For California families
Resources we trust
Curated organizations and tools that help California families navigate the disability services system. We update this list quarterly.
Esta versión en español es un borrador inicial — la estamos mejorando con miembros bilingües de la comunidad. Si tienes comentarios sobre la traducción, escríbenos a support@sdta-np.com.
About these resources
About these resources: These are external organizations. They aren't part of DAN, and DAN doesn't control their content. We list them because we think they're trustworthy and useful — but always verify the information you find for your specific situation.
Early supporters
Friends of DAN
Organizations whose work has helped make DAN possible — through funding, mentorship, network introductions, or amplifying our message to the families who need to hear it.
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Disability Voices United (DVU)
Statewide network of family and self-advocates working on California disability policy. DVU hosted DAN's pilot launch on their SDP Connect monthly Zoom in March 2026 — DAN's first public event.
disabilityvoicesunited.org
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Self-Direction Center
National technical assistance center for self-direction in human services. Featured DAN as the headline story in their April 2026 national newsletter.
selfdirectioncenter.org
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Ability Central
Ability Central supports innovation in disability access and communication. We're grateful to Griffen Stapp at Ability Central for introducing DAN to Autism Digest, the Self-Direction Center, and other friends helping us reach the families who need us.
abilitycentral.org
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Autism Digest — DAN feature
DAN's feature in Autism Digest, a national publication for the autism and developmental disability community. Special thanks to co-publisher Lois Brady for championing DAN.
autismdigest.com — DAN feature
The system
California's Regional Center system
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California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
California's state agency for developmental disability services. Authoritative source for Lanterman Act guidance, Self-Determination Program info, Notice of Action templates, and statewide policy. The first place to look up official program information.
dds.ca.gov
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Find your Regional Center
A directory of all 21 California Regional Centers, organized by ZIP code with phone numbers, addresses, and intake info. Your Regional Center is the starting point for any developmental disability service in California.
dds.ca.gov/rc
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State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD)
California's federally-funded DD Council. Hosts the official Self-Determination Program orientation, runs 12 regional offices around the state, and works on system change and family advocacy.
scdd.ca.gov
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DD Ombudsperson (California)
California's Developmental Disabilities Ombudsperson. A neutral state office that answers fact-based questions about the Self-Determination Program, the Lanterman Act, and how the system is supposed to work. Best for state-level program questions; for service disputes inside your Regional Center, OCRA is usually the better first call.
dds.ca.gov — Ombudsperson
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Disability Rights California (DRC)
California's federally-designated Protection & Advocacy organization. Free legal help for Lanterman Act issues, special education, SSI/SSDI, and many other matters. Their attorneys are experts on Regional Center law.
disabilityrightsca.org
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Office of Clients' Rights Advocacy (OCRA)
A program of DRC. Specialized advocates work inside every Regional Center — free, confidential help for any RC client. Often the right next call when something at your Regional Center isn't working.
disabilityrightsca.org/ocra
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The Arc of California
Statewide network of local Arc chapters serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Local chapters across California offer programs, family support, and advocacy. Part of The Arc, the country's largest disability advocacy organization.
thearcca.org
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Disability Voices United (DVU)
Statewide network of family and self-advocates working on California disability policy. Hosts ambassadors across the state, mobilizes for legislative testimony, and organizes families to influence system change.
disabilityvoicesunited.org
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Self-Determination Institute
A nonprofit focused entirely on the Self-Determination Program. Resources for families considering SDP or already enrolled — practical guidance on building a budget, person-centered planning, and finding an Independent Facilitator.
selfdeterminationinstitute.org
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California Community Living Network (CCLN)
Advocates for the systemic development of quality community living services for Californians with developmental disabilities — independent living, supported living, and residential alternatives that keep people in their communities.
supportedliving.com
Parent-led & family-focused
Family support & community
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Family Resource Centers (FRCs)
For families of infants and toddlers (birth to 3). Parent-to-parent support through Early Start Family Resource Centers. FRCs work in partnership with local Regional Centers and education agencies to help families get information about early intervention services and navigate the Early Start system.
dds.ca.gov — Early Start FRCs
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UC Davis MIND Institute
Interdisciplinary research, clinical, and educational center for autism, fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Offers clinical care through the Massie Family Clinic, research participation opportunities, and family education programs — including ADEPT, a 10-lesson online parent training course on life-skills strategies.
health.ucdavis.edu/mind-institute
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Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK)
California nonprofit specializing in IEP support and helping families navigate the special education system. Workshops, one-on-one advocacy, and clear plain-language guidance on rights and processes.
taskca.org
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TACA (The Autism Community in Action)
National autism support organization with strong California presence. Parent-mentor matching, real-life navigation guidance, and an active online community for families navigating autism diagnoses and ongoing care decisions.
tacanow.org
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Integrated Community Collaborative (ICC)
Latino-led disability advocacy and support organization in California. Builds community capacity, hosts the Spanish-language Independent Facilitator Network, and advocates for equitable access to services for Spanish-speaking families.
integratedcommunitycollaborative.org
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UCLA Health Community Resources
Search and connect to support. Financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help starts here. Search by ZIP code to find services in your area.
communityresources.uclahealth.org
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Autism Society of Los Angeles
Empowers individuals with autism and other disabilities, their families, and professionals through advocacy, education, and community support — to ensure an equitable quality of life for all.
autismla.org
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CommunicationFIRST
The only nonprofit dedicated to protecting and advancing the civil rights of the more than 5 million children and adults in the United States who, due to disability or other condition, cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood.
communicationfirst.org
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Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN)
Based in Fremont, California. Provides information and assistance to children and adults with special needs and their communities — and offers opportunities for individuals with special needs to give back to their community through volunteer work and jobs.
fcsn1996.org
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Office of Developmental Primary Care (ODPC), UCSF
UCSF-based team dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes for people with developmental disabilities. Provides clinical consultation, advocacy guidance on healthcare navigation, and family resources on communication access and supported decision-making in healthcare. Site available in English, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese.
odpc.ucsf.edu
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Parents Helping Parents (PHP)
Parent-led support for children and adults with disabilities, based in San Jose, California, and serving families beyond. Up-to-date information and 1:1 assistance for any disability, any age — practical guidance for the daily questions families navigate.
php.com
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PRAGNYA
San Jose-based nonprofit supporting neurodiverse youth through community integration, peer mentorship, and ally training programs. PRAGNYA stands for "Preparing Resources & Alliances Galvanizing Neurodiversity Acculturation" — building belonging for neurodiverse individuals and equipping allies to support them.
pragnya.org
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NAELA (National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys)
Find an attorney in your area for special needs trusts, ABLE planning, conservatorship and Supported Decision-Making, and estate planning that works around means-tested benefits.
naela.org
Programs & benefits
Benefits & assistance
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Social Security Administration (SSA)
Apply for SSI, SSDI, and Medicare. Learn about work incentives, Ticket to Work, and how disability benefits interact with employment.
ssa.gov
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BenefitsCal
California's online portal for applying to and managing Medi-Cal, CalFresh (food assistance), CalWORKs, and General Assistance. The state's main benefits gateway.
benefitscal.com
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IHSS — In-Home Supportive Services
A California Medi-Cal program that pays family members or caregivers to provide essential daily care for people with disabilities or older adults living at home. Apply through your county's social services office.
cdss.ca.gov — IHSS
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CalABLE
California's tax-advantaged savings program for people with disabilities. Eligible individuals (whose disability onset occurred before age 46) can save up to $100,000 without losing SSI, Medi-Cal, or other means-tested benefits. Funds can be used tax-free for disability-related expenses, with contributions accepted from family and friends, and access via prepaid debit card or direct withdrawal.
calable.ca.gov
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Benefits.gov
Federal benefits eligibility screener. Helps you figure out which federal programs you might qualify for.
benefits.gov
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BenefitsCheckUp
Benefits screener from the National Council on Aging. Especially useful for adults 55+ and people with disabilities. Covers federal, state, and local programs.
benefitscheckup.org
National networks
Research & policy
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AUCD (Association of University Centers on Disabilities)
National network of UCEDDs and LEND programs. Source for research, training, and academic-clinical work on developmental disability across all 50 states.
aucd.org
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UCLA Tarjan Center
California's UCEDD (University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities), housed at UCLA. Research, policy, and clinical work serving the California disability community.
semel.ucla.edu — UCLA Tarjan Center
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UCLA LEND
California's LEND program (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities), based at UCLA. Trains future leaders — clinicians, researchers, advocates, and self-advocates — in maternal and child health, developmental disability, and family-centered care.
uc-lend.med.ucla.edu
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NACDD (National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities)
National association of state DD Councils. Tracks federal disability policy and DD Council activities across all 50 states.
nacdd.org