What resources are available to you?
It can be hard to know all of the resources available to you after your child has aged out, So here are free resources in order for you to fully explore your options
North County
Beacons, Inc. – Carlsbad
Purpose: A nonprofit organization supporting young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through skills-based training.
Services: Career exploration, job readiness workshops, self-advocacy training, and paid internships.
Eligibility: Free for San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) clients aged 18–25.
📍 Carlsbad
North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE)
Purpose: Supports special education services across multiple school districts in North County.
Services: Transition planning, job readiness support, and life skills development through district programs.
Eligibility: Free for students with IEPs enrolled in participating districts.
📍 Encinitas / Coastal North
📍 Central San Diego
San Diego Regional Center (SDRC)
Purpose: The primary state-funded gateway for individuals with developmental disabilities in San Diego County.
Services: Coordination of services including independent living support, job coaching, adult education, and housing resources.
Eligibility: Must meet California DDS criteria. All services are free once qualified.
📍 Mission Valley (multiple offices countywide)
The Arc of San Diego
Purpose: Provides lifelong services to individuals with developmental disabilities across various life domains.
Services: Supported employment, adult day programs, residential living assistance, and life skills training.
Eligibility: Free for SDRC clients.
📍 Locations in Kearny Mesa, Chula Vista, and North Park
Fred Finch CARES
Purpose: Delivers behavioral health and social skills programming for transition-age youth.
Services: Evidence-based social skills groups (e.g., PEERS®), therapy, family support, and behavioral counseling.
Eligibility: Covered by Medi-Cal.
📍 Kearny Mesa / Hillcrest
Transition Partnership Program (TPP) – San Diego Unified School District
Purpose: Prepares high school students with disabilities for post-secondary employment and independence.
Services: Work experience, job coaching, career assessments, and transition planning.
Eligibility: Free for SDUSD students with IEPs (ages 16–22).
📍 District-wide
SLP Social
Purpose: Provides clinical social communication groups to support social integration and emotional development.
Services: Group-based programming focused on pragmatic language, relationships, and executive functioning.
Eligibility: Grant and insurance-funded options available; some free community events.
📍 Central San Diego
📍 South Bay
Noah’s PERCH
Purpose: A nonprofit social program that fosters community, belonging, and recreation for neurodiverse adults.
Services: Social events, group outings, peer mentoring, and friendship building.
Eligibility: Some events free; others subsidized by community donations.
📍 Spring Valley
South County SELPA – Transition Services
Purpose: Coordinates transition planning and adult readiness programs within South Bay school districts.
Services: Vocational preparation, daily living instruction, job placement, and supported internships.
Eligibility: Free through public high schools for students with IEPs.
📍 Chula Vista, National City, San Ysidro
📍 East County
Grossmont Union High School District – Transition Services
Purpose: Provides extended education and career support for young adults with disabilities.
Services: Job coaching, community-based instruction, vocational training, and independent living skills.
Eligibility: Free for district students with IEPs, ages 18–22.
📍 El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee
Cuyamaca College DSPS (Disabled Students Programs and Services)
Purpose: Supports college students with verified disabilities to achieve academic and career goals.
Services: Academic counseling, testing accommodations, assistive technology, and priority registration.
Eligibility: Free for enrolled students with documentation.
📍 El Cajon
📍 Countywide / Online
California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)
Purpose: Provides vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities.
Services: Job training, college assistance, career counseling, internship placement, and financial support.
Eligibility: Free; application required.
📍 Offices across San Diego County
WorkAbility I Program
Purpose: Supports high school students with disabilities in preparing for work and adult life.
Services: Paid internships, career readiness training, resume support, and vocational assessments.
Eligibility: Free for students with IEPs in participating high schools.
📍 Offered in school districts countywide