Watch how to sign ‘about’ in American Sign Language
The Dayle McIntosh Center for the Disabled, also referred to as DMC, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that focuses on core services and serves as hub organization with many referral resources, programs, and partners.
We provide services to people with disabilities and older adults as we facilitate equal, equitable access and inclusion within the community.
The organization’s vision statement is “People with disabilities and older adults have equal opportunities to lead their lives as they choose.”
Founded in 1977, DMC’s doors opened rooted in the disability justice movement. DMC is a non-residential, cross-disability agency and meets the standards and indicators established for the operation of independent living centers in the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Currently, 28 such centers exist in California and approximately 500 are in operation nationally.
Based in Orange County, California, DMC partners with people with disabilities and older adults to address current concerns and achieve personal goals toward maximum independence. DMC does not “do for”, but rather, “works with” consumers to bring about desired outcomes. Assistance is provided without regard for age, race, income, or type of disability.
According to data from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network, 54 million Americans are living with a disability. In Orange County alone, close to 500,000 people have disabilities. Our goal at DMC is to help our community work toward independence, live, and thrive in the same spaces as nondisabled citizens.
To read Scarlett K. VonThenan’s full testimonial please click HERE:
Our Mission Statement:
The mission of the Dayle McIntosh Center is access and equity by, and for, people with disabilities and older adults.
DMC is a peer-based organization, which means that majority of the team of staff and governing Board of Directors is composed of individuals, who have disabilities themselves and have met the challenge of becoming self-sufficient. Such firsthand experience enables our team to provide relevant support and resources.
Our Core Values as an Organization:
Excellence: DMC aspires to be a model independent living center which offers excellent service to every consumer every time.
Transparency: DMC commits to a level of program and fiscal accountability that reflects the trust afforded the Center by consumers, funders, and the public.
Effective Communication: DMC relates to others in a manner that conveys honesty, openness, and mutual respect.
Community: DMC promotes the concepts of interdependence, collaboration, and unity.
Equity: DMC supports a global view of inclusion, which embraces diversity on all levels.
Individual Choice: DMC supports the right of people with disabilities to direct their own lives including setting boundaries, taking risks, and pursuing their goals and dreams.
Collective Leadership: each DMC team member can be a leader who contributes their unique strengths to achieve a shared purpose. This is achieved through welcoming communication, active collaboration, uplifting community, and embracing change.
The Dayle McIntosh Center is funded from public and private sources, as well as through fees for service received from third party payees. The primary funders of the organization include: the Administration for Community Living, the State Department of Rehabilitation, City of Anaheim, Cal Optima Health, Office on Aging, and California Department of Aging.
To learn about DMC HISTORY – CLICK HERE
