For more than 50 years, Opportunities Unlimited of
Niagara has been providing rehabilitation and supportive services to people with
intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families throughout Niagara
County.
Started in June 1955, due to the efforts of a group of parents who wanted to obtain
services for their children who were mentally retarded, the Niagara County Chapter of the
Association for Retarded Children, (known today as Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara) was
incorporated as a chapter of the New York State Association for Retarded Children (known
today as NYSARC, Inc.).
The agency originally operated school programs in Niagara Falls, Lockport and North
Tonawanda. These programs provided learning and support to children with mental
retardation and developmental disabilities, basic needs that they had previously been
denied.
The agency's first sheltered workshop opened in the 1960's, followed by its first
community residence in the 1970's. In 1990, the agency's name was changed to
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara to reflect the organizational philosophy of building
opportunities for people with disabilities and ensuring that they be able to reach their
maximum potential and independence through integration into the community.
The provision of new choices in vocational programs spurred a period of growth
throughout the 1990's. Opportunities Unlimited was aggressive and sought ways to
offer innovative programs and services for consumers which focused on the 3 IP's of
Inclusion, Independence, Individualization and Productivity.
August 1998, marked the start to a new era of growth for agencies serving the disabled
throughout New York State with then Governor George Pataki's announcement of a five-year
plan aimed at eliminating the waiting list for persons needing out-of-home residential
care. The program, named New York State
CARES, plans to assist Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara with continuing its
commitment toward integration of people with disabilities and offering them an opportunity
for community living.
Today, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara annually assists more than 800 people to
reach goals and lead more independent lives. Services include on-site vocational
training; community-based job placement and employment support; school to work transition
planning; day programming; clinical services; transportation; residential choices;
supportive services such as recreation, self-advocacy and exceptional parenting programs;
and service coordination to ensure that each person receives as much support as needed to
become as independent as possible.
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara is now the largest not-for-profit agency in Niagara
County, touching the lives of numerous individuals and their family members. As the
agency continues to grow and offer new opportunities for people with disabilities, the
vision created by the pioneering parents who tirelessly worked to ensure the best for
their children, still exists today.
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