Consolidated Support Services at Onondaga Community Living - Syracuse, New York, United States
At OCL we have been helping persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1987. The agency was formed by families and friends of people with disabilities. They saw a opportunity to create a service that was person centered and focused on the needs and wants of an individual with disabilities. Our agency was the first "person centered" service provider and was recognized internationally for breaking the mold of choices for people with disabilities. The book, "One Person at A Time" was written about our experiences and is available at Training Resource Network or at Amazon.com.The principles that inspired our founders in 1987 continue to guide our agency today. Currently our Governing Board is made up of individuals and families of individuals receiving services. Our Executive Director, Daniel Kelley, is the father of two daughters with disabilities and has a unique view on what it means to be a parent who is trying to do the best for their children. This viewpoint is also shared by many of our staff people who can personally relate to everyone they serve because of their own experiences.Every day we strive to help the people we serve through personalized community habilitation, employment, volunteering, college education, self-direction, ISS and other important services that are chosen by individuals. At the same time we encourage increasing independence, healthy living, exploration, community inclusion and educating families and support people on the ever changing system of OPWDD services.