Our History

OPARC is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization established in 1950 when a group of five parents answered an ad placed by a family whose child was not qualified for public school because of their disability. The ad invited other parents in a similar position to meet with them. This was a time when education, services, and employment were not available for people with disabilities.

The group quickly organized in order to do something about this need, and the Ontario/Upland/Pomona Chapter of the Exceptions /children’s Foundation of Los Angeles was formed in November of 1950. The first curriculum was provided by Mrs. Sally Keechler in 1952.

In 1969, California adopted the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act that established for the first time the responsibility of all citizens to provide resources to help people with disabilities lead more independent, productive, and socially integrated lives.

The legislation created is implemented by Regional Centers, including the Inland and San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Centers. OPARC is one of the largest vendors under contract with both of these Regional Centers to provide day program services to qualifying adults. However, community support is necessary in order to provide the highest quality programming that improves the lives of our participants.