CLO was founded in 1977, at a time when close to 200,000 individuals with special needs were served in public institutions – nearly 2,000 in institutions in Kansas. CLO’s mission, then and now, is to provide individuals with developmental disabilities enriched and fulfilled lives as fully integrated members of the community.

CLO was founded by families of individuals with developmental disabilities and faculty from the University of Kansas' Department of Applied Behavioral Science. Our founders understood the importance of applying best practice technology to important social concerns and creating new service models through process of measurement and evaluation, which continues to this day.

In partnership with KU, CLO developed several innovative programs and services, including the Family Teaching Model. This model involves three or four individuals with special needs living on one side of a duplex or attached home, and a Family Teaching couple living on the other side with their immediate family members, providing care to the individuals with special needs. The two sides of the home are connected via a common hallway or door and the group functions as a large, extended family.

Throughout our history, CLO has been focused on ensuring the individuals we serve are living "the good life". At CLO, “the good life” means:

• Pleasant and safe surroundings
• Observance of legal and personal rights
• Positive relationships with others
• Living healthy lifestyles
• Opportunities for choice and control
• Effective learning opportunities
• High level of participation in daily experiences
• Community involvement
• Effective communication
• Pleasant social environment
• Satisfied consumers