Disability-Friendly Community Initiative (DFCI)

A rule bar that is made up of 4 colors as an accent to the page design.
Watch how to sign ‘disability’ in American Sign Language

Watch how to sign ‘friendly’ in American Sign Language

Watch how to sign ‘community’ in American Sign Language

Watch how to sign ‘initiative’ in American Sign Language

Three Black and disabled folx smile and stroll down a sidewalk side by side. On the left, a non-binary person walks with a cane in one hand and a tangle stim toy in the other. In the middle, a non-binary person rolls along in their power wheelchair. On the right, a femme gestures mid-walk.

This photo was taken by Chona Kasinger.
Credit affiliated with https://AffectTheVerb.com/disabledandhere 

Disability-Friendly Community Initiative (DFCI)

The Disability Friendly Community Initiative (DFCI) aims to make Orange County more inclusive and accessible by providing disability-centric training for service providers and offering presentations for community members to promote independence and self-sufficiency.

Why Choose DFCI?

At Dayle McIntosh Center, we believe that creating a disability-friendly community starts with education and intentional practices. Our training equips staff, volunteers, advocates, and organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable, inclusive, and effective services to all.

A laptop on a wooden table next to a coffee cup, displaying a virtual training titled “Improving Accessible and Inclusive Services Training” with a sign language interpreter visible on the screen. The logo of the Dayle McIntosh Center is displayed beneath the title.

Bring DFCI Training Opportunities to Your Team: Our DFCI trainings are delivered virtually or in person. Participants will gain practical tools and strategies to better support individuals in their programs.

Trainings offered include:

  • Disability Acceptance and Etiquette – Learn best practices to foster respectful and inclusive interactions with people with disabilities. Participants will learn key terms such as disability, accessibility, and accommodations. They will also explore the do’s and don’ts for interacting with people with various disabilities, and gain understanding of ableism and how to counter it. Additionally, the training guides attendees on how to be allies and partners to the disability community.
  • Improving Accessible and Inclusive Services Training – Enhance your services to ensure they are accessible to everyone who needs them. This training covers accessibility fundamentals, effective communication for various disabilities, and creating inclusive environments. Participants will gain actionable steps to deliver equitable services, improve physical accessibility, address communication barriers, create accessible materials, tailor programs to diverse needs, and train staff on disability accommodation and inclusive practices.
  • Deaf-Friendly Resource Guide Training – Equips your team with practical tools to better serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. This training covers effective communication tips, guidelines for working with interpreters, and strategies to create welcoming environments that respect cultural and linguistic needs within the Deaf community.
  • Monthly Assistive Technology Collaborative (No cost, Optional) – Stay up to date with the latest assistive technology devices to improve independence and daily living for people with disabilities and older adults. This collaborative offers resources, expect insights, and discuss real-life applications of assistive technology.

A diverse group of four adults sit at a table smiling and attentively looking forward. They have notebooks and pens in front of them, participating in a training.

Independence at Home Series: This series offers valuable insights and resources through DMC service presentations to your team and the people you serve, designed to empower individuals with disabilities and older adults to live independently.

  • DMC Overview Services – An overview of the Dayle McIntosh Center’s services for people with disabilities, older adults and veterans, including advocacy, peer support, independent living skills training, assistive technology, housing for CalOptima members, housing resources available to all, and other services aimed at promoting independence.
  • Assistive Technology – Learn about assistive technology (AT), including devices, software, and tools that support individuals achieving greater independence at home, work and in the community. This presentation also provides guidance on funding options for AT devices, specialized training, and personalized AT recommendations, all designed to meet each individual’s unique needs and goals.
  • Budget for Housing – Learn strategies for budgeting and saving for housing cost. It provides practical tools to empower individuals to manage their finances confidently. Participants will also learn how to budget for housing by exploring ways to increase income and reduce expenses through community support.
  • Home Modifications and Reuse Program – Learn about home modifications to increase safety and accessibility, as well as disability aids available through DMC’s Recycle Program, which provides devices to support independent living.
  • Independent Living Skills – Learn about Independent Living Skills to help manage your home through adaptive techniques and devices, and learning the basics of cooking, cleaning, and organizing that promote self-sufficiency.

Two older adults in the park talking.

  • Orange County Aging and Disability Resource Connection (OC ADRC) – Learn about the partnership between the Area Agency on Aging and the Dayle McIntosh Center so that helps individuals live independently and avoid institutionalization. The ADRC serves as a no-wrong door resource for older adults and individuals with disabilities, offering four core services: information and referrals, options counseling, short-term service coordination and assistance with transitioning back into the community.

A person giving a presentation in front of a diverse audience. The seating area is blurred, making the faces of the group indistinguishable.

Ready to Make Your Services More Disability-Friendly?

Contact us today to schedule a training or learn more about how the Disability-Friendly Community Initiative can support your organization. Simply visit this link, DMC Training and Consulting Inquiry Form and select Disability Friendly Community Initiative!

Please see our flyer for more information:  

DFCI flyer in black text on orange click button with silver border.


An image button that links to the Covid InformationAn image button that links to the Services page.An image button that links to the Event Calendar page.An image button that links to an email newsletter sign up form.An image button that links to the Contact page.

An image that is long like a banner that has several photographs of people doing activities.