• Advocacy SD Special education advocacy, educational consultation and IEP Support. (Online resources and Encinitas location)

• California Children's Services Family Handbook  What parents/guardians should know about California Children's Services (CCS) ((Online resources and Clairemont Mesa location).  Spanish / Arabic

• California State Council on Developmental Disabilities  (SCDD) Responsible for ensuring the protection of legal, civil, and service rights of persons who require services through publicly funded agencies that serve persons with developmental disabilities. (Online resources - No local location)

• Disability Rights CA Works to bring about fairness and justices for Californians with disabilities. (Online resources - No local location)

• Disability Rights and Education Defense Fund Provides legal advocacy, training, education, and public policy and legislative development.(Online resources.- No local location)

• Dove Tail Learning Family Series Resiliency training for Families and Caregivers that is simple, effective, and research based. (Online resources - No local location)

• Involved Exceptional Parents Day  (IEP Day) A youth and parent advocacy group holding a unique one-day conference and resource fair for parents and caregivers of children with special needs and/or disabilities, educators and service providers. (Mission Valley Event)

• IEP San Diego Special education advocate supports families in the special education process to ensure children are provided with a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). (Online resources and Loma Portal location)

• NVISION Eye Centers - A free educational guide for navigating the internet and making it more accessible for individuals with low vision or blindness.(Various SD locations)

• Project LETS  Provides access, political education, & material resources to people with mental illness, disability, trauma, & neurodivergence. (Online Resources and No local location)

• Special Needs Foundation of San Diego  Connecting families (and individuals) with disabilities to resources, services and opportunities. More than 1300 resources to help parents find services in San Diego and Imperial Counties. (Online resources and downtown SD location)

• Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK) An advocacy group that empowers and educates parents in navigating special education, assistive technology, and disability services from birth to age 26 and their families. (Online resources and Spring Valley location)

 

Diagnosis

• American Cancer Society   Resources for treatment, nutrition, caregiving, insurance and maintaining health. Also had research opportunities and helps with transportation to treatment. (Online resources, with links to local services)

• American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association  (ACPA) Resources for those with cleft lip and palate including  Clefline Bears (teddies with cleft stiches), educational materials, grants and scholarships. (Online resources and support)

• American Diabetes Association  Offers dietary support, resources, research, info and advocacy for those with Diabetes. (Online resources, with links to local services)

• Arthritis Foundation   Juvenile idiopathic arthritis the most common form of juvenile arthritis and includes six types: oligoarthritis, polyarthritis, systemic, enthesitis-related, juvenile psoriatic arthritis and undifferentiated. (Online resources, with links to local events)

• Brain Injury Association of America Information on diagnosis and treatment of brain injury. (Online resources, with links to local services)

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association National organization dedicated to research and cure with resources for care, support, show fitting and bracing. (Online resources)

• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation San Diego Chapter  Provides clinic trails, resources, advocacy and activities for those with Cystic Fibrosis. (Online resources, with Mission Valley office)

• Muscular Dystrophy Association  National organization dedicated to research and cure with resources for care, support and recreation. (Online resources, with links to local events)

• San Diego Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired Vision rehabilitation services including assistive tech, counseling, education, advocacy, and facility assessment. (College Area and Vista offices)

• Spina Bifida Association The mission of the Spina Bifida Association is to build a better and brighter future for all those impacted by Spina Bifida. (Online resources, with links to local resources)

• Spinal Cord Network Help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, and find financial support. (Online resources, with Mission Valley support group)

• United Brachial Plexus Network Provides education, scholarships, support, awareness, and prevention of Brachial Plexus injuries. (Online resources. No local location)

• United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County  Provides access to services, durable medical equipment, and family support for people with Cerebral Palsy and other special needs. Toy lending library, technology assistance and adult day program available. (Online resources with Kearny Mesa and Escondido locations)

 

Education/Employment

• Abilities Expo Test drive the latest tech, dance, play sports, meet services animals, attend workshops and more. (Online resources and networking, with links to possibe local events)

• Disability Support Programs & Services  Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS) department at San Diego Community College District offers a variety of services for students with verified disabilities.  Examples include students with learning disabilities, impairments in vision, hearing, and mobility, mental health conditions, acquired brain injuries, and other medical disabilities.(Student services provided on several centrally located San Diego junior college campuses)

• Head Start Early Head Start (EHS) Programs provides intensive comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income infants and toddlers under the age of 3 and their families, and to pregnant women and their families. (San Diego in-home services provided as well as on-site services in various SD locations)

• MyVision  Free resource guide for visually impaired students with information on assistive technologies, managing the public school system, and how parents can help. (Online resources)

• San Diego Committee on Employment for People with Disabilities   (SDCEPD)  Promotes employment opportunities for persons with disabilities through community action, providing free training to businesses and collaboration with public and private organizations (Online information and meetings and annual job fair in Mission Valley/Balboa Park)

• Transitioning from High School with AB 504 Plan Provides students with an overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Workforce Investment Act) and how it protects academic rights from high school to postsecondary education. (Online information and resources)

 

Government/Health Care Organization

• California Department of Rehabilitation An employment and independent living resource for people with disabilities. (Online information, advocacy, and referrals)

• CalFresh  A program for low-income families and individuals that meet certain income guidelines. CalFresh benefits help supplement your food budget and allow families and individuals to buy nutritious food. Also known as the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). (Online information, application portal, guide to countywide family resource center locations)

• CalWORKs  Provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families with minor children in order to move families with children from dependancy to self-sufficiency through employment. Also known as the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. (Online information, application portal, guide to countywide family resource center locations)

• Children’s Medical Services Provides a comprehensive system of health care for children through preventive screening, diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up services. (Online information, links to forms and regulations, guides to statewide CCS locations)

• Disabled Person Parking Placard Application California DMV - Online process for Disabled person parking placard application, can also find online process to secure a driver’s license or identification card that have not expired. (Online application. No local office)

• Genetically Handicapped Persons Program (GHPP)  A State health care program for adults with specific  genetic diseases that  works with doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other members of the health care team in providing many types of health services. GHPP helps beneficiaries with their health care costs. (Online information - State of CA website)

• Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Program (HACCP)  A State health care program which offers hearing aid coverage to eligible children and youth, ages 0-20, including supplemental coverage for applicants whose other health coverage has a coverage limit of $1,500 or less for hearing aids. (CA State website with information and related links)

• HHSA Facilities by County Geographic Region  Use this link for County facilities, offering HHSA services, separated by Regions. Click on a link to find out more about the facility and the services that are offered at that location (San Diego HHSA website with links to numerous county-wide locations)

• Home Visiting Programs  The County of San Diego offers two home visiting programs to those eligible for services.  These programs are delivered by specialized nurses called Public Health Nurses.  Public Health Nurses promote health, help individuals and families prevent illness, and support wellness in our communities through home visitation. (SD HHSA webpage with information and related links)

• Medi-Cal California's Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income. (Online information, application portal, guide to countywide family resource center locations)

• Medi-Cal ADDITIONAL BENEFITS under the CalAIM/Medi-Cal Transformation initiative:  DHCS is transforming Medi-Cal to ensure that Californians get the care they need to live healthier lives. Medi-Cal members will have access to new and improved services to get well-rounded care that goes beyond the doctor's office or hospital and addresses all of their physical and mental health needs.  Information on Enhanced Care Management, Community Supports and Transportation Benefits: SDAIM  (CA State web page with information and links) 

• Ready San Diego  Disaster Preparedness Plan. A plan for those with disabilities to navigate a major event. (SD County web page with information and related links)

• SSI Disability Benefits The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, bot h are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program. (Federal government website with information and links to apply)

 

Hospital/Skilled Nursing Facility

• Accent Care Home Health Provides 1:1 shift nursing and credentialed nurse case management in San Diego County. Partners with San Diego County school districts, SDRC, Medi-Cal, private insurances and 0-3 programs. (Five SD locations in Central and North County and links on how to get started with home care)

• Aveanna Health Provides Private Duty Services, Home Health & Hospice, and Medical Solutions. (Mission Valley and Temecula locations with info and links for starting home health survices)

• Avery Home Health Agency Provide hospitals and practitioners with the full range of pediatric and adult home health and nursing treatments. (Home services available in SD county)

• Dependable Nursing, LLC  Provides nursing services to individuals with physical and mental challenges, including before and after school care, LVN, CAN/NA services, and interim nursing. (Office in Carlsbad, CA, In-home care is a service)

• Excel Home Health Provides comprehensive services and quality care including Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Medical Social Services, Certified Home Health Aide Services, and Shift Nursing Care to clients in their homes (La Mesa, CA location and home health care services)

• Maxim Healthcare Services  Provides in-home skilled nursing, respite care and ABA services. (Offices in Carlsbad, San Diego, and Temecula. Home heath and other services offered)

• Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego A complete listing of programs facilitated by RCHSD including HomeCare. (Online information and links. Location in central SD. Satellite services located in various locations in north and south SD county.)

• Ro Health Delivers medically intensive home healthcare nursing services to patients with chronic illnesses and disabilities. (Central SD location, In home services offered)

• Team Select Home Care Provides long term care services for pediatric and adult care.(Temecula location and at home care offered)

• Together We Grow Pediatric day healthcare facility and school provides and includes preschool setting for children with or without special needs and their siblings. Funding for qualifying families. (Kearny Mesa location, at home care offered)

 

Housing

• County of San Diego Rental  Assistance Program  Helps eligible households in qualifying areas who have been financially impacted. The program provides payment assistance for renters who need help with rent and utilities. (Online information and links to apply online and links to locate physical offices throughout the county.)

• San Diego Housing Commission Helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing, including rental assistance (Section 8). (Downtown San Diego Location with many online links and much information)

• San Diego Housing Commission/Housing Stability Assistance Program Helps to pay past-due, unpaid rent and utilities for individuals and families with low income in the City of San Diego who experience financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.(Downtown San Diego Location with many online links and much information)

 

Legal

• Legal Aid Society of San Diego  Provides low-income clients with free civil legal assistance, including legal advice and counsel, effective referrals, and legal representation. (Office location in central San Diego, with information for phone application)

 

Local Agencies

• 2-1-1 San Diego A resource and information hub that connects people with community, health, and disaster services through a free, 24/7 stigma-free confidential phone service and searchable online database. 2-1-1 serves the entire population of San Diego County.  (Online and phone numbers to call for resources and links to many services)

• Exceptional Family Resource Center  (EFRC) Helps parents gain assessment as a Point of Entry for California Early Start and California Prevention Resources and Referral Services (PRRS). Provides families with referrals and helps parents navigate the IEP,IPP, and IFSP process. (Office located on SDSD campus. Services and referral by phone and the provided online resources) 

• Family Resource Centers (FRC) A welcoming place where families and individuals are nurtured, encouraged, and provided quality services to build on their own strengths to help themselves and others. Includes financial coaching, legal services, child-care. (Online link to all County of San Diego, HHSA, Family Resource Centers - FRCs - links display addresses and maps of locations)

• First 5 San Diego Healthy development checkups, dental services, kits for new parents, and other resources for children ages 0-5 and their families. First 5 San Diego promotes the health and well-being of children-from the prenatal stage through age 5. 

• Guiding Hands Provides quality community support, critical housing, and life skills training for individuals with developmental disabilities in San Diego County.

• SD Access 4 All  Find resources to get connected to the internet. Information provided through a  partnership between the County of San Diego, SANDAG, and 211 San Diego.

• San Diego Futures Foundation Provides information technology available to underserved populations by providing technology equipment, training, support, IT outsourcing, and digital media services to Nonprofit organizations, disadvantaged small businesses, low-income households, people with disabilities, and seniors.

• San Diego Regional Center  (SDRC) Assesses infants/toddlers through adults with suspected developmental delays/disability so that they and their families can obtain therapeutic services and resources. 

• The Arc of San Diego The largest, most comprehensive service provider for children and adults with disabilities in San Diego County and offers a wide range of services and support including respite, early intervention services, personal and leisure services (PALS).

 

National Organizations

• CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research Research center dedicated to generating knowledge and transforming lives of children and youth with developmental conditions and their families.

• Easter Seals Southern California International charitable organization devoted to providing opportunities for children with physical disabilities. 

• Make-A-Wish® San Diego Creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. 

• March of Dimes Committed to improving the health and welfare of pregnant women, premature babies and infants with birth defects through education and health advocacy. 

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network Improves access to care, treatment, and services for traumatized children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events. 

 

Recreation/Adaptive Sports

• Banding Together  Changing the lives of individuals with special needs through the power of music.

• City of San Diego Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS)  Inclusive camps, sports leagues, social groups, and recreational actives for individuals 3 and up with special needs and their families. 

• Ducks Sled Hockey  Improving lives through sport, we use hockey as a tool to teach athletes...We are more than just hockey; we teach a positive mindset that saves lives and inspires others.

• Roll to Success  A newer non-profit in San Diego for wheelchair basketball and adaptive sports.

• Personal and Leisure Services (PALS) The Arch of San Diego program that offers kids, teens and adults the opportunity to attend recreational activities such as sporting events, plays, festivals, fairs and more with skilled staff trained to build social skills and promote independence. 

• SDSU Adaptive Fitness Clinic Community outreach program through the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University that serves individuals from the San Diego region with minor to severe physical and neuromuscular disabilities as well as those interested in Active Aging and offers them the opportunity to reach their fitness and exercise goals. Clients’ ages have ranged from 2 to 98 years.

• Team IMPACT  is made up of dedicated individuals who are committed to changing the lives of children, families, student-athletes, and teams across the country. Everyone at Team IMPACT plays a role in reaching our goals, fulfilling our mission, and getting all kids in the game. Learn more about our board of directors and our organizational leadership.

• YMCA of San Diego County Swim lessons, sports leagues, day camps, and overnight camps for children, preschool and up all summer long. Children with special needs are always welcome at the Y.

 

Respite/In Home Services

• ARCC Center Respite  In-Home respite, sibling care, Fiscal Management Services (FMS), summer camps and more. 

• In Home Support Services  (IHSS) A County program that can provide homemaker and personal care assistance to eligible individuals who are receiving Supplemental Security Income or who have a low income and need help in the home to remain independent.

• San Ysidro Health Medical Waiver Program Assigned by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to provide administrative services and Comprehensive Care Management services, under the Medi-Cal HCBA Waiver Program to San Diego County participants. 

 

Transportation

• DCHS Transportation Services Medi-Cal offers transportation to and from appointments for services covered by Medi-Cal. This includes transportation to medical, dental, mental health, or substance use disorder appointments, and to pick up prescriptions and medical supplies.

• Golden Boy Mobility Services Offers a variety of wheelchair accessible vans, mobility driving aids, in-home and outdoor scooters, and wheelchair lifts, wheelchairs, vehicle remodeling services, and many other mobility solutions.

• Lyft Lyft Pass for Healthcare offers free rides to medical appointments.

• North County Transit District  Provides public transportation in North San Diego County. 

• San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Access Services - Paratransit   In addition to providing accessibility on all buses and trolleys for people with physical disabilities. MTS offers fixed route bus and trolley services for people with cognitive and visual disabilities. Plus, the MTS Access Program serves customers with disabilities who are functionally unable to use fixed route services. 

• Uber Rides on demand.