Clients & families
We are the starting point for San Diego or Imperial County residents to determine if you or your loved one is eligible for services. Once eligibility is determined, a service coordinator will help you plan the services and support you need. This page lists the services we offer.
Our core services include intake and assessments, individual program plans (IPP), individual family service plans (IFSP), client services, service purchases, and community services.
Additional services include:
The Clinical Services Department offers support and advice to clients, families, SDRC staff, service providers, and the San Diego/Imperial County communities. They help plan services identified through the Individual Program Plan (IPP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process throughout the client’s lifespan.
The team includes psychology, medicine, nursing, behavior, and nutrition specialists. They can also refer people to contracted providers for speech and language therapy, pharmacology, dental care, genetics, and physical and occupational therapy.
Services may include intake and assessments, behavioral, dental, medical, genetic, nursing, durable medical equipment, and co-pay.
Day Programs
Adult day programs help people with developmental disabilities connect with the community, build new skills, and form friendships in a fun and welcoming environment. These centers offer recreational activities, educational programs, and supportive services that promote independence, boost self-confidence, and help participants work toward their personal and professional goals.
Tailored Day Service Options
Tailored Day helps people with disabilities fully participate in community life by supporting them in setting goals, making choices, and engaging in activities they enjoy. Each client is paired one-on-one with a support worker who assists them in reaching their goals. Clients can enjoy outings like exploring San Diego, joining clubs, taking college or adult education classes, volunteering, pursuing hobbies, and attending community events, creating a support network that fosters inclusion and belonging.
Many parents have questions and concerns about their baby’s growth and development, even when everything goes well. But, if there have been serious problems during pregnancy, around the time of birth, or in the first few days or weeks of life, parents wonder and worry about whether their baby will be alright.
California Early Start is a program created to make sure that eligible infants, toddlers, and their families receive early evaluation, assessment, and coordinated services that can positively impact a child’s development.
The program connects families with resources and services to support the growth and learning of infants and toddlers. It aims to help children reach their developmental milestones and provide families with the support they need to encourage their child’s progress. These services are designed to reduce or prevent the need for additional services in the future, giving each child the best start possible from birth to 36 months.
To find out if your child (age 0-36 months) is eligible for CA Early Start services, you may:
Call us at 858-496-4318 to speak to our Early Start Intake Team or email us at esint@sdrc.org
You may also call our partners, Exception Family Resource (EFRC), at 619-594-7416 to speak to an EFRC Family Support Liaison.
Competitive Integrated Employment (CEI)
Competitive Integrated Employment provides you the opportunity to work in your community. It involves earning at least minimum wage or more and provides opportunities for promotions and higher pay. CIE also includes benefits like health care and retirement savings.
Paid Internship Program (PIP)
The Paid Internship Program helps people build their job skills and get valuable work experience that can help them find a paid job in the future. In some cases, the internship might even turn into a full- or part-time job at the same place.
Supported Employment
Adults who want to work may qualify for Supported Employment services. These supports can include help finding a job, transportation training, paid internships, and specialized job training.
SDRC is dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families across various stages of life through case management support and services, training opportunities via conferences, public meetings, and support groups.
We offer lifelong support based on the guidelines of The Lanterman Disabilities Services Act or better known as The Lanterman Act.
The services available to help your family may include:
- Respite Care
Respite programs offer planned, short-term breaks for families and unpaid caregivers of children and adults with disabilities or cognitive challenges. While many families take pride and joy in caring for their loved ones at home, the demands of caregiving can be exhausting physically, emotionally, and financially. These programs aim to support the primary caregiving relationship by giving caregivers time to rest and recharge, which can help prevent burnout. - Daycare Services
Day programs give individuals a chance to achieve personal and professional fulfillment. They educate and empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to realize their full potential by providing activities, community interaction, opportunities to increase their independence, build friendships, and so much more. - Conferences and Training
SDRC believes in educating and empowering families by providing the tools and resources they need to care for their loved ones. Work with your Service Coordinator to learn about these opportunities. - Coordinated Family Support (CFS)
CFS is a new service created for adults with developmental disabilities who choose to live with their families and exists to help you and your family coordinate and schedule the services you receive. This service was developed in response to feedback from families about the limited options available for adults living at home.
CFS can help you and your family:
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- Learn more about your diagnosis and assist with planning for the future
- Learn how to access additional services
- Coordinate training for the people who support you
- Identify transportation, back-up provider,s and self-advocacy groups in your area
Learn more: Frequently Asked Questions
Adult Family Home Agencies (AFHA) approves family homes where up to two adults with developmental disabilities can live with a family, sharing in family interactions and responsibilities. In this setup, the individual receives services and support from the family, agencies, and the community to help them be an active part of the family and community. This arrangement allows the sharing of food, shelter, experiences, responsibilities, and love.
Independent Living Services (ILS) focuses on teaching functional skills to help adults live independently. Skills commonly developed in ILS include completing household tasks, cooking healthy meals, problem-solving, paying bills, budgeting, social awareness, safety, and other everyday life skills. ILS can also help individuals find resources like child care, social activities, and group support.
Residential Group Homes are for individuals who choose to live in supportive group homes, where they share the space with others who have similar needs. Some group homes have staff, like counselors and support workers, to help residents with daily tasks, while others may not have live-in assistance. These homes come in various types and can be paid for through private funds or state programs for people with disabilities. Group homes are ideal for individuals who don’t need advanced care but can’t live fully independently. They also provide a social environment that offers more interaction than living alone or with family.
Supported Living Services (SLS) help adults establish and maintain a safe, stable, and independent life in homes they own or rent. SLS supports individuals in making choices to reach their personal goals in relationships and community involvement. These services are flexible and can adapt over time to meet changing needs. SLS offers a range of supports, including assessing individual needs, facilitating circles of support to build natural connections, promoting advocacy and self-advocacy, and providing training in social, behavioral, and daily living skills. Additional supports include 24-hour emergency response systems, adaptive equipment, personal care assistance, help with community participation, and more.
Other services include personal assistance and rental assistance. Please speak to your Service Coordinator about these options.
Participant direction allows individuals to exercise more authority over how and by whom services are provided.
Consumers can coordinate respite, daycare, transportation, personal assistance, independent living services, supported employment, nursing, social recreation, and day services through participant direction. With participant direction, consumers have employer authority and responsibilities, including choosing, scheduling, and supervising workers.
The intent of this directive is to provide consumers, regional centers, and service providers with the greatest flexibility to support consumers and their families.
Following the Lanterman Act and Purchase of Service Guidelines, transportation services help people get to work, school (college or Adult Ed), and day programs.
These services include:
- Public Transportation (Reduced Fare Bus Passes):
Riders can use Pronto Cards to get reduced fares if they are seniors, disabled, or have a Medicare card (SDM). These cards can be reloaded as long as the rider qualifies. To meet SDM requirements, riders need a Reduced Fare ID, which must be renewed every five years. - ADA Paratransit Services (NCTD LIFT and MTS Access):
Riders must get ADA certified every five years through their transit agency, either NCTD or MTS. Once certified, they can schedule rides, and if they qualify, tickets are sent to them each month. Pick-up and drop-off locations must be within the ADA service area. Approved riders can also bring a Personal Care Attendant (PCA), who can ride for free. - Reimbursement for transportation is available to parents or clients if the service meets the program’s criteria. The reimbursement amount depends on the distance traveled.
- Contracted transportation services provide curb-to-curb rides for those who cannot use fixed-route or ADA Paratransit services. In some cases, an aide may ride along to assist.
- Mobility training is offered for individuals learning to ride fixed-route buses to work, school, or day programs. Training is short-term and focuses on teaching routes and safe travel practices.