OPARC ADULT DEVELOPMENT CENTER-MONTCLAIR

About OPARC ADULT DEVELOPMENT CENTER-MONTCLAIR

In 1960, California adopted the Lanterman Act that established the responsibility of all citizens to provide financial resources to help people with disabilities achieve their full potential. OPARC responded by expanding a variety of programs for people with Down Syndrome, epilepsy, autism, cerebral palsy, and mental retardation. Today, OPARC serves more than 700 adults in a wide variety of programs, including academic instruction, speech pathology classes to enhance communication skills, community access, behavior management, on-site assistance with the activities of daily living, and the opportunity to engage in paid and volunteer work. More than half of OPARC’s clients hold full-time or part-time jobs, enhancing the productivity of the Inland Empire economic community and increasing the self-esteem of the workers. Developmental and vocational disabilities significantly affect the ability of people to care for themselves and earn a living wage. Many individuals with disabilities have impaired motor functions, and most have extremely limited ability to express themselves verbally. OPARC operates ADC facilities in the cities of Montclair, Ontario, and Rancho Cucamonga that provide programs on week days. These sites help clients make choices about how and where they live, work, and socialize. Clients’ goals frequently emphasize increased independence and productivity. Some OPARC clients work and volunteer in the community, maintaining landscapes of local businesses, providing janitorial services, and volunteering at animal shelters and area parks. When not working, clients visit banks, shopping malls, and participate in recreational activities of their choice.