Orange County Programs for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Transition Planning Resource Directory 2012-2013
The purpose of this directory is to acquaint students, consumers, parents, instructional staff, and service providers with post-school training options for adults with developmental disabilities.
The first section of the directory includes programs funded by the Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC). RCOC has made a commitment to increase the proportion of consumers who are employed in Orange County through their Work Initiative. RCOC has also been working with existing day programs to develop more opportunities for meaningful work and new day program resources. Currently, more than eighty percent of Orange County day programs have an employment component as part of their program design. A recent RCOC survey showed that 55% of individuals receiving support were in paid employment and 21% were in volunteer placement. Programs funded by RCOC are vendored as activity programs, adult development programs and behavior management programs. Additional programs included in the first section of the directory are those funded by the State Department of Education and CalOptima. The State Department of Education offers classes through Adult Education and the Community College District. CalOptima and Regional Center of Orange County fund Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) (formerly called adult day health centers) for adults who require ongoing assistance with specialized health care needs.
The second section of the directory includes work activity center and supported employment programs. These programs are also funded by the Regional Center of Orange County.
Individual agencies listed in this directory are not affiliated with the Orange County Department of Education. Program descriptions were primarily developed by each agency and reflect the philosophy of that agency. Inclusion of program descriptions in this directory does not indicate an endorsement of individual agencies. It is suggested that consumers, parents, and advocates become familiar with program options in order to provide initial input in the referral process, and to make an informed choice in the placement decision. When considering individual agencies, consumers might ask service providers if consumer or parent references are available. An Adult Program Visitation Guide is offered on the following two pages. The directory also includes performance indicators and outcomes information for the calendar year to date. Individual agencies that allow for private pay for services are included under each program description.
Special appreciation is given to the ongoing support received from Orange County Department of Education Chief of Special Education Services, Dennis Roberson; and Program Administrators, Nancy Melgares and Chris Romanosky. Thank you, also, to local adult service providers, and Larry Landauer, Dr. Janis White, Lonny Keefover, and Dr. LeeAnn Christian of the Regional Center of Orange County for their assistance in the development of this directory.
For information regarding this directory, please contact:
Janice Almaraz
Vocational Education Consultant
Orange County Department of Education
(714) 796-8703