Community Placement

If MORC stands out from other human services agencies, it is because of its fervent belief that individuals with disabilities are full members of their communities. Over the years, MORC has helped thousands of children and adults around the world leave institutions and nursing homes to live once again in the community. For well over 30 years, MORC has championed deinstitutionalization, helping to close 12 institutions and 11 nursing homes in Michigan, and has gained worldwide recognition for its innovative approaches to community placement and integration for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Gentle Teaching

Since 1986, MORC has implemented the principles of Gentle Teaching, as pioneered by John McGee, Ph.D., from Omaha, Nebraska. Gentle Teaching is based on the key principles of teaching a person to feel safe, loved, being able to love others, and that it is good to be engaged with others.

Through MORC policies, training opportunities, and culture, it is the agency’s goal that all individuals must have the opportunity to live and work in a nurturing environment which:

• Provides a sense of safety
• Teaches that engagement with others is good
• Teaches the valuing of others and provides opportunities to establish meaningful relationships
• Enhances self-worth
• Assures consistency of structure
• Provides opportunities to express autonomy, while receiving necessary supports
• Is conducive to optimal learning
• Incorporates community inclusion

Person-Centered Planning

MORC does not believe in making decisions for the people it supports but instead, fully supports the rights of individuals with disabilities to articulate their needs, goals and dreams and to choose for themselves the services and supports that will help them achieve them. A person-centered plan is the foundation of all aspects of service delivery at MORC.