Programs
OPARC is known in the field for remarkable success in finding jobs for participants and ensuring success through ongoing training, guidance, and supervision.
Employment Programs
OPARC has trained and provided work opportunities for more than 300 developmentally disabled adults. Employment Specialists work with participants to place them in jobs with community employers either individually or in enclaves with support from a Job Coach.
The two programs are Work Activity Program and Supported Employment Program.
Work Activity Program (WAP)
More than 235 participants are currently employed in the WAP program. Participants receive vocational skills training, speech pathology lessons, paid work experience, and individual case management services.
Companies with assembly, packaging, collating, inspecting, and other similar jobs utilize OPARC’s 24,000 square foot facility and the skills of our participants to produce high quality work at a competitive price.
Supported Employment Program (SE)
Ninety participants currently work in the SE program. Participants work in an integrated community environment and receive specialized services to overcome identified barriers to successful employment in the least restrictive setting. This program includes both individual placements and enclaves.
In an enclave, small groups of 3-5 participants work in the community with the assistance of full-time OPARC Job Coaches performing such jobs as landscape maintenance, day porter, housekeeping, dishwashing, and cafeteria duties.
Development Programs
All Adult Development Centers offer day programs, Monday through Friday. Program activities include opportunities for paid work, functional education, and socialization. One of the centers provides specialized support and training to individuals who are considered medically fragile. The Summit Services are community-based programs that serve participants with “dual diagnosis”.
Adult Development Centers (ADC)
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.
The ADC in Montclair specializes in serving clients with severe physical disabilities who require more medical attention than most other clients. Speech pathology classes designed to enhance the ability of clients to communicate, and academic instruction, are also available to ADC clients.
Summit Services
Summit Services operates in a community-based environment with resource centers in Upland and San Bernardino. 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.