Community Spotlight: Easterseals
Empowering Possibility for Every Ability in San Diego
At the heart of every strong community are organizations that go above and beyond to uplift, support, and empower those who need it most. In Southern California—and right here in San Diego—Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) stands as a shining example of compassion in action. With a presence across 10 counties and more than 71 service sites, including right here in San Diego County, Easterseals is transforming lives every day by offering vital services to children, adults, and families living with disabilities.
WHO THEY ARE
Easterseals Southern California is a part of the national Easterseals network and has been a trusted provider of disability services for over 100 years. Their mission is simple yet powerful:
“To change the way the world defines and views disability by making profound, positive differences in people’s lives every day.”
This is not just a statement—it’s a promise they deliver on through thousands of interactions, therapies, and programs across the region.
With over 25,000 participants, more than 2,900 staff members, and a growing footprint in San Diego and beyond, Easterseals is one of the most impactful and trusted nonprofits in the disability support sector.
SERVICES OFFERED IN SAN DIEGO + BEYOND
Easterseals offers a robust range of services designed to meet the unique and evolving needs of every individual they serve. Here are some of the standout programs available through Easterseals Southern California:
Autism Therapy Services
Easterseals provides comprehensive therapy services for individuals on the autism spectrum and those with similar disabilities. These include:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Speech and language therapy
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
These services empower clients to reach their full potential in communication, independence, and personal development—serving over 22,000 participants annually.
Adult Day Services
Adult Day Services offer structured opportunities for individuals with disabilities to gain:
Life skills
Social development
Work-related experience
Participants engage in community volunteer projects, service activities, and workshops that promote confidence and inclusion. More than 1,100 adults benefit from these programs, becoming active, empowered members of their local communities.
Living Options
ESSC is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the freedom to live independently in the community rather than in institutional settings. With support ranging from minimal to 24/7 care, Easterseals creates living arrangements tailored to each individual’s needs—supporting over 210 people in homes that feel truly their own.
Employment Services
Easterseals recognizes that meaningful employment is vital to self-worth and independence. Their Employment Services program provides:
One-on-one job coaching
Resume development
Interview prep
Ongoing support once hired
This personalized assistance helps over 450 participants secure and retain rewarding jobs.
Child Development Centers (CDCs)
For children from birth to age five, Easterseals operates early learning centers that deliver high-quality childcare and preschool programs. These centers also offer parent support services, including:
Family workshops
Developmental screenings
Resources for navigating early intervention
Over 1,200 children thrive in ESSC’s nurturing early childhood education programs.
Easterseals Southern California operates across a vast area, including:
Counties Served:
Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Imperial, Kern, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.
They offer services in both centralized facilities and through community partnerships across hundreds of local neighborhoods, ensuring that care and support are accessible to all.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED OR ACCESS SERVICES
If you or someone you love could benefit from Easterseals’ services, or if you’d like to support their mission, here are a few ways to take the next step:
🔍 Learn More or Enroll: Visit their website at easterseals.com/SouthernCal for full service listings, locations, and contact details.
💌 Volunteer or Donate: Your time, talents, and financial support help make this life-changing work possible.
💼 Partner With Easterseals: Businesses, schools, and community organizations can reach out to collaborate and bring services to even more people in need.
Easterseals Southern California, and especially its presence here in San Diego, represents the best of what it means to build an inclusive, compassionate society. By offering services across all stages of life—from childhood development to senior independence—they are not just meeting needs—they’re creating opportunity and inspiring hope.
Whether you're seeking support, a way to give back, or a partner in creating a more inclusive community, Easterseals is ready to walk with you on the journey.
We are so proud to work alongside Easterseals and serve the IDD community with vital resources and compassionate support!
