Resources
Parent Networks
Articles
Managing Your Child’s Transition Into Adulthood
Best Vocational Training Programs
Checklist
How-To Guides
Home Modifications for Young Adults with Special Needs
Renter’s Rights and Housing Assistance for People with Disabilities
Organizations
Dedication to Special Education
c/o Marin County Office of Education
PO Box 4925
San Rafael, CA 94913
General information:
415-491-6636
info@specialed.org
Parent information:
connections@specialed.org
Services:
Dedication to Special Education’s mission is to improve the quality of special education in Marin County, while connecting families for a stronger community. It is a community partnership where parents, educators, and the wider community work together on behalf of the special education students in Marin. Dedication to Special Education works in partnership with the Marin County Office of Education, their fiscal and legal sponsor.
Matrix Parent Network
Location:
Matrix Parent Network
94 Galli Drive Suite C
Novato, CA 94949
General information:
415-884-3535
Helpline:
800-578-2592
Services:
Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center is a parent-founded, parent-operated nonprofit organization founded in 1983. Matrix provides both direct services to families and support services to other federally funded parent centers. All of their services are free, supported through grants, contracts, donations, and fundraising activities
Parents Helping Parents
Location:
Parents Helping Parents
Sobrato Center of Nonprofits-San Jose
1400 Parkmoor Ave Suite 100
San Jose, CA 95126
Contact information:
408-727-5775
info@php.com
Services:
Parents Helping Parents helps children and adults with special needs receive the support and services they need to reach their full potential by providing information, training, and resources to build strong families and improve systems of care.
Support for Families
Location:
Support for Families
1663 Mission Street Suite 700
San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact information:
415-282-7494
info@supportforfamilies.org
Services:
Support for Families of Children with Disabilities is a parent-run San Francisco-based nonprofit organization. The purpose of Support for Families is to ensure that families of children with any kind of disability or special health care need, and the providers who serve them, have the knowledge and support to make informed choices that enhance the children’s development and well-being.
Association Resources
Autism Society of America
Services:
The Autism Society of America has been improving the lives of all affected by autism for over 50 years and envisions a world where individuals and families living with autism are able to maximize their quality of life, are treated with the highest level of dignity, and live in a society in which their talents and skills are appreciated and valued. The Autism Society of America provides advocacy, information, referral, support, and community at national, state, and local levels through our strong nationwide network of Affiliates.
Autism Society of SF Bay Area
Location:
Autism Society of SF Bay Area
PO Box 249
San Mateo, CA 94401
Contact information:
650-637-7772
info@sfautismsociety.org
Services:
Autism Society of SF Bay Area is a grassroots volunteer run non-profit organization of parents, family members, friends, and professionals working together to build a stronger and more connected influential Bay Area autism community.
Alameda County Public Health Department
Location:
Alameda County Public Health Department
1000 Broadway Suite 500
Oakland, CA 94607
Contact information:
Sandi Soliday, Coordinator Developmental Disabilities Planning and
Advisory Council: 510-267-3261
Services:
Alameda County Public Health Department works in partnership with the community to ensure the optimal health and well-being of all people through a dynamic and responsive process respecting the diversity of the community and challenging them to provide for present and future generations.
The Arc San Francisco
Locations:
The Arc San Francisco
1500 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA
415-255-7200
The Arc San Francisco-San Mateo County & ArtReach Studios
6644 Mission Street Suite A
Daly City, CA 94014
650-756-1304
The Arc San Francisco-Marin County
4340 Redwood Highway Suite A-1
San Rafael, CA 94903
Contact information:
Vera Honen, Intake Manager and information regarding programs, services, and enrollment
vhonen@thearcsf.org
San Mateo County Contact:
Lance Scott: Director of Arts, Recreation, and Socialization
lscott@thearcsf.org
Marin County Contact:
Lori Calzaretta, Associate Director of Transition and Continuing Education
415-785-8672
lcalzaretta@thearcsf.org
Services:
Arc services support a community life that is independent, healthy, and engaged through Residential, Health & Wellness, and Seniors Services.
Program:
Program participants can choose a single path or Program (Adult Life & Skills Employment Development, Careers & Advancement), or a combination that works best for his or her life path and goals.
Golden Gate Regional Center
Locations:
San Francisco County (Main Office)
1355 Market Street Suite 220
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-546-9222
Marin County
4000 Civic Center Drive Suite 310
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-446-3000
San Mateo County
3130 La Selva Street Suite 202
San Mateo, CA 94403
650-574-9232
Services:
The Golden Gate Regional Center provides diagnoses and assessments of eligibility to help plan, access, and coordinate and monitor the services and supports that are needed because of a developmental disability.
San Andreas Regional Center
www.sanandreasregionalcenter.org
Locations:
Santa Clara County
6203 San Ignacio Ave Suite 200
San Jose, CA 95119
408-374-9960
Santa Cruz County
1110 Main Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
831-900-3737
Monterey County
344 Salinas Street Suite 207
Salinas, CA 93901
831-900-3636
Services: San Andreas Regional Center is a community-based, private nonprofit cooperation funded by the State of California to serve people with developmental disabilities as required by the Lanterman Act is part of California law that sets out the rights and responsibilities of persons with developmental disabilities. San Andreas provides diagnostic and prevention services to help ameliorate developmental disabilities.
Stanford Autism Clinic at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
Location:
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
725 Welch Road
Palo Alto, CA
Contact information:
650-497-8000
Services:
The Stanford Autism Center services include: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pediatric Neurology, and Pediatric Rehabilitation Services.
UC Davis Mind Institute
Location:
UC Davis Mind Institute
2825 50th Street
Sacramento, CA 95817
Main Line: 916-703-0280
Massie Family Clinic: 916-703-0300
Julia Musgrove, New Patient Referral Coordinator: 916-703-0308
Services:
The UC Davis Mind Institute is a collaborative research center, committed to awareness, understanding, prevention, care, and cures of neurodevelopmental disorders. The Massie Family Clinic provides comprehensive evidence-based assessments of children with possible neurodevelopmental disorders. The clinic providers give treatment recommendations to referring school, agencies, physicians, and mental health clinicians.
Day Program Resources
Abilities United
Location:
Abilities United
525 E. Charleston Road
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Contact information:
650-494-0550
info@abilitiesunited.org
Services:
Abilities United advances advocacy, inclusion, and independence for people with developmental disabilities.
Day Activities Program:
Assists individuals with developmental or other disabilities to fully participate in their community through employment, educational, recreational, social, and volunteer activities.
Independent Living Skills Program:
Work one-to-one with independent Living Skills Coach to learn the additional daily living skills needed to be independent as possible.
Employment Services Program:
Catered towards adults with and without disabilities who are looking for employment.
Community Life Services
Location:
Community Life Services
740 Front Street Suite 135
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Contact information:
831-600-7778
Tracy Marquart, Executive Director
tracey@communitylifeservices.org
Services:
Community Life Services is a 501(c)(3) organization located in Santa Cruz County using a holistic approach to serve people with disabilities in the Santa Cruz County Community.
Supported Employment Program:
Based on the individual’s assessment, this program will provide the necessary assistance to seek, interview, enter, and maintain competitive employment with support from a job coach.
Tailored Day Service Program:
Program designed to support individual’s life choices and goals. These customized service supports the following activities: community integration and inclusion, development of opportunities for employment, volunteer activities, and pursuit of postsecondary education.
Supported Living Program:
Provide necessary support for people to live an active and integrated life that is truly their own.
Evo Libri
Location:
Evo Libri
4655 Old Ironside Drive Suite 170
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Contact information:
408-735-7990
intake@evolibri.com
Services:
Evo Libri Consulting is a socially responsible, fee-for-service agency serving teens and adults with specific challenges. Evo Libri offers Individual Services and School & Group services. Evo Libri offers individual therapeutic services, classes, and social groups.
Harambee Community Services
Location:
Harambee Community Services
1485 East 14thStreet Suite 360
San Leandro, CA 94578
Location of Services:
San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa Counties.
Contact information:
510-331-0094
Cervante Burrell, Interim. Program Director
Program:
3 types of Adult Day Programs:
Chunguza Community Based Adult Day Program:
Offers opportunities for consumers to develop and enhance their academic and pre-vocational capabilities through microenterprises, service learning, and volunteer positions. 1:3 ration and can serve 45 consumers.
Custom Care Adult Day Program:
Program is designed to meet the complex needs of consumers who do not fit into traditional day programming. Custom Care can develop a “made to order” continuum of culturally relevant activities that support consumers on having fun, thriving, and maximizing their potential. Can serve 25 consumers.
Specialized Community Based Adult Day Program:
A specialized behavioral management day program, that unifies a community of interested partners in pulling together support participants as they maximize their potential and abilities to enjoy themselves in inclusive culturally sensitive environments. 1:2 ratio and can serve 30 participants.
Kainos Home & Training Center
Location: Kainos Home & Training Center
3631 Jefferson Ave
Redwood City, CA 94062
Contact information: 650-363-2423
Andrea Stilleson, Referral, Tour, and Intake
Services:
Kainos Home and Training Center offers holistic services ranging from Residential Services, Day Programs, and Supported Living Skills Services. The services and program have been specifically developed to teach self-sufficiency and independence. Kainos is focused on the individual consumer, person centered planning, and developing individualized goals for consumers.
Morgan Autism Center
Location:
950 St. Elizabeth Drive
San Jose, CA 95126
Contact information:
408-241-8161
info@morgancenter.org
Services:
The Morgan Autism Adult Program emphasizes improving the independent living and vocational skills of its participants. Adult clients are closely supervised working in small groups of 2 to 3 with trained staff. The Adult Day Program model follows tailored tasks and vocational work that fits appropriately for its participants. Vocational training includes: computer skills, office skills, bulk mail preparation, assembly, and garden and farm work.
One Step Beyond Disability Services
Location:
126 W. 25thAve Suite 202
San Mateo, CA 94403
Contact information:
623-760-8025
Madison Rogers-Blanton
madisonblanton@osbi.org
Services:
Provide responsive, progressive, and dynamic programs to empower individuals with Intellectual Disabilities to realize their dreams of optimal independence, meaningful employment, significant social relationships, and full participation in the community.
Programs:
Life Skills Program: Utilize a person-centered approach to help members learn thenecessary skills to manage everyday tasks and responsibilities.
Employment Programs:
Designated to simulate a real workplace, the training programs include everything needed to effectively pursue and maintain employment and are taught in a safe and controlled environment.
Pomeroy Recreational and Rehabilitation Center
Location:
Pomeroy Recreational and Rehabilitation Center
207 Skyline Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94132
Contact information:
415-213-8517
Lesley Steele, Director of Adult Day Services
lsteele@prrcsf.org
415-213-8570
Paivai Hakala, Services Supervisor and Adult Day Services Enrollment
Adult Day Services On Center:
Participants are encouraged to establish goals and continue to enrich their life through One Center’s learning approach where staff will work collaboratively with the participant, participant’s family, and any other support to decide what is important.
Respite Care Services:
Weekend overnight respite care and a Saturday respite program is available for ages 5 and up. The programs provide a wide range of recreation activities while giving families and caretakers and persons with a disability time to rejuvenate and rest.
Vocational Services:
Explore career interests and have access to all appropriate services and support employment and volunteer work which include training, resume preparation, job search support, peer counseling, one-the-job coaching, and more.
Teri Campus Life
Location (Located in San Diego)
Teri Campus Life
251 Airport Road
Oceanside, CA 92058
Contact information:
760-721-1706
Services:
Teri Campus Life is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) California Corporation. TERI specializes in serving individuals who have needs which cannot be met by other existing programs. This includes services to persons who have autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, brain trauma, severe behavioral disorders, dual diagnoses, and learning disabilities.
Disability Services Resources
College of San Mateo
Location:
College of San Mateo
1700 W. Hillsdale Boulevard
San Mateo, CA 94402
Disability Resource Center:
650-574-6438
csmdrc@smccd.edu
Services:
The Disability Resource Center facilitates equal access to an education for all students who have disabilities (permanent or temporary) by providing academic adjustments, counseling, and support services in accordance with State and Federal Law.
Foothill College
Location:
Foothill College
12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Disability Resource Center:
650-949-7017
Services:
The Disability Resource Center at Foothill College offers courses and services on campus and in the community designed to help students with disabilities. Foothill’s mission is to provide equal access for students with disabilities to the college’s educational programs and to improve the quality of lives for persons with disabilities in the community.
Go Grad
https://www.gograd.org/resources/students-with-disabilities/
Services:
Go Grad is dedicated to matching students to the perfect graduate degree program, helping them begin their journey towards a more fulfilling career.
Government Resources
California Department of Developmental Services
Location:
California Department of Developmental Services
1600 9thStreet
Sacramento, CA 95814
Contact information:
916-654-1690
Services:
The California Department of Developmental Services is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities.
California Disability Services Association
Location:
California Disability Services Association
1107 9thStreet Suite 540
Sacramento, CA 95814
Contact information:
916-441-5844
Chris Rice, Executive Director:
crice@cal-dsa.org
Services:
The mission of CDSA is to advocate for and strengthen member organizations and to ensure public and government support of services for persons with disabilities. Services include: independent/supported living, behavior management, transportation, residential, respite, day programs, and supported employment.
Department of Rehabilitation
Location:
721 Capitol Mall (Physical Address)
Sacramento, CA 95814
PO Box 944222 (Mailing Address)
Sacramento, CA 94244-2220
Contact information:
externalaffairs@dor.ca.gov
Services:
The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) administers the largest vocational rehabilitation program in the country. The DOR provides services and advocates to assist people with disabilities to live independently, become employed, and have the equality in the communities in which they live and work. DOR provides consultation, counseling, and vocational rehabilitation, and works with community partners to assist the served consumers.
State Council on Developmental Disability
Location:
State and Council on Developmental Disability
1507 21stStreet Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95811
Contact information:
916-322-8481
council@scdd.gov
Services:
The State Council on Developmental Disability ensures that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the planning, design, and receipt of the services and supports they need which promote increased independence, productivity, inclusion, and self-determination. By providing these services, regional offices ensure the appropriate laws, regulations and policies pertaining to the rights of individuals are observed and protected.
Community Living/Housing Support/Residential/Supported Living Resources
Big Wave
Location:
Big Wave
335 Airport Street
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Contact information:
Kim Gainza, Advisory Board Liaison
kgainza@bigwaveproject.org
Services:
The Big Wave Project is dedicated to creating an inclusive and interactive community of people and businesses to provide a purposeful and independent life for individuals with developmental disabilities through affordable housing, meaningful employment, and a supportive community.
Brilliant Corners
Location:
Brilliant Corners
390 Market Street Suite 405
San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact information:
415-618-0012
brilliantcorners@brilliantcorners.org
Services:
Brilliant Corners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supportive housing agency serving people with developmental disabilities and other special needs in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Program:
Brilliant Corners creates and provides cost-effective, individualized housing planning and house case management services to Regional Center persons served, families, people with other disabilities, and homeless veterans.
California Supported Living Network
Contact information:
Rebecca LaBoriel, Vice President
burkhardt@earthlink.net
Kristoffel Van de Burgt, Membership Chair
kvandeburgt@gmail.com
Services:
California Supported Living Network is a supported living service for people with developmental disabilities. It is a united group of service providers, consumers, families, and members of the community who give support to those with disabilities.
Housing Choices Coalition
Location:
Housing Choices Coalition
898 Faulstich Court Suite B
San Jose, CA 95112
Contact information:
408-498-5777
info@housingchoices.org
Services:
Housing Choices helps those with developmental and other disabilities secure the foundation of community living: a home.
Imagine Supported Living Services Inc.
Location:
Imagine Supported Living Services Inc.
9065 Soquel Drive
Aptos, CA 95003
Contact information:
831-464-8355
Doug Pascover, Executive Director
Doug_pascover@imaginesls.org
Services:
Available to adults diagnosed with a developmental disability who are receiving support through the CA Regional Center System
Life Services Alternatives
Location:
Life Services Alternatives
1922 The Alameda Suite 400
San Jose, CA 95126
Contact information:
408-728-9573
Dana Hooper, Executive Director
dhooper@lsahomes.org
408-728-9610
Angie Speulda
Program Director
aspeulda@lsahomes.org
Services:
Life Services Alternatives was founded by parents who had a dream of establishing homes for their adult children with special needs in Santa Clara County.
Program:
Life Services Alternatives has 24 hours a day care to support adults with special needs. Life Services Alternatives has personalized programs focused on skill-building to make a difference in the equality of the residents lives in order to enable them to reach their full potential. Programs include: in-home day, outside-the-home, vocational training, and personal development.
Living Unlimited
Location:
Living Unlimited (Office)
2625 Alcatraz Ave #335
Berkeley, CA 94705
611-695 Cherry Creek Road (Residences)
Cherry Creek Road
Cloverdale, CA 95425
Office contact information:
510-548-7000
info@living-unlimited.org
Residence contact information:
707-291-5691
Johnathan:
Jon@living-unlimited.org
Services:
Living Unlimited is a nonprofit charity with an IRS 501 (c)(3) exemption. Living Unlimited assists families in creating communities which will provide a high quality of life, stable, and secure housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Programs:
Living Unlimited housing promotes 3 community model types.
Intentional:
A single integrated site (usually rural) with plenty of homes, land, and onsite shared amenities.
Clustered:
Single family homes near each other (primarily suburban). Can be gradually created one house at a time. Easy to finance. Amenities shared among all properties.
Multi-Units:
Apartments (usually in an urban setting) with easy access to city amenities. Easier to finance than many realize. Rents of neurotypical residents supplement ID/DD resident’s rent.
Meristem
Location:
Meristem
9200 Fair Oaks Boulevard
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Contact information:
916-963-1000
Shannon Shields, Development Executive
ss@meristem.pro
Services:
Meristem is a 3-year residential program that serves young adults on the autism spectrum by helping them develop practical life skills, increase social capacity, and transition to work and independence. A special emphasis is placed on preparing students for entry into the workforce or pursuing higher education.
Program:
Meristem’s program is personalized for each student with the aim of fostering self reliance. The program includes: transformative movement, digital media, culinary arts and nutrition, ceramics, work skills, sustainable agriculture, carpentry, and woodwork, independent living skills, farm and animal care, textiles, jewelry, metal work, filmmaking and photography.
Moving Forward Towards Independence
Location:
Moving Forward Towards Independence
69 Coombs Street Building B
Napa, CA 94559
Contact information:
707-259-1125
Rhonda Daniels, Executive Director
rhondad@moving-forward.org
Services:
Residential program offering transitional and independent living to support to post secondary adults with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Program:
The program offers 3 graduated support levels 1) structured on campus living, with 24/7 supervision 2) near campus apartment living; and 3) off campus community living.
Parents Advocates for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Housing SF-PANDH
Services:
PANDH SF is a collaboration of families, nonprofits, and businesses working to create inclusive community housing and programs to support the growing population of San Franciscans with cognitive and developmental differences. This mission is to call on government, developers, and advocacy groups to work together to find viable answers to the current housing crisis affecting the most severely disabled.
Shire House
Location:
Shire House
1230 Vine Street
San Jose, CA 95110
Contact information:
408-489-3608
info@shirehouse.org
Services:
Residential programs and services for young adults with high function autism spectrum. Targets executive function skills, emotional regulation skills, social interaction skills, household activity skills, physical fitness instructor, job search mentoring and guidance, and transportation.
Sunflower Hill
Location:
Sunflower Hill
1040 Florence Road Room 22
Livermore, CA 94550
Contact information:
925-231-6003
info@sunflowerhill.org
Services:
Sunflower Hill is a residential community designed for 44 individuals with developmental disabilities. Sunflower Hill is a model for special needs living and vocational options in the Bay Area that ensures quality of life, individual choice, and an “intentional community” embraced by the larger neighborhood/city/region.
Sweetwater Spectrum
Location:
Sweetwater Spectrum
369 Fifth Street
West Sonoma, CA 95476
Contact information:
707-996-3104
info@sweetwaterspectrum.org
Services:
Sweetwater Spectrum is a nonprofit organization dedicating to exploring, building, and evaluating an innovative housing model for adults with autism. Their model includes an enrichment program intended to foster both individual choice and community engagement to prove a “life with purpose.” Sweetwater embraces residents on the full spectrum of autism and support all financial capabilities.
Program:
Sweetwater Spectrum is based on co-housing, offers choice to its residents, with individual, customized and flexible programs, supporting life-skills training, continuing education, gardening, art/music, exercise, and healthy lifestyles.
Vocational Resources
Costanoa Commons Incorporated
Location:
Costanoa Commons
526 View Street
Mountain View, CA 94041
Services:
An urban farm that offers a meaningful place for people with and without developmental disabilities to work volunteer and socialize.
Program:
Work on a community farm which offers farming skills training, employment, volunteer work, and recreation on a four-acre organic farm. Costanoa Common’s vision is to have a sustainable social enterprise, where farm products are sold to local chefs and restaurants, at their farm stand, and contribute to local food banks.
Gatepath
Location:
Gatepath
350 Twin Dolphin Drive Suite 123
Redwood City, CA 94065
Contact information:
650-259-8500
intake@gatepath.org
Services:
Gatepath expands opportunities for adults with special needs and disabilities to reach their greatest potential and become successful and productive members of the community.
Employment Services:
Individual placement-support with developing a resume, interviewing, and placement for competitive employment opportunities with help of a job coach.
Group Placement:
Prepares individuals for competitive full time and part time opportunities in a business settling with 3 to 4 individuals and ongoing support of a job coach.
Community Access Pre-Vocational:
Community access provides individuals with rich learning experiences in the community whether the participant is interested in employment or social engagement. Average ratio of 1 staff to 4 participants. The program focuses on developing skills for active living and employment in the community.
Hope Technology School
Location:
Hope Technology School
2525 E. Bayshore Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Contact information:
650-565-8391
tellmemore@hopetech.org
Vocational Education Program:
The Vocational Education program provides students with practical skills to prepare them for independent living, college, or a meaningful career. The program combines life skills, career skills, and technology in a unique and innovative environment. Each student has an individual plan including goals such as learning independent skills or utilizing assistive technology tools in an inclusive environment.
Social Vocational Services
www.socialvocationalservices.org
Location:
Social Vocational Services
914 S. Claremont Street
San Mateo, CA 94402
Contact information:
650-375-1713
sma@svsin.org
Services:
Social Vocational Services offers a wide range of services that include Adult Day Programs, Supported Employment, Residential, Transportation, and Financial Management Services.