Dayle McIntosh Center Volunteer Program

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.