Join the Open House on June 26

ATASCADERO — Escuela del Rio has announced its 50th anniversary and invites the community to celebrate at an open house on June 26, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will be held at Escuela del Rio, located at 5940 Rosario Ave., Atascadero.

In June 1974, a group of dedicated community and professional individuals in Atascadero came together with a shared vision to provide essential services for developmentally disabled persons in North San Luis Obispo County. Recognizing a gap in services not met by other county agencies, the concept of Escuela del Rio was born. 

Initially established as the Atascadero Committee for Education (ACE), Inc., the organization comprised a membership group with an elected Board of Directors representing parents, board and care operators, professionals, and concerned community members. The Board met monthly to conduct organizational business, set policy within state guidelines, and oversee financial, personnel, and direct services for its programs. On September 3, 1974, the Escuela del Rio Program for developmentally disabled adults was officially launched under the co-direction of the Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD) and ACE Inc., operating out of the Grange Hall.

By Spring 1977, the organization had built a new facility on the corner of Del Rio Road and San Benito Road under the Adult Education Requirements, ADA, and EdR. Students took pride in their new space, beautifying the interior and grounds as they learned vital gardening, maintenance, and living skills. However, following the passage of Prop 13, the program lost support through the AUSD, leading to the termination of the lease.

Thanks to ongoing community support and ACE’s efforts, a new facility was acquired at the corner of Rosario and Palma. This location quickly became “home” to over 60 clients at the time.

As the organization grew, the need for diverse programming became apparent. In 1988, Escuela del Rio’s Toward Independence Program (EdR-TIP) was established, followed by the Escuela del Rio Specialized Teaching and Readiness Program (EdR-START) in 1991, and the Escuela del Rio — Seniors program in 1996. In 1998, the Atascadero Committee for Education officially changed its name to Escuela del Rio.

Today, Escuela del Rio serves 92 clients with varying abilities through four different programs at four different sites. The organization continues to serve developmentally disabled individuals with kindness, patience, and passion.

Escuela del Rio extends heartfelt gratitude to the founders, dedicated staff, family members, board and care operators, and the entire community. The success of this program is a testament to the collective effort of everyone involved.

Escuela del Rio is a day program for adults with developmental disabilities in North San Luis Obispo County. Their wide range of programs demonstrates how adults with differing abilities can maximize their alternatives and choices for living and working in society, enabling them to become active and contributing members of their community.