OPARC

Target demographics: Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Direct beneficiaries per year: over 800 adults with disabilities

Programs: Adult Development Centers (ADC's) are located in Montclair, Ontario, and Rancho Cucamonga. These centers offer vocational skills and community life training to adults with disabilities. Training programs are individually designed for clients to help them integrate into community adult life and/or obtain integrated employment. Activities and training are done, if possible, in a natural environment, including the local community and businesses. Attainment of skills increase the clients' ability to participant more fully in their community with greater competency and a feeling of personal satisfaction. Business Services provides employment with competitive rates to individuals who are vocationally disabled and, therefore, are not yet able to meet the requirements of the competitive labor market. In an industrial work setting, job skills and behavior training are provided to help prepare the client for competitive employment or progression to other vocational programs. This program includes a Supported employment Program, which places people with disabilities into competitive employment with the community. A job coach provides training and continuing support for the client while in the program. Summit Services provides specialized support and training to people with developmental and behavior challenges. Goals of the program include learning new social skills, reducing behavioral incidents, and developing the capacity to work in and enjoy the local community. Desired outcomes include increased self-respect, increased ability to interact with other people in an effective manner, and transition to other programs in which less intensive support is required. OPARC connect provides additional transportation options for individuals with disabilities who are working and/or want to be active participants in community life.