Shah

Regional Center of Orange County has appointed Palak Shah to its board of directors for a one year term. Peter Kuo was also elected to the board. Both men have developmental disabilities and receive services from the RCOC.

“The addition of Palak and Peter to our board supports our responsibility to have a board that is diverse and reflects a variety of perspectives and experiences,” said RCOC Board Chair Tresa Oliveri. “We are particularly enthusiastic about the insights they will bring to Board efforts to expand opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to obtain paid employment.”

Shah, whose disabilities include spina bifida, came to the United States with his family from India. As a child there, he received no help for his disabilities. It is his gratitude for the services and supports he receives here that inspired him to serve on the Board and give back to the community. Shah uses a wheelchair and has always enjoyed helping others with disabilities. In junior high, he helped out in the special education class, and provided assistance to visually impaired students when he attended Fullerton Community College.

Regional Center of Orange County is a nonprofit organization contracted by the State of California to coordinate services and supports for the 17,000 Orange County residents with developmental disabilities and their families. Developmental disabilities include autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and intellectual disabilities. RCOC’s board of directors is composed entirely of volunteers.