and wellness are essential components of a successful and fulfilling life.
Our services promote physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being through:
Health Coordination
- Medical appointment support
- Healthcare advocacy
- Communication with providers
- Health education
Wellness Promotion
- Nutrition education
- Exercise and fitness activities
- Healthy lifestyle development
- Preventive health awareness
Behavioral Supports
- Positive behavior support planning
- Emotional regulation skill development
- Crisis prevention strategies
- Trauma-informed interventions
- Behavioral consultation and collaboration
Medication Support
- Medication education
- Medication reminders
- Coordination with healthcare professionals
Family and Caregiver Support Services
Families and caregivers play an essential role in helping individuals achieve success and independence.
We partner with families to provide:
- Education and training
- Service navigation assistance
- Resource referrals
- Long-term planning support
- Transition planning
- Caregiver support and guidance
- Advocacy assistance
Our collaborative approach helps strengthen support systems and improve outcomes for individuals and families.
Transportation and Travel Training
Transportation skills are critical to independence and community participation.
Training may include:
- Metro and Metrobus navigation
- Public transportation safety
- Community travel skills
- Route planning
- Independent transportation development
These services help individuals confidently access employment, appointments, educational opportunities, and community activities.
Self-Advocacy and Rights Education
Professional Counselor Group believes that individuals should have the knowledge and confidence to advocate for themselves.
We support individuals in learning:
- Personal rights and responsibilities
- Self-advocacy skills
- Informed decision-making
- Problem-solving skills
- Leadership development
- Effective communication techniques
Our goal is to empower individuals to actively participate in decisions affecting their lives and futures.
Community Inclusion and Meaningful Relationships
A fulfilling life includes meaningful relationships, social connections, and active participation in community life.
We help individuals:
- Build friendships
- Strengthen social skills
- Participate in community events
- Join recreational activities
- Engage in volunteer opportunities
- Connect with community organizations
- Develop natural support networks
Community inclusion promotes confidence, belonging, independence, and overall well-being.
Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement
Professional Counselor Group is committed to delivering high-quality services that produce meaningful outcomes.
Our quality management program focuses on:
- Person-centered outcomes
- Individual satisfaction
- Health and safety monitoring
- Staff training and development
- Regulatory compliance
- Continuous quality improvement
- Family engagement
- Service effectiveness evaluation
We continuously evaluate our services to ensure individuals receive the highest level of support and care.
Our Mission
To empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through compassionate, person-centered supports that promote independence, self-determination, community inclusion, health, wellness, and meaningful opportunities for lifelong success.
Our Vision
To build inclusive communities where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued, respected, empowered, and fully engaged in every aspect of community life.
Our Core Values
Dignity
We respect the inherent worth and value of every individual.
Choice
We support informed decision-making and personal autonomy.
Independence
We promote self-sufficiency and lifelong skill development.
Inclusion
We believe every individual deserves full participation in community life.
Advocacy
We protect rights and empower self-determination.
Excellence
We deliver quality services focused on measurable outcomes.
Compassion
We provide services with empathy, respect, and professionalism.
Integrity
We uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.
Why Choose Professional Counselor Group?
- Person-Centered and Individualized Services
- Experienced and Compassionate Professionals
- Community-Based and Inclusive Supports
- Strong Family and Caregiver Partnerships
- Focus on Independence and Self-Determination
- Employment and Community Integration Services
- Health, Wellness, and Behavioral Support Coordination
- Commitment to Dignity, Rights, and Choice
- Quality-Driven and Outcome-Focused Care
Helping Individuals Build Lives Filled with Purpose, Independence, Opportunity, and Belonging.
At Professional Counselor Group, we believe that every individual has the ability to learn, grow, contribute, and succeed. Through partnership, support, and empowerment, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve their goals and live the lives they choose.