OCA to Expand into Longwood with Second Campus

New location designed to help meet the growing needs of neurodivergent adults and youth

Orlando, Fla. (April 16, 2026) – For too many people in Central Florida, finding services to help their neurodivergent family members is frustrating, overwhelming and near impossible.

Help is on the way!

This summer, OCA, one of the region’s top non-profits focused on helping neurodivergent individuals and families of all ages, will be opening a second location. The new facility in Longwood will be able to help more than 300 individuals when fully operational. 

“Everyone at OCA has a dream of ensuring anyone in our community who needs services for autism, Down syndrome, and other neurodivergent issues can find the help they need,” says Margaret Newman Thornton, COO and co-founder, OCA. “While there will still be a significant need throughout the region, we believe this new location will help so many people who have not been able to find help elsewhere.”

Starting on June 8, the first two types of programming at launch will be full-day programs for adults and summer camps for youth. In addition, individual therapy will be offered.

One example of programming is the life-skills program for adults, which focuses on budgeting, meal prep, and hygiene, and provides real-world experiences, such as trips to the zoo or movies, where participants can apply those skills. 

In August, the Longwood campus will provide after-school programming for students in local schools.

Discussions about a Longwood expansion started a couple of years ago, but serious planning started when Orlando Health provided a significant gift, which was joined by Sharon Ginsberg. 

“At Orlando Health, expanding access to care, improving health outcomes and providing opportunities for all is a key part of our mission,” said Shawn Molsberger, senior vice president, Orlando Health North Region. “OCA’s expansion into Seminole County reinforces their long-standing leadership and dedication to serving the community and closing critical gaps in services. We're proud to partner with them to help create a stronger, more supported Central Florida.”

OCA was founded in 2009 and has helped neurodivergent individuals and families of all ages at its headquarters in Orlando near Lee Road. The new location is at 280 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Longwood. 

Families looking to preregister for services at the new location should visit the OCA Seminole County page here. 

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Media Contact: Alan Byrd, 407-415-8470, alan@byrdconnections.com

About OCA: OCA (Opportunity, Community, Ability) is a nonprofit serving youth and adults with autism and other special needs in Central Florida. OCA's mission is to empower individuals and their families to fully engage and thrive in the community. What started as a conversation on a park bench in 2008 has grown into a dynamic organization serving more than 300 children and adults each year across Central Florida with therapy, recreation, vocational training, and life skills programs. With every program, OCA aims to remove barriers and create opportunities, so every participant can live with purpose, connect with peers, and reach their potential.

OCA focuses on what each individual can do—because our community is full of joy, strength, and incredible ability. For more information, please visit GoOCA.org.