Opportunities for Inclusion
Providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1956

Our Mission and History

OUR MISSION
Our mission is to serve individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, frail elders, and their families. Our programs promote independence, inclusion, self-advocacy, cultural diversity and the overall dignity and welfare of our participants and staff.

OUR APPROACH
Opportunities for Inclusion utilizes a person-centered planning approach. Each individual's needs and interests drive the delivery of services. We provide quality, flexible programs, services and supports which maximize independence, support personal growth and dignity, foster inclusion, promote self-advocacy and build community connections.

Input and feedback from the individuals we serve, their guardians, parents, family members and residential staff is critical to maintaining our quality programs and ensuring that we meet each individual's needs. We meet monthly with all stakeholders to receive input and feedback and to discuss all topics of interest.

OUR HISTORY
In 1956, a group of concerned parents organized the Greater Waltham Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. (Greater Waltham Arc or GWArc), an all-volunteer, grass roots organization devoted to advocating for community services as alternative to institutional care for their children with developmental disabilities.

These parents not only supported each other in an era which promoted and sanctioned institutionalization, but they also organized and actually delivered community based education, work training, and clinical services for their children.

Today, we have adapted to the changing needs of our population— participants, families/guardians and residential staffing. While striving to promote independence and inclusion, we shape our services to fit the needs of those we serve. Fiscal challenges and changes in legislation may provide obstacles to our services, but our committed and skilled staff continue to overcome these obstacles and provide quality care.

In 2018, our agency was renamed to Opportunities for Inclusion. A private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are uniquely sensitive to the level of personal support required for individuals to thrive. We have proven experience with the inclusion of all people into the community.

FUNDING and ACCREDITATION
Opportunities for Inclusion programs are funded by the Division of Medical Assistance (MassHealth), the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and private fees. The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredits our Day Habilitation and Community Based Day Supports (CBDS) programs. Day Habilitation and CBDS programs are licensed by the Department of Developmental Services Survey and Certification process. We have consistently received the highest level of certification from both organizations.

REFERRALS
Referrals are received through the Department of Developmental Services, Department of Medicaid Assistance and Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. We also accept private pay. If wait time for services occurs, future participants will be placed in the program appropriate to their needs in order of their application and acceptance to the agency.

For contact information for the above agencies, see our website www.OppsforInclusion.org, ABOUT US, dropdown Resources. You may also contact Marisol Hernandez, Director of Administrative & Personnel Services, at 781-899-1344 x4100, for direct contact information for the above agencies in your area.

Opportunities for Inclusion is an affiliated chapter of The Arc of the U.S. and The Arc of Massachusetts.
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Opportunities for Inclusion, Inc. | 56 Chestnut Street | Waltham, Massachusetts 02453 | 781-899-1344 | admin@oppsforinclusion.org

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