FAQ

Dreams of America is an award-winning community day program in Irvine, California, serving adults with developmental disabilities since 2015. The program provides community-based activities, vocational training, life skills development, arts, recreation, and social engagement in a warm, inclusive environment. Dreams of America has been recognized as Regional Center Spotlight for Best Provider and maintains a 1:4 staffing ratio.

Dreams of America has three locations in Irvine, CA:

– 14 Goodyear, Suite 110, Irvine, CA 92618 — Phone: (949) 916-6799
– 18 Goodyear, Suite 120, Irvine, CA 92618 — Phone: (949) 916-7661
– 8929 Irvine Center Drive (Spectrum), Irvine, CA 92618 — Phone: (949) 418-9952

Main line: (949) 398-7698
Email: info@dreamsofamerica.org

Yes. Tuition is fully covered for all Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) clients under California’s Lanterman Act. Families must first obtain a referral from their Regional Center coordinator — once received, Dreams of America will schedule an intake meeting.

For families without Regional Center funding:

– In-person program: $2,400 per month (adults 18 and over)
– Virtual program: $1,600 per month (no age minimum)

Regional Center clients have tuition fully covered at no cost to the family.

Yes. Dreams of America is currently accepting applications for its virtual day program, which has no age minimum. Private pay tuition is $1,600 per month. Regional Center clients are fully covered. Visit dreamsofamerica.org and click “Inquire Now” to learn more.

Dreams of America offers:

– Music classes
– Physical exercise and fitness
– Safety awareness training
– Field trips and community outings
– Volunteer work (local churches, food banks)
– Recreational outings (bowling, miniature golf, Irvine Spectrum)
– Job training and vocational training
– Money management
– Reading and writing
– Basic computer skills
– Arts and crafts
– Socialization and recreation

Every student also receives an Individual Support Plan (ISP) with personal goals reviewed annually.

Yes. Free transportation to and from Dreams of America is provided through ACCESS, an Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) service for individuals with disabilities. Families do not need to arrange their own transportation.

Dreams of America is led by Executive Director Tala Fazeli, who has over 8 years of experience at the Regional Center of Orange County and has worked with more than 15 day programs in Orange County. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from UC Irvine and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She serves on the Irvine Resident with Disabilities Board.

Regional Center clients: Obtain a referral from RCOC first, then contact Dreams of America to schedule an intake meeting. The applicant must be present at the intake meeting.

Private pay families: Inquire directly at dreamsofamerica.org.

After the intake meeting, qualified applicants complete the program application and attend a mandatory group tour. Acceptance is based on seat availability. All new students undergo a 30-day assessment period.

Students are required to attend Dreams of America 95% of the time per calendar year. The program maintains an annual holiday schedule.

The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act is a California law guaranteeing individuals with developmental disabilities the right to services that help them live more independently. Under the Lanterman Act, the Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) coordinates and funds services — including community day programs like Dreams of America — for eligible individuals at no cost to the family.

Dreams of America is based in Irvine with three  locations that serve families across Orange County including Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Orange, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and surrounding cities. However, you can find us in  community outings during a typical day. Free transportation is available through ACCESS/OCTA.