• Choose where and with whom to live, work and spend time in meaningful ways that provide positive feelings.
• Choose personal goals which emphasize independence and growth for the future.
• Make choices regarding daily activities and decisions about all aspects of work and life.
• Select and direct desired services and support, including staff supports.
• Exercise personal privileges including constitutional rights, human rights and civil liberties.

WCI is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1974 as one of the first human services agencies in Massachusetts.  Originally called The Waltham Committee, Inc., reflecting the city in which WCI originated and developed its first home for residents of the former Walter E. Fernald State School (now known as the Fernald Developmental Center), WCI today serves Individuals in Waltham, Newton, Watertown, Belmont, Arlington, Malden and Brighton.  WCI's first residence was a duplex home for eight (8) persons leaving the Fernald School.

Today, WCI still provides services for those Individuals who were among the first to leave the Ferbald School for reintergration into the community.  Much has changed in thirty years.  The original group of Individuals now reside in small apartments with one or two friends and need minimal supports.  For example, staff assists the Individuals three to ten hours per week, providing help with tasks such as paying bills, managing money, cooking, shopping, problem solving, having social relationships and activities and community inclusion.  WCI's experience proves that Individuals with disabilities thrive in a positive, supported atmosphere where each person can live, work and be an active and productive participant.

At the core of WCI's mission, is the belief that all Individuals with disabilities deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and to experience community life to its fullest.  Because of the agency's specialized service model, especially relating to Individuals with both developmental and sensory disabilities, WCI supports diverse populations within its programs.  For example, WCI has numerous middle-aged and elder Individuals who have increasing medical and end-of-life needs and/or who require palliative treatments, as well as healthy young adults with developmental and behavioral issues.  Some Individuals both reside and work using WCI supports.

At WCI "People Come First" :

In order to maximize opportunities for inclusion, WCI recognizes there is a balance between health and safety practice and an Individual's need for personal growth, which may mean taking risks, making decisions and living and working in the least restrictive environment possible.  WCI assesses each Individual to make certain that person receives all the necessary supports, inlcuding staff supports, to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.  While health and safety come first, WCI provides the appropriate training and supports necessary to begin the road to independence.

WCI currently provides supports for 145 Individuals living in over fifty (50) apartments, single family homes or condominiums in Waltham, Watertown, Belmont, Newton, Brighton, Arlington and Medford.  Staff supports vary depending on the needs of the Individual.  Some Individuals need daily 24 hour supports while others require less supports on a daily or weekly basis, for example supports for several hours a day or for a certain number of hours per week.  In addition, WCI provides behavioral supports, Deaf supports and In-home supports as needed.  Since its inception, WCI has developed community-based housing and provided 24-hour residential support services to persons with developmental and other disabilities.

Housing Milestones:

WCI is committed to providing creative, alternative housing opportunities for Individuals with disabilities.  In 1994, 1996 and 2000, WCI assisted Individuals to purchase condominiums through a special mortgage program with the former BayBank (now Citizens Bank).  WCI locates apartments and single family homes in residential neighborhoods that Individuals prefer or matches Individuals with others in larger residential settings, for example in both sides of a duplex or townhouse unit.  All residential sites are located on a public transportation route or within walking distance to transportation, shopping, banking, entertainment and other resources.  WCI values choice and personal needs as well as family input when assisting Individuals to select a home.

In 2004, the agency's 30th Anniversary year, WCI has founded the Housing Initiative Fund to increase home ownership options for Individuals with disabilities.  Additional information about the Housing Initiative Fund is located in the Donation section of this website.

Employment:

In 1992, WCI added supported employment and training placements to its service menu.  The employment program trains and supports Individuals with developmental disabilities and finds employment opportunities for these persons.  Staff in the Employment Division match Individual's skill sets, abilities and preferences to available positions.  Staff assist Individuals with the entire pre-employment and employment process, including the use of job coaches where needed.  Today, WCI provides employment opportunities for over 56 Individuals through supported day programs, job coaching and community employment.  Of the Individuals who are working at full or part-time jobs, some work and travel independently to work sites while others depend on staff support for transportation and on-the-job assistance.  Individual's jobs and worksites are varied and include: Northwest Travel, Noah's Farm, Waverly Redemption Center, Burger King, Plants Unlimited, Marriott Hotels, Bear Spot Farm, Jonathan's Cafe at Welch's Corporate Office, The Westin Hotels, Sun Auto, Waltham Veterinary Hospital, Ferguson Industries, The Center's Landscaping Team, Directrac (delivery of Verizon telephone books) and others.

Some Individuals prefer partaking in volunteer opportunities.  Two WCI Individuals are presently volunteering at WGBH - Channel 2 in Allston, assisting with mailing projects alongside other WGBH volunteers.

Services for Individuals with Sensory Disabilities: