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Click on the images and on small downward arrows that look like this ( v ) for more information or websites.
GGRC is an agency dedicated to providing you with quality of life and promoting independence.
Apply for this service now if you do not already have it.
The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act says individuals with developmental disabilities have the same federal and state rights guaranteed to all other individuals. Section 4502 of the Welfare and Institutions Code includes a list of specific rights. To make sure individuals and families know about their rights, DDS worked with Capitol People First, Short Center North/DDSO, Inc., and Mayer-Johnson Co. to develop a 1-page handout that illustrates these rights.
Click on the image or the title above for a printable copy of these rights in Spanish and English!
For a copy of these rights in other languages, click here.
You can learn independent living skills now!
You can learn independent living skills now!
Watch or download these activities to learn skill for independent living now! Make sure you follow safety guidelines and ask your parents or older family member for help if using something sharp or hot.
ILS Skills - Pre recorded videos in different interest areas.
Watch these videos on YouTube to learn general skills for independent living.
MEN ONLY - Watch these videos on YouTube to learn independent living skills specific for young men.
WOMEN ONLY - (in progress) Watch these videos on YouTube to learn independent living skills specific for young women.
Prepare for your future Independent Living by checking out the agencies below
Prepare for your future Independent Living by checking out the agencies below
Housing
Housing
12/2/22 Independent Living Options for Adults with Disabilities
Presentation by Housing Choices, and interview with individuals who sharing their experiences with learning how to live on their own.
MY HOUSING STORY
Three individuals share their story about getting a place to live on their own.
Click on the image or here to link to a guide published by GGRC.
Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has a statutory responsibility to ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live in the least restrictive setting, appropriate to their needs. Read more about how GGRC should help you with housing by clicking here.
(Redwood City)
(San Mateo County - various locations including Redwood City, Belmont and East Palo Alto)
Powerpoint about the new housing in Belmont and East Palo Alto, CLICK HERE.
FHAR - FAMILY HOUSING & ADULT RESOURCES
(Various locations from Menlo Park to South SF)
(Portola Valley)
From their website:
"An intentional community is a residential option for individuals with intellectual and developmental delays to live independently with assistance and community. "
(San Mateo)
From their website:
"Our Family Home Agency (FHA) programs match individuals who want to be part of the community with nurturing caregivers, who we call Mentors. In a Mentor’s home, individuals can develop relationships that help them grow and enjoy all that life has to offer. "
Click here for more information on services that are provided.
(Half Moon Bay)
(Santa Cruz)
From their website:
CHF’s pocket neighborhood was created by a group of families who came together to create a place for people with disabilities to live with one another, and others, in an intentional neighborhood.
MOVING FORWARD TOWARD INDEPENDENCE
(Napa, CA)
From their website:
A residential Program offering transitional and Independent Living support to post-secondary adults with developmental and Autism spectrum disabilities.
Independent Living Training
Independent Living Training
So you want to live on your own, but you need a little help? These agencies can give you the opportunity to let you live by yourself or with roommates, but they also teach you how to live independently.
Redwood City, Burlingame & Daly City
HOUSING CHOICES
(San Mateo County - various locations including Redwood City, Belmont and East Palo Alto)
Housing Retention (Paying rent, etc)
Mentors assist with serving personalized needs such as:
Learning new skills
Socializing with family and friends
Managing household chores
Discovering new hobbies
Improving independence
Participating in community events
Art programs
Art programs
The programs listed here are either vendored by Regional Center (GGRC) and would be no cost to you, or are inclusive of all disabilities.
ArtReach Studios (Daly City)
Phil Egan Program for the Arts helps you exhibit and sell your artwork
Offers classes that can be paid for by GGRC
Improvisation
Movement & Music
Voiceover
Drawing
Poetry
Yoga
Riekes Center
Menlo Park
Take classes and get opportunities to display or perform your art!
Photography
Art
Music
Video Production
Media Service
Scholarships and Work-Trade opportunities are available to help pay for classes.
County of San Mateo Office of Arts and Culture
Promotes local artists through local events, registry, and grants.
Follow their social media pages for current events or contests:
San Mateo County
CoD Art contest
(Applications due in September)
Joint event with San Mateo Office of Arts and Culture, and San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities.
Winners get their art displayed in the Caldwell Gallery in Redwood City, and featured in related marketing.
YouTube Video of the 2022 Disabilities Art Showcase
Call for artists and guidelines for 2022 show click here
Contact Andrew Eng, aeng@smcgov.org in August to inquire about applications
OR Follow San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture on Facebook
Livermore, CA
Has a vocational program designed to provide working knowledge of film production and then build upon those skills with continuing studio participation. Inquire to participate in the summer bootcamp.
A groundbreaking and one-of-a-kind channel that provides disabled filmmakers with a platform for displaying their talents, stories, and dreams. Created and produced by crews consisting of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Watch selected films for free on their YouTube channel - click here
(San Francisco)
Creativity Explored has been empowering artists with disabilities for over 40 years, changing the art world along the way
Accessible REcreation & Social Programs
Accessible REcreation & Social Programs
You want to play sports or make friends? These programs might be a great fit!
ACCESSIBLE RECREATION (SNAP) Program
Red Morton Park
PROGRAM CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO PANDEMIC
Focus of this program:
Positive play and peer interaction
Building positive self-image and enhancing self-esteem
Age and ability appropriate activities
Activities and recreation opportunities in the community
Appropriate social interactions and behavior
Gross and fine motor skill development
Teamwork and cooperation
Activities of daily living
Health and Wellness
901 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Chanel Brisbane (Prog Supervisor, Jobs SF)
ChanelBrisbane@bestbuddies.org
650. 455. 5114
Santa Cruz
"Our farm welcomes people of all abilities and provides a meaningful place to build relationships thorugh farm work, volunteerism and social events."
Are you a wheelchair user?
Are you a wheelchair user?
Find out how you can borrow a beach wheelchair from the California Coastal Commission by clicking the picture or here.
Athletics - Accessible and Inclusive
Athletics - Accessible and Inclusive
Menlo Park
Athletic Fitness
Adaptive and Restorative Fitness
Rock Steady Boxing Bay Area
Professional Baseball Instruction
Paralympic Sport Club
Scholarships and Work-Trade opportunities are available to help pay for classes.
Adapted P.E. Classes
San Mateo
From their website:
The College of San Mateo’s Adapted Physical Education Wellness program is designed for anyone who may have a disabling or limiting condition. We tailor our classes to help you achieve your fitness goals exercising in a safe and successful environment.
Los Altos Hills
Physical Education for Students with Physical and Developmental Disabilities
Physical Education for Students with Physical and Developmental Disabilities
Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors
San Francisco
Take trips on a sailboat, learn how to sail a boat, or participate in competitive racing.
San Francisco
Group Classes
Private Lessons
Recreational Swim Times
Theraputic Exercise and Swim Lessons
(Bolinas, in Marin County)
From their website:
"Spectrum Surf Camps were formed in 2010... offering one-week therapeutic surf camps.
Camps are designed to support individuals with a variety of disabilities, including, but not limited to, autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and emotional disturbances.
Participants will experience the healing effects of the ocean and mindfulness of surfing.
Leadership, Advocacy AND SELF-DETERMINATION
Leadership, Advocacy AND SELF-DETERMINATION
Do you love helping people? Do you love talking to people? Take an opportunity to become a leader or ambassador!
In October of 2013, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed SB 468 (Emmerson) into law to create the SDP. SDP provides individuals and their families with more freedom, control, and responsibility in choosing services and supports to help them meet objectives in their Individual Program Plan.
This site is designed to allow individuals interested in the program, participants already in the program and their related support system access to resources to assist in getting enrolled and learning about the SDP. If you are interested in participating in the SDP, reach out to your regional center for more information on how to get started.
Image: CA SDP Forum FB page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/CA.SDP.Forum/)
901 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Chanel Brisbane (Prog Supervisor, Jobs SF)
ChanelBrisbane@bestbuddies.org
650. 455. 5114
A statewide organization that promotes advocacy and social change.
Join their email mailing list (click here) to get information about conferences to help you learn about being independent and self-determination.
Mental Health SErvices
Mental Health SErvices
These agencies are unique in that they provide mental health services to those with developmental disabilities. They can help if you feel stressed out, too sad, too scared, too anxious, or too angry. If these feelings are so strong that talking to your family or teachers does not seem to be helping, maybe it is helpful to talk to the professionals at the agencies below. You can ask your family, teachers, or GGRC workers to help you connect with them.
Mountain View
San Mateo County
Social Security Benefits (SSI)
Social Security Benefits (SSI)
**DISCLAIMER: Please note that this section is meant to serve a general library of information. Contact your GGRC, DOR, or CID counselor for information specific to your situation.
SSI determination is based on age/disability and limited income and resources.
In addition, in most states, an SSI recipient will automatically qualify for Medicaid.
Money
Money
The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (or ABLE)
(Think College Plain Language Series)
A way to save money for the future without affecting your SSI
YouTube InterAbled couple talks about their CalAble experience (1:58 - 4:34)
Travel TRaining on PUblic Transit
Travel TRaining on PUblic Transit
If you are a client of GGRC, you can request a bus pass and help to learn how to take the public transit.
Information and applicaton to GGRC by clicking here.
If you are a client of DOR, and you are either looking for work or currently working, you can request a bus pass and help to learn to take the public transit to work or college.
Information and application to DOR by clicking here.
SamTrans offers free one-on-one travel training to teach San Mateo County residents with disabilities who are 18 years or older how to ride the bus.
Virtual Travel Training on BART
The CIL in Berkeley offers a virtual Travel Training for riding the BART Train.
The CIL in Berkeley offers a COVID-19 Resource Packet for travelling on public transit.
They offer this resource in both English and Spanish
The CIL in Berkeley offers tools to help you plan your travel on public transit.
They offer this resource in both English and Spanish
ParaTransit
ParaTransit
If you are unable to use regular public bus service some or all of the time due to a disability, you may be eligible for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit service. Before you can use ADA paratransit, your eligibility will need to be evaluated; this process may take up to 21 days.
If you are unable to use regular public bus service some or all of the time due to a disability, you may be eligible for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit service. Before you can use ADA paratransit, your eligibility will need to be evaluated; this process may take up to 21 days.
PCC Paratransit Coordinating Council
Get free Redi-Wheels rides for providing feedback on their service. More information here.
A resource guide for adults with Disabilities.
Click the image of the cover to get a pdf booklet with phone numbers and websites of agencies that can help you as you live independently.
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