Organizations Making a Difference in the IDD Community
UESL is profoundly grateful for the organizations that tirelessly serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It takes a collective effort to ensure that people of all abilities can lead meaningful, enriched lives, and the work of our fellow service providers demonstrates the power of community, compassion, and innovation. Their efforts make a transformative impact, helping IDD individuals learn, grow, and connect within supportive environments tailored to their unique needs.
The work these organizations do is vital. They offer access to education, social engagement, therapeutic services, job training, life skills, and more. As we spotlight some of these incredible partners, we celebrate their dedication, commitment, and passion for creating a more inclusive society.
The Institute for Effective Education (TIEE)
Founded in 1972, The Institute for Effective Education (TIEE) is a California non-profit corporation in good standing. Incorporated for the purpose of providing education and other services to individuals with unique learning needs.TIEE offers programs designed to support students with autism and other developmental disabilities, providing intensive instruction and a broad range of activities that foster growth in communication, academic skills, and social interactions.
ARC of San Diego
ARC is committed to supporting and empowering children and adults with disabilities to achieve their goals and reach their maximum potential. With community support they are able to make a positive impact in the lives of those they serve. ARC supports IDD individuals through an array of services including independent living programs, job training, and health services. The Arc of San Diego believes community integration provides the best environment for people with disabilities to learn practical skills and develop interpersonal relationships. They pave ways for independence through learning and accessing community resources.
TERI, Inc.
Since its inception in 1980, TERI has grown to accommodate the needs of many while remaining true to its original goal: to improve the quality of life for children and adults with developmental and learning disabilities, and to change the way the world sees them, allowing for inclusion within the community. Through support, advocacy, dedication, innovation, and resolve, TERI has brought opportunity and hope to countless individuals and families.TERI offers life-enhancing programs for IDD individuals, including vocational training, artistic development, and wellness programs. Their “Campus of Life” initiative is an innovative community hub for growth and empowerment.
St. Madeleine Sophie's Center (St. Mads)
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center empowers adults with developmental disabilities. developmental disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Through work training, creative arts programs, and community integration, St. Mads helps them to realize their full potential. Their approach emphasizes meaningful activities that enhance self-esteem and skill-building. While there are no cures for developmental disabilities, people with these cognitive disorders can still achieve personal and professional fulfillment.
Home of the Guiding Hands
Home of Guiding Hands is dedicated to helping their clients learn, grow, and live quality lives. They provide a plethora of services within our organization, including Residential, Respite, Tailored Day, Independent Living Skills, Early Childhood Development, Transportation, and Life Planning. They champion self-advocacy and independence.
Noah’s Homes
Noah Homes is a nonprofit organization committed to helping adults with developmental disabilities maximize their lifelong independence in a community environment. Their 11-acre property in San Diego County has 10 beautiful homes where 90 adult residents are supported socially, emotionally, and spiritually. They offer a nurturing environment that promotes choice, dignity, and life-long care.
D’Vine Path
D’Vine Path was designed to help adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), developmental and/or learning disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bridge the social and cultural barriers that can have a negative impact on their physical health, mental health, and employability. D'Vine Path's mission is to transform neurodivergent people's lives by providing dynamic vocational and life skills training. Focusing on job skills and community integration, D’Vine Path offers individuals with IDD opportunities in agriculture, viticulture, and hospitality industries, fostering a sense of purpose and self-sufficiency.
Generations Daycare
Generations Daycare supports IDD adults and seniors by providing activities that engage, stimulate, and promote their independence in a structured setting, focusing on holistic health and socialization. Generations Day Care is located in Ramona, where they have a sprawling facility that boasts farm animals, a basketball court, grassy areas for relaxing with friends, a small garden, and bright, inviting classrooms where clients engage and interact with their peers, staff members and visitors. Clients participate in meaningful activities that promote practical life skills, independence and community engagement. Generations Day Care individualize their activities to meet the goals and interests of each client and put an emphasis on community immersion, including volunteering, attending off-site events, and hosting activities for friends and families at our facility.
Location: Ramona, CA
Learn more at: Website
Community Interface Services (CIS)
Community Interface Services is a nonprofit organization that provides person-centered services to children and adults with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, seizure disorder and other similar conditions. Services are concentrated in San Diego County, with some assistance extending to neighboring counties and statewide. The agency was founded on the principle that people with intellectual/developmental disabilities are in the best position to determine how they want to live. CIS offers services ranging from supported employment to independent living and recreation opportunities for individuals with IDD, aiming to help each person reach their personal goals.
San Diego Regional Center (SDRC)
SDRC coordinates support services for IDD individuals and their families, offering resources, counseling, health care coordination, and vocational assistance to help each client thrive. The San Diego Regional Center is one of 21 regional centers in California that provides support and services to persons with developmental disabilities. They provide a variety of services to persons with developmental disabilities and their families. Services are based on the client's individual needs and intended to maximize their independence, full potential, and quality of life.
Orange County Regional Center (OCRC)
The Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) is a private, nonprofit organization contracted by the State of California to coordinate lifelong services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The regional center is the first stop for those seeking to obtain local services and support to help them live safely and with dignity in the community. RCOC serves over 26,000 Orange County residents with autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and intellectual cognitive disabilities.OCRC provides a broad range of services and support for IDD individuals and their families, ensuring access to resources that enhance well-being and community engagement.
San Andreas Regional Center (SARC)
The San Andreas Regional Center is a non-profit that serves individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who reside within Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties. SARC helps IDD individuals achieve meaningful community integration through comprehensive case management, health support, and life skills programs.
We honor and thank each of these organizations for their unyielding dedication to the IDD community. Together, we are making a difference, and we stand proud to continue this vital work.
Let’s keep building a brighter, more inclusive future, hand-in-hand. #UnifiedCommunity #IDDAdvocacy #SupportAndGrowth
