OPARC SUMMIT SERVICES WEST

About OPARC SUMMIT SERVICES WEST

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. Summit Services operates in a community-based environment with resource centers in Upland, San Bernardino, City of Walnut. These centers provide specialized support and training to clients with a dual diagnosis of developmental and behavioral 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. Other objectives of the program include improved self-respect and increased ability to interact with others in an effective manner. Speech pathology classes and academic instruction are also available.