Disability Resources
There are a lot of amazing people doing amazing things in the disability community!
ABLE ARTS WORK
Able Arts Work provides inclusive services for individuals with developmental disabilities, autism and ALL people through the creative arts therapies and education, music, dance/movement, drama/theater, visual arts, media and digital arts. https://www.ableartswork.org/
ABILITY FIRST
Ability First provides work study, programs, day activities, camps, etc. They also have group homes and work centers to help foster independence. https://www.abilityfirst.org/
DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF ORANGE COUNTY
DSAOC includes a diverse portfolio of help for those with Down Syndrome and their parents/caregivers, including pre-birth counseling and advice for parents expecting a child with DS. They give seminars and have support groups as well as annual fundraisers and activities for children with DS. https://www.dsaoc.org
HOOPSTARS BASKETBALL
Hoops and Stars Inc. strives to enrich the lives of the developmentally disabled by providing a program called HoopStars Basketball. The program instills a sense of accomplishment, teamwork and competition as well as provides physical activity and enhances self esteem. https://hoopstarsbb.com/
LEAPS & BOUNDS
Leaps & Bounds provides physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy services for children of all ages in the Inland Empire and Orange County. Therapy services include evaluation, consultation, treatment, and home and school program activities that promote typical development and functional mobility. https://leapsandboundspediatrictherapy.org/
MYCAL’S LEARNING PLACE
Mychal’s Learning Place provides the support, training and opportunities to youth and young adults with developmental disabilities to build their independence and pursue their goals and dreams. https://www.mychals.org/
NO LIMITS CREATIVE ARTS
The McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts has a program called No Limits Creative Arts, which provides creative classes for children with special needs. They currently offer musical theater, voice, dance, yoga, art and tumbling classes. https://www.nolimitscreativearts.com
REGIONAL CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY
The Regional Center of Orange County is a non-profit organization contracted by the State of California to coordinate lifelong services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Their services include therapy, respite care, child care, adult day programs, transportation, housing, employment and more. https://www.rcocdd.com/
SANDY FEET INITIATIVE
Sandy Feet Initiative was founded in 2017 in response to a lack of services for the siblings of children with special needs. They offer beach based recreational programs to address the emotional and mental needs faced by this underserved population using the Sibshop model. Their workshops are recreationally therapeutic and include lively discussions paired with surfing, boogie boarding and ocean “play.” https://www.sandyfeetoc.org/
SHEA CENTER
Therapeutic horseback riding, developed to the specific special needs of the small group of children. “The primary goals of these classes are increased body awareness, sequencing & judgment skills, attention span, cause and effect, motor coordination, spatial awareness, and early learning skills.” https://www.sheacenter.org
STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
The State of California Department of Developmental Services provides service options for those with special needs and their caregivers. Contacting the Department of Developmental Services will help set you in the right direction in terms of where to go for childcare, education, work services, independent living, group homes, support services, transportation and more. https://www.dds.ca.gov
SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Special Olympics Southern California is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. They provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. https://www.sosc.org/
SURF AND TURF THERAPY
Surf and turf therapy provides therapy services targeting traditional, functional goals using non-traditional approaches, including surfing, horseback riding and community-based activities. These unique approaches offer unparalleled opportunities to address deficits in strength, stability, body awareness, coordination, safety awareness, tone management, flexibility, attention and sensory integration. The focus of treatment is to improve daily life skills, such as walking, postural alignment, talking, and writing, rather than simply teaching individuals how to surf or ride. https://surfandturftherapy.org/
SURFER’S HEALING
A (free) summer camp for children with autism, providing a unique form of therapy through teaching the children to surf. https://www.surfershealing.org
UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY
UCP helps families with children of all varieties of special needs, not only cerebral palsy. They provide a large number of services including therapies, early intervention, family support, recreation, childcare and respite services. https://www.ucpoc.org
USC BEST BUDDIES PROGRAM
Best Buddies gives a one-on-one support system for people with disabilities. The program helps encourage those with limited social skills to expand their horizons. This service is provided in high schools, colleges and job settings. https://usc.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/best-buddies-chapter
Disclaimer: This organization, event or information is not affiliated, endorsed or sponsored by RAD Camp. Please use your own discretion and do your due diligence upon engaging with this organization and their programs.