June2026 E-Newsletter
DR. PATRICIA RITTER
Thisspringhasbeenanexcitingandmeaningful seasonacrossTLC,filledwithgrowth,collaboration, advocacy,andcelebration.Asweprepareforsummer,I wanttothankourstaff,families,participants,and communitypartnersforthecare,energy,anddedication youbringtoourmissioneveryday.
Overthepastfewmonths,ourOccupationalTherapy, Speech-LanguagePathology,andAudiologyteams havecontinuedexpandingearlyinterventionscreenings bothinourclinicsandthroughoutthecommunity.We areespeciallyexcitedaboutthegrowingcollaboration betweenAudiologyandSpeech-LanguagePathologyto supportindividualswithCentralAuditoryProcessing Disorder(CAPD),helpingcreateamorecoordinated andspecializedpathwayforcare.
Testing,Tutoring,&Counselinghasalsocontinuedto growinexcitingways,includingthelaunchofthe CaregiverToolboxWebinarSeries,expanded counselinggroupsforchildren,teens,andadults,anda newlyredesignedPlayTherapyRoomcreatedtobetter supportneurodiversechildrenandfamilies.This summer,TT&CwillalsointroducetheUnstuckandOn Targetprogramtohelpstudentsstrengthenflexibility, planning,andcopingskills.
Thisspringalsoremindedushowimportantadvocacy istotheworkwedo.TLCstaff,individuals,and supportersproudlyparticipatedinDevelopmental DisabilitiesDayattheLegislatureandtheSaveOur Servicesrally,standingtogethertoprotectvitalservices forindividualswithdisabilities.Wearealsoexcitedto introduceHousingSupports,anewservicefocusedon helpingindividualssecureandmaintainstablehousing andgreaterindependencewithintheircommunities.
AtTheKatherineThomasSchool,students continuetothrivethroughacademics, internships,athletics,andthearts.Welook forwardtocelebratingseveralexciting milestones,includingtheGraduatingSenior &ParentsBreakfastonJune2,thehigh schoolperformanceofFootlooseat BlackRockCenterfortheArtsonJune11, theHighSchoolPromonJune12,and HighSchoolGraduationonJune24 From outstandingperformancesattheSpecial OlympicsMarylandStateGamesto meaningfulcommunitypartnerships,our studentscontinuetoinspireuseveryday.
Assummerapproaches,wearelooking forwardtowelcomingparticipantsback foranotherexcitingseasonofSummer ProgramsbeginningJune29.Weare gratefultocontinuebuildingprograms andopportunitiesthathelpindividuals andfamiliesfeelsupported,connected, andempowered
Thank you for being part of the TLC community and for continuing to support our mission.
GOLF CLASSIC
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026 TLC
Dye Golf Club
All proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities.
Play great golf for an amazing cause! The Treatment and Learning Center's Golf Classic is an incredible tournament that has raised more than $15 million over the years to support individuals with disabilities Our Classic offers a superb day of golf, food, fun and an opportunity to help adults and children in our community.
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
Platinum: $5,000
(2) foursomes, (2) hole sponsorships, Bag Drop Sponsorship, (2) Reserved Tables for Awards Dinner, Golf Cart Ad Display, Logo on all printed materials, social media & website
wwwttlcorg/golfclassic
Silver: $2,500
Foursome – hole sponsorhip & logo on printed materials, social media & website
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS
Truist, Rockville Fuel & Feed, IBSS, & BRI For a complete list of 2025 sponsors, go to www.ttlc.org/34th-tlc-golf-classic
Foursome: $1,500
Foursome – superb day of golf-18-hole round, cart fees, lunch & awards dinner
Individual Golf: $400
18-hole round of golf, cart fees, lunch & awards dinner
Golf Cart Display Ad: $500
Your corporate ad or personal message looped and viewed by every golfer in every cart throughout the day and on screen at the Awards Dinner.
AnnualMeetingand BoardDinner
Wewerehonoredto celebratetheincredible individuals,partners,and leaderswhomakeour missionpossible— improvinglivesand expandingpossibilitiesfor individualswithdisabilities.
RichardPavlinLeadershipAward: VeronicaVasquez
TeamworkAward:75thAnniversaryGalaCommittee (JohnBogasky,JessicaClear,MichaelChow,BobEssink, DickPavlin,BarbaraSable,andRhonaSchwartz) NotPictured:BarryF.ScherAward:DavidSchek
VolunteeroftheYear:DavidBergman
EmployeroftheYear:MVLE
BenefactorsoftheYear:Chet&RitaStein
RosemaryR.ColstonAward, OutstandingServiceAward: JoshPhillips
OutpatientDepartmentHighlights
OCCUPATIONALTHERAPY&
SPEECH-LANGUAGEPATHOLOGY
Summer 2026
Assummerapproaches,our therapyteamsarepreparingfor anothersuccessfulSummer Programsseasonbeginning June29th. Withjustafew spotsremaining,welook forwardtowelcoming participantsforasummerfilled withgrowth,learning,andfun.
SpringhasbeenabusyandexcitingseasonforTLC’sOccupationalTherapyandSpeechLanguageTherapydepartments.DuringNationalOccupationalTherapyMonthinApril andNationalSpeech-Language-HearingMonthinMay,ourclinicianscontinuedproviding developmentalscreeningsbothinourclinicsandoutinthecommunityatlocalpreschools Thesescreeningsplayanimportantroleinidentifyingconcernsearlyandconnecting childrenandfamilieswithservicesthatcanimprovelong-termoutcomes.
OurSpeech-LanguagePathologyandAudiologyteamsarealsoexcitedtolaunchamore collaborativeandinterdisciplinaryapproachtosupportingindividualswithCentralAuditory ProcessingDisorder(CAPD).Thispathwaycombinesaudiologicaltestingwithspeechlanguageassessmentandtreatment,creatingamorecomprehensiveandspecialized diagnosticexperienceforchildrenandadults.
InrecognitionofPediatricFeedingDisordersAwarenessMonth,ourSpeech-Language Pathologistscreatededucationalmaterialstohelpraiseawarenessandprovideresources forfamilies ThedepartmentisalsobuildingonthesuccessofitsSpringAACIntensiveand ispreparingtolaunchaSummerAACIntensiveprograminthecomingmonths.
OutpatientDepartmentHighlights
TESTING,TUTORING,&COUNSELING(TT&C)
Expanded Expanded Services & Services & Programs Programs
Testing,Tutoring,&Counselingcontinuestoexpandservicesandprogramstobetter supportchildren,adults,andfamiliesthroughoutourcommunity Earlierthisyear,TT&C unveiledanewlyredesignedPlayTherapyRoomdesignedspecificallytocreatea welcoming,engagingenvironmentforneurodiversechildren.Theupdatedspace reflectsTT&C’songoingcommitmenttorelationship-based,evidence-basedcare.
TT&Ccontinuestogrowandexpandservicestobettersupportchildren,adults,andfamiliesthroughout ourcommunity Thisspring,thedepartmentlaunchedthefreeCaregiverToolboxWebinarSeries, offeringpractical,neuroaffirmingguidanceforparentsandcaregiversontopicssuchasADHD,anxiety, executivefunctioning,andparentingstrategies.Counselingserviceshavealsoexpanded,with additionalgroupopportunitiesforchildrenandteensfocusedonsocialskills,communication,and emotionalregulation,whilecontinuingtogrowsupportforadultsandfamiliesacrossthelifespan.
TT&CTutoringcontinueshelpingstudentsbuildacademicconfidence,independence,andexecutive functioningskillsthroughindividualizedsupport Thissummer,thedepartmentwilllaunchUnstuck andOnTarget,astructuredgroupprogramforyouthages11–15focusedonflexibility,planning,and copingskills.Familiescanalsotakeadvantageofasummertutoringpromotion:enrollin7sessions andreceivethe8thsessionfree
Beyonddirectservices,TT&Cstaffremaindeeplyengagedinprofessionaldevelopment, interdisciplinarycollaboration,andcommunityoutreach.Staffhavepresentedatuniversitiesand professionalorganizations,providedtrainingsonneuroaffirminglanguageandCircleofSecurity approaches,andcontinueenhancingautismandearlychildhooddiagnosticservicestoensure coordinated,family-centeredcareacrossTLC.
TLC SUMMER SOCIAL & SUPPORT GROUPS
G R O U P
MONDAYS @ 4PM
Improve flexibility in social thinking EARLY ELEMENTARY SOCIAL
June 1 – August 24 (no group June 22, June 29, July 27)
Increase comfort with social interactions
Build awareness of self and others
EARLY ELEMENTARY SOCIAL
G R O U P
ELEMENTARY & PRE-TEEN
G R O U P
BOYS SOCIAL GROUP
MONDAYS @ 5PM
June 1 – August 24 (no group June 15 & 22)
Structured support for peer interaction
Practice joining play and engaging with others
G R O U P MIDDLE SCHOOL
BOYS SOCIAL GROUP (AGES 9–12)
THURSDAYS @ 4PM
June 4 – August 20 (no group June 25)
Build social confidence
Strengthen perspective-taking
Develop flexible thinking skills
TUESDAYS @ 5PM
June 2 – August 18
Social skills + movement-based activities
Focus on interaction and problem-solving
G R O U P TEEN SUPPORT
Registration Information
Early Registration Deadline: April 24
Final Registration Deadline: May 18
THURSDAYS @ 1 PM (AGES 14–17)
June 4 – August 20 (no group June 18)
Build coping skills
Navigate real-life challenges
Learn decision-making strategies with peer support
Unstuck and On Target
Executive Functioning Skills for Ages 11–15
Help your middle schooler build the skills that matter most — for school, friendships, and everyday life.
Program Highlights
In-person, small-group instruction
Real-life strategies for school, home, and social situations
Skill-building in:
Cognitive flexibility & problem-solving
Big-picture thinking & planning
Compromising & collaboration Organization & self-monitoring
Help students move from feeling "stuck" to feeling confidently "on target"
Unstuck and On Target
is a highly regarded, evidence-based program designed to strengthen executive functioning skills such as flexibility, planning, organization, goal-setting, and self-monitoring. Students learn how to think more effectively and work collaboratively.
Program Schedule
Dates: Mon, July 27th – Fri, Aug 7th (10 sessions)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Format: In-person
Cost: $1,075 total ($1,000 program fee plus $75 for materials and snacks)
Limited needs-based partial scholarships available Optional purchase of 3 individual follow-up sessions during the school year to support implementation
TheOutcomesService DevelopmentalDisabilities(DD)Day
TLCstaff,andadvocatesrecentlycametogethertomake theirvoicesheardduringDDDayattheLegislature.This eventbroughttogetherindividuals,families,providers, andcommunitypartnersfromacrossthestateto highlighttheimportanceofdevelopmentaldisability servicesandthecriticalneedforsustainedfundingand support.TLCproudlystoodalongsideothersinthefield toadvocatefortheprotectionandcontinuationof essentialservices Theenergy,visibility,andunity throughoutthedayreinforcedjusthowimportantitisfor ourcommunitytoshowupandspeakout.
SaveOurServicesRally
TLC’sstaffandparticipantsjoinedtheSaveOurServicesrally,heldonlyacoupleofweekslater animpactfuldemonstrationofcollectiveadvocacy.Staffandparticipantsshowedtheirsupport bybeingpresent,sharingintheexperience,andhelpingelevatethemessagethattheseservices arenotoptional theyarevital.Therallyemphasizedtheurgencyofmaintainingfundinglevels andpreventingcutsthatcoulddisruptcriticalsupportsforindividualswithdisabilities Itwasa powerfulreminderthatevensimplyshowingupcancontributetomeaningfulchange
NewService:HousingSupports
Inadditiontotheseadvocacyefforts,TLCisexcitedtoannouncetheintroductionofanewservice: HousingSupports.Thisserviceisdesignedtoassistindividualsinsecuringandmaintainingsafe, stablehousingwithintheircommunities.HousingSupportswillfocusonhelpingparticipants navigatehousingapplications,understandleaseagreements,buildrelationshipswithlandlords, anddeveloptheskillsnecessaryforindependentliving.ThisadditionreflectsTLC’songoing commitmenttoexpandingservicesthatpromoteindependence,stability,andoverallqualityoflife.
Aswecontinuetogrowandrespondtotheneedsofthosewesupport,momentslikeDevelopemntal DisabilitiesDayandtheSaveOurServicesrallyhighlighttheimportanceofstayingengagedand informed.Atthesametime,thelaunchofHousingSupportsdemonstratesTLC’sdedicationto innovationandserviceexpansion.Together,theseeffortsensurethatwearenotonlyadvocatingforthe preservationofservicestodaybutalsobuildingstronger,moresupportiveopportunitiesforthefuture
TheOutcomesService Spotlight on MVLE
AtourAnnualBoardMeetingandDinner,TLCwas proudtorecognizeMVLEasourEmployeroftheYear. MVLE’scommitmenttoinclusiveemploymenthavecreated meaningfulopportunitiesforindividualstobuildskills,gain independence,and succeedintheworkplace. Theircompassion, support,anddedication continuetomakealasting impactontheindividuals andfamiliesweserve.
TheFamily HearingCenter
TRUSTEDBYFAMILIES. RESPECTEDBYPROFESSIONALS. SERVINGSINCE1964.
OVERVIEW
We offer comprehensive hearing healthcare serving individuals across the lifespan from newborns to older adults.
Hearing Evaluations & Hearing Aids
Pediatric & Newborn Hearing Care
Advanced Diagnostic Services
Tinnitus/Sound Sensitivity & Aural Rehabilitation
Help Others Hear
SOLUTIONS
Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity Management We help patients reduce the daily impact of tinnitus and hyperacusis.
Aural Rehabilitation and Counseling In collaboration with TLC’s Speech-Language Pathology team, we provide structured auditory training and communication support.
We take time. We explain clearly. We partner with families. Hearing care is a process. We provide structured followup, counseling, and aural rehabilitation to support long-term success.
Giving the Gift of Hearing
As a nonprofit center, accessibility is at the heart of our mission. Since 2008, our Help Others Hear program has provided free, high-quality hearing healthcare for individuals and families facing financial barriers. Email FHC@ttlc.org to learn more or begin the application process.
ATeamCommittedtoExcellence
Our audiologists are licensed in Maryland and nationally certified, bringing advanced clinical expertise to children, adults, and families across the lifespan.
TheKatherineThomasSchool HIGHSCHOOL
BuildingConfidenceand CareerReadiness
ThroughKTSInternships
ShelleyMcGinness HighSchoolJobInternshipandParentEducationCoordinator
TheKatherineThomasSchool’s(KTS)internshipprogramisauniqueaspectofourschoolcurriculumthat integratesstudywithcareer-relatedworkexperience.Thepurposeoftheprogramistodevelopand strengthenthestudent’seducationalandcareerpreparation,aswellasteachthemtransferableworkskillsskillstheycanuseonanyjob WearefortunateatKTStohavedevelopedwonderfulpartnershipswithmany businessesinourcommunity.Eachsitewithwhichweworkembracesourstudentsandtreatsthemasa valuedmemberoftheirteam.KTSstudentshavetheopportunitytoparticipateintheinternshipclassduring theirjuniorand/orsenioryear Theirclassroomtimeisspentlearningaboutavarietyoftopics(interviewing skills,workplacecommunication,resumewriting,perspectivetaking,budgeting,etc.)astheyplanfor postsecondarylife.Wewantourstudentstoleavetheinternshipclassasmoreselfdeterminedindividuals, andtheclassroomtimecoupledwiththejobsiteexperiencehelpsustoaccomplishthisgoal Withouta doubt,ourKTSinternshipstudentsemergefromourprogramwithagreatersenseofself-awarenessand increasedlevelofconfidence.Wearealwayslookingfornewinternshippartnersandareinspiredbythe businesseswhotakethetimetoprovidesuchandamazinglearningopportunityforourstudents
SpecialOlympicsBasketball
TheKTHSteam5v5teamearnedasilvermedalatthestategamesduringtheirfirstseasonplayingfullcourtbasketball,whilethe3v3teamfinishedtheseasonstrongwiththreeconsecutivewins,includingan excitingbuzzer-beatervictoryintheirfinalgame.
PicturebyTrippPhillips,KTHSStudent
TheKatherineThomasSchool LOWERANDMIDDLESCHOOL
Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day
ThisMay,TheKatherineThomasSchoolwelcomedfamiliesandlovedonesfor anothersuccessfulGrandparentsandSpecialFriends’Day.Studentshadthe opportunitytoshowcasetheirtalents,connectwiththeirfamilies,andenjoya fun-filleddaytogether.AspecialthankyougoestoMrs.Connerton,the GrandparentsandSpecialFriends’Dayplanningcommittee,andeveryone whohelpedmaketheeventsomemorableforourstudentsandfamilies.
SpecialOlympicsBasketball
KTSstudentsalsohadanincredibleseasoncompetinginSpecialOlympics Marylandbasketball.Themiddleschoolboys’andgirls’teamsbothbroughthome goldmedalsatthestatetournament,demonstratingoutstandingteamwork, sportsmanship,anddeterminationthroughouttheseason.Familiesandstaff celebratednotonlytheteams’successonthecourt,butalsotheconfidence, friendships,andjoytheprogramcontinuestofosterinstudents.
