Profile: MacDonald Training Center

Who we are…

We are an organization that envisions “people with disabilities leading the lives they choose.”

We are an organization that is resolute in our mission to “empower people with disabilities to lead the lives they choose.” 

We are an organization that is dedicated to continuously improving the quality of the vocational, employment and residential services we have been providing to people with developmental disabilities in the Tampa Bay area for over 50 years.

Where we come from…

MacDonald Training Center was founded in 1955 by J. Clifford MacDonald and a group of visionary parents of individuals with developmental disabilities.  At a time when the only alternative to being sent to a state institution was to sit at home and do nothing, these individuals rejected both options and proceeded to create innovative educational, vocational and residential alternatives.

Over the last 50 years, MacDonald Training Center has continued to be a leader and innovator in service to people with developmental disabilities.  We were one of the first organizations to develop supported employment and supported living services as alternatives to sheltered workshops and traditional group homes.  In 2002 we became the first organization in the state to close all of our group homes.  All individuals to whom we currently provide residential services live in their own homes…regardless of their service needs.

What we believe…

We believe it is a privilege to serve individuals with developmental disabilities.

We believe the people we serve are productive, contributing and valued members of our community. 

We believe the people we serve should be afforded opportunities to give back to their community.

We believe in real homes, not “home-like environments.”

We believe in real work, not “work-like environments.”

We believe the reason we exist…is to serve you.