History
The Occupational Development Center is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1948 as the Child Development Center. The concept for establishing the Child Development Center, which would provide tutorial instruction to children with developmental disabilities in an attempt to assimilate them into the community culture, was conceived in 1948 by the mother of a child with developmental disabilities who rejected the agonizing alternative of institutionalizing her son.
By 1955, the demand for facilities necessitated the decision to undertake a building program. The location was chosen and the Center was arranged and equipped to accommodate the needs of small children. When the facility opened in 1956, 66 children with developmental disabilities under the age of 16 were enrolled in the program.
In 1958, State legislation passed a law requiring public school systems to provide for the education of children with developmental disabilities until they reach the age of 16. Since a state program was now going to be providing services which were initial objective of the organization, the directors responded to the change by recognizing a need for a program to continue vocational training and personal development of the individual with developmental disabilities.
An Occupational Development Workshop was organized and a Federal Sheltered Workshop License was obtained. The organization's objective then became an endeavor to provide specific vocational training in an effort to rehabilitate individuals with developmental disabilities so that under constant supervision, jobs would be provided which would guarantee them continuing income in the hope that some day they could be become completely self-sufficient.
|
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Occupational Developmental Center is to provide high quality and cost effective not-for-profit vocational training and employment opportunities for Lancaster County adults with developmental disabilities.
How We Work to Accomplish Our Mission
A wide variety of contacts are established within the Lancaster County business community. These contracts serve as a vehicle for training program participants as well as for providing a valued service to the business community. Participation in the program enables employees to become more independent, develop appropriate job and social skills, and foster self-esteem through acknowledgement of their meaningful contribution to the community.
|
|