1951- OCARC Begins
A small group of parents gathered in Anaheim to form a parent group to benefit their children with developmental disabilities.

1952 - Classes Started
OCARC starts classes for children with developmental disabilities at Orange Coast College with volunteer teachers.

1954 - Public School Class
OCARC formed the FIRST Public School Class for children with developmental disabilities in Garden Grove.

1960 - 1st Workshop
OCARC opened its first workshop for 13 adults with developmental disabilities in Costa Mesa.

1961 - Public School
OCARC provided a school in the Children’s Assistance League Building in Fullerton.

1964 - Focus on Adults
OCARC begins to focus its services on adults as the State of California passed a law making it mandatory that public schools provide Special Education classes.

1975 - 2nd Workshop
OCARC opened its second workshop in Anaheim.

1976 - Independent Living
OCARC funds innovative project to support three girls living independently in their own apartment. Regional Center takes over funding after successful first year.

1978 - Basic Living Skills
OCARC creates new program offered through Cypress College. College takes over funding after successful first year.

1980 - 3rd Workshop
OCARC opened its third workshop in Cypress.

1986 - Community Employment
OCARC begins transition of clients to jobs in the Community.

1988 - Community Programming
OCARC converts site-based Day Activity Programs to community programming.

1989 - Workshops Consolidated
OCARC completes consolidation of three workshops and administrative offices to the City of Orange.

1996 - CC-DAP Started
OCARC creates innovative program combining paid work with site and community based activities for seniors and more challenged clients.

1998 - Family Connections
OCARC receives grant from RCOC to start the First Family Home Agency in Orange County.

2000 - New Facilities
OCARC does a public bond offering to purchase a 58,000 sq. ft building in Anaheim, housing Orange County’s largest work activity program.

2005 - Life Unlimited
OCARC creates “Life Unlimited”- A specially designed & equipped facility for the severely physically challenged.

2007 - 2007 PIMCO Foundation Excellence Award
Recieved in September

2008 - Rite Bite Snack Shop Opens
A "Paid While Leaning" Job Training Site created for OCARC clients, together with the introduction of healthy food & beverage choices.