Resources
A Resource is defined as a source of support, aid, information, or education from which a benefit is produced. Resources may be used to meet specific needs or to enhance one’s life.
The resources in this section may help you find a variety of supports and information that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families often need or find helpful.
SDRC Informational Brochures
Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Information: English | Spanish | Arabic | Tagalog | Vietnamese
Purchase of Service Standards - For Insurance Copayments & Coinsurance
CalABLE Program
California Achieving A Better Life Experience Program
Information about protecting Public Benefit Programs for individuals with disabilities in the state of California.
Support Groups
See the list of Support Groups available to San Diego Regional Center clients and their families.
Community Resources
Childcare & Parenting
Housing
Southern California Housing Collaborative – Assists in locating affordable housing for persons with developmental disabilities.
Section 8 HUD Housing
Safety
DDS Safety Net – How to help clients & families stay safe and healthy.
Take Me Home Registry Program –
A San Diego County registry for individuals at risk of wandering, becoming missing or found by law enforcement who are unable to identify themselves because of their special needs.
A Guide to Medical Alert Systems - MedicalAlert.org - How to help the seniors in your community stay independent and safe.
Employment First
California Employment First Policy
California’s Employment First Policy was signed into law in October of 2013 by Governor Brown. Competitive employment is finding a job within the community where you are paid about the same as other people doing the same job and at least minimum wage. It could also be working for yourself in your own small business. Information about the Employment First Policy can be found at the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and at the Department of Developmental Services.
With initiative and the right supports and opportunities, people with developmental disabilities can work. They can succeed at a job, earn decent pay, meet people on the job, and be more a part of their community.
Employment & Your Individual Program Plan
When you plan around employment opportunities with your service coordinator, the first option that will be considered is competitive integrated employment. Competitive work is a real choice. Your service coordinator can help you find resources in the community to support your employment goals.
Supported Employment
Adults who want to work may be eligible for Supported Employment services. Supports could include job development, transportation training, paid internships, and specialized job training. With initiative and the right supports and opportunities, people with developmental disabilities can work. They can succeed at a job, earn a good wage, meet people on the job, and be more a part of their community.
Employment First
The decision about whether or not Supported Employment is the right service is made by the planning team. The adult, his or her service coordinator, the Department of Rehabilitation and other members of the planning team, work together to create an agreement about the supports that might be most helpful. Supported Employment can be provided in individual or group settings, depending upon the needs, interests, talents and skills of the person.
Self-Employment
Self-employment options include micro-enterprises. These are small business ventures that reflect the unique skills and talents of a person. The IPP planning team often helps support the development of the business.
Options Other than Employment
If employment isn’t right for you, talk to your service coordinator about other options.
Getting Help from Your Family Members
Talk to your family about the type of work that you might like. Explore training ideas in the community such as adult education or college with their help. Invite your family members to your IEP and IPP meetings.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
WIOA was signed into law on July 22, 2014. WIOA supersedes the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and amends the Adult Education and Literacy Act, the Wagner-Preyser Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It sunsets in 2020.
Learn more about the WIOA.
Highlights of the WIOA
Larger role for public vocational rehabilitation as people with disabilities transition from school to adult life; Required agreements between state vocational rehabilitation systems/state Medicaid systems/state intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) agencies; Definition of “customized employment," "supported employment," “competitive integrated employment;" Enhanced roles and requirements for the general workforce system; One-Stop Career Centers in meeting the needs of people with disabilities
Self-Advocacy
Self-Advocacy is a movement where individuals with developmental disabilities voice their wants, needs and hopes, and take control over their lives.
Locally, San Diego People First is the self-advocacy group for San Diego County. Imperial Valley People First covers Imperial County. Both People First groups are run by individuals with developmental disabilities and hold trainings and conferences that educate members on various topics regarding self-advocacy. Self-advocates learn to voice their wants, needs, hopes and dreams to family and professionals, and make choices/decisions that affect their own lives. Additionally, self-advocates often unite to promote understanding and educate peers, professionals and the public about self-advocacy and the rights of people with disabilities.
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San Diego People First – San Diego and Imperial Valley (619) 688-3323
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Viridiana Salgado (Viri) is the San Diego Regional Center’s Client Information Specialist. Viri provides support to SDRC staff, clients and their families. Some of her areas of expertise include
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IPP Preparation
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Problem Solving
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Self-Advocacy
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Public Transportation
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Organization and Planning
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Independent Living Topics
Viri is available for one-on-one or group training and can be reached at (858) 503-4438.
3. Self-Advocacy Online – Excellent resource to learn about Self-Advocacy, find Self-Advocacy groups, view self-advocacy stories and more.