Other UCP Affiliates
UCP of the North Bay Sonoma, Napa, and Solano Counties.
UCP of San Joaquin, Calaveras, and Amador Counties
UCP of Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties
UCP of Sacramento and Northern California Sacramento, Yolo, Sutter, Butte, Shasta, Nevada, El Dorado and Placer Counties
UCP of Central California Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Merced, Mariposa & Madera & Kern Counties
GOVERNMENTAL/PUBLIC HEALTH/EARLY INTERVENTION
Adult Protective Services Each county has an APS agency to help elder adults (65 years and older) and dependent adults (18-64 who are disabled) when these adults are unable to meet their own needs or are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. County APS agencies investigate reports of abuse of elders and dependent adults who live in private homes and hotels or hospitals and health clinics when the abuser is not at staff member.
To report abuse that occurs in a nursing home, a board and care home, a residential facility for the elderly, or at a long term care facility call the California State CRISISline at 1-800-231-4024 or contact your local Long Term Care Ombudsman’s office.
Alameda County Public Health Department Public health services.
Early Start The Early Start Program is California’s response to federal legislation ensuring that early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families are provided in a coordinated, family-centered system of services that are available statewide.
Early Head Start Home Based Program Specialized center and home based program serving children with disabilities ages 0-3.
Center for Early Intervention on Deafness CEID’s mission is to maximize the communication potential of young children (0-5 years old) who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have severe speech and language delays by providing exemplary early start educational services. We strive to create a diverse, inclusive, and educationally rich environment in order to empower our students and their families with the academic and social tools needed to reach their full potential.
California Children’s Services
California Department of Education – Special Education Division
Children’s Council of San Francisco Works to make affordable, high-quality child care a reality for all working families. Provides child care subsidy assistance, health and nutritional services, advocacy, and public education. Free resource and referral listings for children with special needs.
Regional Center of the East Bay
NUTRITION AND NUTRITION BENEFITS
CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps) Find out how to apply for CalFresh nutrition benefits and many other services at this one-stop-shop website.
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties Find out how to obtain food if you’re in need, or learn how to volunteer or donate.
Alameda County Food Bank Find out how to obtain food if you’re in need, or learn how to volunteer or donate.
San Francisco-Marin County Food Bank Find out how to obtain food if you’re in need, or learn how to volunteer or donate.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program Find out where and how to apply for benefits – WIC is a federally-funded health and nutrition program for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or just had a baby; children under 5 years old (including foster children); and families with low to medium income (working families may qualify).
INFORMATION, RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS, AND DISCUSSION/SUPPORT GROUPS
Adopt A Special Kid – AASK AASK helps you to develop a life-long relationship with a child who needs your love and care. Since 1973, AASK has found that every child is adoptable and has a right to a permanent, loving family. We ask you to further open your heart to a child who has experienced a trauma or is living with a disability. Your family will be deeply enriched! If you have already adopted or fostered a child, AASK offers support programs to help nurture your family and build community.
Autism Hotline Call 1.800.328.8476 (1.800.3AUTISM) if you are feeling confused, need help, or just need to talk.
Autism Institute on Peer Socialization and Play Our focus is on training, research and global outreach efforts to establish peer socialization programs following the Integrated Play Groups® (IPG) model (originated by Pamela Wolfberg, PhD). IPG aims to maximize the developmental potential and intrinsic motivation of children with autism to engage with typical peers in mutually enjoyed play experiences.
All Special Ed Forum for professionals and families to collaborate, discuss, and problem solve on topics in special education.
Bananas Non-profit child care referral and support agency serving the diverse families in northern Alameda County. Free parenting information, workshops, referrals to family child care, child care centers, preschools, babysitters, in-home caregivers, nannies, and playgroups. Provides subsidized child care for parents in need. Also offers: training, workshops, classes, and technical support to caregivers, and child care programs to assure parents a wide selection of quality care.
Family Resource Network Offers peer support, information & referral, advocacy, and training to families in Alameda County who have children with disabilities from birth to age 22. Trained staff answers common questions regarding a child’s disability, offers guidance in navigating complicated service systems, helps to locate community resources, and provides emotional support.
Family Voices of California (FVCA) Statewide collaborative of locally based, parent-run centers that work to ensure quality health care for children and youth with special health care needs.
Fremont Parents (Yahoo Group) Forum for parents with special needs children who live in Fremont, CA. Exchange ideas, info. and resources, discuss issues, communicate concerns, and help each other.
Group Counseling for People with Developmental Disabilities Sliding scale for adults ages 18 and up. Focuses on how to handle emotions effectively, communication skills, and relationship building.
JEENA Self-help group for parents of children with developmental disorders who are interested in improving their family’s quality of life. Focused on the specific cultural needs of families from South-East Asia. Links page includes: information about autism, CP, and metabolic disorders, and links to online forums, support groups, therapists, and transportation.
Kidpower Learn how to protect kids from bullying and empower them with social skills.
Parents of Orinda Individuals in Special Education (P.O.I.S.E. ) Information and support for Orinda parents with kids in special education.
Physical Challenges Bay Area – Yahoo Group Online discussion group for adults and parents who have children with: cerebral palsy, microcephaly, lissencephaly, muscular dystrophy, muscular atrophy, spinal injuries, and other movement disorders and physical challenges. Swap information on adaptive equipment, assistive technology, medical resources, events, workshops, and fun places to go.
Tri-Valley Special Needs Fun Group Meetup.com group that organizes events for special needs children and their family members. For parents of special needs children who want to get support from other parents who face the same challenges, but mostly relax and have fun (with or without the kids).
San Francisco Inclusion Networks San Francisco Inclusion Networks provides professional development that supports the inclusion of young children with disabilities and their families in San Francisco’s early care and education programs.
World Institute on Disability Program work focuses on issues and problems that directly affect people’s ability to live full and independent lives. A majority of the board and staff are persons with disabilities.
ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS: RECREATION, EMPLOYMENT AND INDEPENDENT LIVING
AXIS Dance Company AXIS Dance Company has become one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with and without disabilities. Founded in 1987, they have paved the way for a powerful contemporary dance form called physically integrated dance. Their Dance Access for Adults and Dance Access/KIDS! programs provide dance classes for adults, educators, and students of all abilities and socioeconomic background.
A Wheelchair Rider’s Guide to the California Coast California’s spectacular coast offers many outdoor adventures for wheelchair riders, parents pushing strollers, and others who need accessibility features such as a wide, fairly level and firm path of travel. This guide can help you choose the destinations that suit your needs from among the coast’s many wheelchair-accessible parks, trails, beaches, viewpoints, and other sites of interest.
Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Hosts activities such as bicycling, water sports, and camping for children and adults with disabilities.
Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors Seeks to make all aspects of sailing accessible, offers dinghy sailing every Saturday and keelboat sailing every Sunday.
Camp Bennett An intensive therapy and social skills summer camp providing constraint-induced movement therapy for hemiplegic children ages 3-8.
Center for Independent Living World’s first organization run by and for people with disabilities. Supports disabled people in their efforts toward independence and works to open doors in the community to full participation and access for all.
Cerebral Palsy Center for the Bay Area Provides innovative programs and services and creates a culture of support for people with disabilities.
Communication Works A private practice that provides the highest level of speech, language, social, and occupational therapy services to its clients in Oakland and the Bay Area. Website also features extensive list of Bay Area support groups.
Community Resources for Independent Living Peer-based disability organization that advocates and provides resources for people with disabilities to improve their lives and make their communities fully accessible.
Computer Technologies Program Broadens employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities by providing training in information technologies and self-marketing strategies and advocacy, in partnership with the business and rehabilitation communities.
Creative Growth Creative Growth Art Center serves adult artists with developmental, mental and physical disabilities, providing a professional studio environment for artistic development, gallery exhibition and representation and a social atmosphere among peers. Located in Oakland.
Creativity Explored Creativity Explored advances the value and diversity of artistic expression. We provide artists with developmental disabilities the means to create, exhibit, and sell their art in our studios and gallery, and around the world.
Dare to Dream Attendant Services In-home nursing and personal care services with an emphasis on consumer choice and independent living.
DreamPower Horsemanship Working with horses provides a wonderful opportunity to engage in therapeutic activities outside of a traditional therapeutic environment. Located in Gilroy.
East Bay Innovations (EBI) Dedicated to assisting people with developmental disabilities to live in their own homes and to be employed in jobs of their choosing. Provides an array of support services and help in accessing and utilizing community resources.
Ed Roberts Campus Facility in Berkeley that houses organizations such as: the Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program, the Center for Accessible Technology, the Center for Independent Living, the Computer Technologies Program, the Disabled Rights Education and Defense Fund, Through the Looking Glass, and the World Institute on Disability.
Futures Explored, Inc. Provides life skills and work-related training to adults with developmental disabilities. Supports consumers in reaching their optimum level of individual potential by delivering a broad range of resources and ongoing guidance.
Halleck Creek Ranch For over 30 years Halleck Creek Ranch has helped people with disabilities live a life without barriers through therapeutic horseback riding. Located in the Nicasio Valley in Marin County.
Independent Living Resource Center, San Francisco (ILRCSF) Disability rights advocacy and support organization.
JobTIPS Website helps people with disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, explore career interests, seek and obtain employment, and successfully maintain employment.
KEEN SF – Kids Enjoy Exercise Now KEEN San Francisco is part of a national, nonprofit organization that provides one-to-one volunteer-led recreational opportunities for children and young adults with developmental delays as well as physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers.
Lifehouse Since 1954, Lifehouse has opened the doors of opportunity and independence to individuals with developmental disabilities through life-skills training, community integration, advocacy, referrals and community information.
Lions Center for the Blind Our mission is to empower and enrich the lives of the Blind and Visually Impaired Community. We provide the tools and opportunities through education and training so those we serve may live full productive lives. We are committed to providing high quality State Certified programs, designed to promote the fullest integration into society and into the workforce. Located on Broadway in Oakland, near the 19th Street BART Station.
Pomeroy Recreation and Rehabilitation Center San Francisco. The mission of the Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center is to provide recreation, vocational and educational opportunities for people with disabilities through programs and services that encourage self-expression, promote personal achievement, and lead to greater independence. Located in San Francisco.
Project Search Internship Program Apply for a year long, Monday through Friday internship at a local business. Combines classroom instruction, career exploration, and on the job training.
San Francisco Parks and Recreation – Adaptive Recreation Program
Section 8 Housing Listings: Alameda County, Berkeley, Contra Costa, Richmond
Speech-to-Speech Involves specially trained Communication Assistants (CAs) who are familiar with a wide variety of speech patterns of callers with cerebral palsy, stroke complications, voice disorders, or other speaking difficulties. The CA repeats the STS user’s side of the telephone conversation as needed, to ensure that the entire conversation is understood.
Starfish Therapies Pediatric therapy business that offers physical, aquatic, and speech therapy. Also teaches classes in: sign language for babies, body mechanics for parents and caregivers, and motor skills for kids.
Toolworks A human services agency dedicated to providing the tools and resources that promote independence, equality, and personal satisfaction.
Through the Looking Glass Serves families in which either the parent or child has a disability.
Stephen J. Wampler Foundation Wilderness programs for kids with disabilities.
2010 Summer Camps Extensive list of summer camps from the Family Resource Network.
Catch a Special Thrill (C.A.S.T.) Fishing programs for children with disabilities.
Disabled Sports USA Provides national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation, and educational programs.
EQUIPMENT EXCHANGES, WHEELCHAIRS, AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Center for Accessible Technology Provides access to computers for people with disabilities.
Wheelchairs of Berkeley: Provides custom manual and power wheelchairs and rehab equipment to children and adults.
AAC-RERC The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center functions as a collaborative research group dedicated to the development of effective AAC technology.
Directory of Toys and Supplies for Home Therapy Directory includes therapy suppliers, toy stores, and parent teacher stores that sell to individuals as well as professionals.
CRIL Assistive Technology Referral and Loan CRIL is one of 13 California agencies selected as an AT Device Loan Site by the CA Department of Rehabilitation. As an AT Loan Site, CRIL receives funding to create and maintain a lending library of various AT devices that can be loaned out to disabled individuals, and their family members, school counselors and teachers and businesses. Loan durations are from 2 to 12 weeks, depending upon the individual need.
CIL – The Shop The Shop accepts large and small, high-tech and low-tech, mobility-related and non mobility-related AT donations. We then we clean, repair, and refurbish as necessary before distributing it for reuse.
ReCares (formerly Home CARES) Three Bay Area sites collect and redistribute donations of clean, gently used medical equipment and unused home health care supplies each week. These are provided free of charge to those in need who visit our sites.
Books Aloud, Inc. Blind, visually impaired, learning or physically disabled individuals who are unable to read conventional print, hold a book, or turn the pages are eligible. Books Aloud tapes or CDs can be mailed anywhere within the United States and Canada. There is no charge for our services.
LAW AND POLICY
Disability Rights California Designated the state’s protection and advocacy system for Californians with disabilities, they offer free legal and advocacy services for disability-related issues.
Keeping the Lanterman Promise KTLP is a group of individuals who care about the preservation of the Lanterman Act and the 1985 California Supreme Court decision that created a contract between the state and its citizens with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund A leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities.
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) Established by state and federal law as an independent state agency to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and support they need.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
American Foundation for the Blind
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
CHADD: Children and Adults with ADHD
Children’s Learning Center A state-certified, private school in Alameda that provides comprehensive alternative educational programs for exceptional children, who, because of their intense behavioral, social, emotional, and educational needs are temporarily unable to succeed in the public school system.
IDEA Partnership Reflects the collaborative work of more than 50 national organizations, technical assistance providers, and agencies at the state and local level.
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Notice of Procedural Safeguards (related to the IEP process)
Office of Special Education Programs
UC BERKELEY STUDENTS
The Disabled Student’s Program (DSP) Committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities at UC Berkeley. Offers a wide range of services for students with disabilities. Services are individually designed, and based on the specific needs of each student as identified by our disability specialists.
CSU EAST BAY STUDENTS
The Accessibility Program provides academic accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
California Official Voter Guides – Audio and Large Print Versions The California Secretary of State offers each Official Election Guide in FREE large print and audio version in many languages.