Adults 22+
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Supporting an adult with a disability? You’re in the right place. This section of the EFRC Learning Library is for adults with disabilities, age 22 and older, and their families. This library offers clear information and trusted resources to help you navigate adult systems and plan for the future.
We can guide your exploration of housing, employment and day programs, regional center services, transportation, and access to benefits like SSI, Medi-Cal, and IHSS. We can also help you understand resources that can help you, including ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, supported decision making, and strategies for promoting community inclusion.
Adulthood brings new opportunities and challenges. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Not only are we trained in disability service navigation, but all of us who support families directly are ourselves parents of children and adults with disabilities. We have walked a similar road. You are not alone.
Links | Adults
- Resources for Transition Planning in San Diego and Imperial Counties (curated Padlet)
- A Guide to Adult Services | Alta Vista Regional Center (excellent overview of adult services in general)
Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Employment Services (help with training, job counseling, and employment)
Living Options | CA State Council for Developmental Disabilities (covers both children and adults)
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Events | Adult Services
Dec 3rd
Next Chapter: Adult Living Options
Learning Library Resources | Ages 22+
Parents Reflect on Residential Placement (Spanish available)
Four lessons from parents who’ve been there—insights to help you prepare emotionally and practically for your loved one’s transition to residential living.
Rights of Regional Center Consumers in Residential Placements (Spanish available)
Learn about the personal rights of people with developmental disabilities in Regional Center–funded homes, and how families can advocate for respectful, person-centered care.
Moving into a New Residential Placement (Spanish available)
This short video explains how moving into a residential home affects daily life, services, and supports—and how families can prepare.
What are Residential Placements Like? (Spanish available)
Learn what residential placement really looks like—from how homes operate to what families can expect and how to stay involved every step of the way.
Finding a Residential Placement Fit (Spanish available)
Learn what to expect when exploring residential options for a loved one with developmental disabilities—and how to start the process early for the best match.
Getting Help from the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) (Spanish available)
Learn how California’s Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) helps teens and adults with disabilities prepare for college, training, and employment—with real examples of how to access services.
Smart Spaces: Making Your Home Fun & Functional
Learn how to design safe, sensory-friendly, and functional spaces for children with disabilities—on any budget—with artist and advocate Emily Dolton.
Managing Holiday Stressors
A supportive conversation to reframe holiday stress and offer parents a compassionate path toward rest, connection, and emotional balance.
Air Travel Tips
TSA shares tips with EFRC families who will be traveling with individuals with disabilities. Topics include how to request support, navigate security smoothly, and use TSA PreCheck.
Applying to SSI: Tips from Disability Rights California
Learn how the SSI process works for children and adults with disabilities, what information to include, and how to clearly document real limitations to support an accurate eligibility decision.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): What to Know (Spanish available)
A plain-language video guide on In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for families in San Diego and Imperial Counties—what it is, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to get the right support at home.
The 101 of Section 8 Housing
Learn how Section 8 works in San Diego, how to apply, what to expect, and where to find help while you wait—especially for families and adults with disabilities.
All About CalABLE (Spanish available)
Learn how CalABLE empowers Californians with disabilities to save and invest without losing SSI or Medi-Cal benefits.
Centering the lived experiences of people with disabilities
San Diego author Jennifer Gasner shares her journey with Friedreich’s Ataxia in this heartfelt Disability Pride Month book talk—exploring identity, family, and what it means to belong.
What happens when my disabled child turns 18? (Spanish available)
Turning 18 is a major milestone that affects disability-related services. Learn how to protect benefits, plan for the future, and support decision-making in adulthood.
Stuck on a waiting list?
Waiting for an evaluation, diagnosis, or therapy can feel like everything is on hold. But there are still things you can do. From checking for cancellations to exploring community-based programs and building supportive connections, there are steps you can take now.
Has your child been found ineligible for Regional Center services?
Getting a “not eligible” letter from the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) can feel discouraging—especially when you know your child has real needs. But this isn’t the end of the road.
Applying for Regional Center services after age 3
If you’re noticing delays or facing a new diagnosis, understanding the Regional Center process after age 3 can be confusing. This guide explains what to expect, what to prepare, and how to get support—so you’re not navigating it alone.