Programs & Services
Overview
We provide 1-to-1 support. We help families navigate services, understand options, and feel heard.
We offer social, educational, and training opportunities to parents of children and adults with disabilities.
We help families navigate regional center, special education, and other disability services and resources.
We empower families to make their own choices and respect their confidentiality.
We collaborate with educators and service providers to enhance opportunities for parents and caregivers.
1-to-1 Support Appointments
Parents of children and adult with disabilities are invited to contact EFRC to receive peer parent support, and get help understanding and navigating disability-related services — including special education, regional center services, and other disability benefits. We help families at all ages and stages — birth through adult.
California Early Start Intake
EFRC is your Point of Entry for California Early Start services in San Diego and Imperial Counties. In partnership with the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) and Local Education Agencies (LEAs), we help families of infants and toddlers with developmental concerns or disabilities access early intervention services. Our parent-led team guides you through the intake process and connects you with supportive resources for your family.
Connect with other parents of babies and toddlers with delays or disabilities. In-person and on Zoom.
Empower yourself with general advocacy skills for your child's education -- IEPs, 504 plans -- and beyond. On Zoom.
Got questions about IEPs/504s, regional center (birth through adult) -- or anything disability related? On Zoom.
Zoom for parents of transition age youth and adults on employment, post-secondary education, living options, DOR, and Regional Center.
Laid back meetup for parents navigating services for their children (or adults). In-person.
Get training on special topics of interest to our families: behavior, IHSS, IEPs -- and more. On Zoom.
Learn from the lived experiences of disabled people. Read and discuss short personal essays. On Zoom.
Make art with other parents -- and people with disabilities 18+. In-person.
Get outside for an accessible walk; meet other parents of kids and adults with disabilities. Try on a short mindfulness exercise. In-person.
Get support for your child or adult family member with Down Syndrome; EFRC partners with DSA to provide parent-to-parent support.
Find support at EFRC's Autism Support Group (Spanish). Offered in collaboration with the Autism Society of San DIego.
Community Collaborations
Conference
Involved Exceptional Parents Day
Involved Exceptional Parents Day is a unique one-day conference and resource fair for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, educators, and service providers. Each year, several hundred parents and professionals come together to learn in a collaborative environment, network, and establish life-long friendships.
Conference
Leading the Charge
This annual one-day conference — held in both San Diego and Imperial Counties — unites adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, service providers, and agency professionals to share information, build connections, and explore innovative services. Sponsored by Developmental Disabilities Provider Network (DDPN).
Workshops address customized employment, disability culture, home and community-based services, self-advocacy, living options, paid internship programs, supported decision-making, and effective teamwork among clients, families, and providers.
Conference
Youth Leadership Forum
The San Diego Regional Youth Leadership Forum is a free, three-day leadership and empowerment event for transition-age youth with disabilities (ages 17–21). It is co-sponsored by EFRC.
Through interactive sessions, participants develop leadership potential, enhance their self-advocacy skills, and explore their disability identity.
Conference
Imperial Valley Parent Conference
Topics include supported decisionmaking, applied behavior analysis, transition and postsecondary experiences, IEPs, augmentive and alternative communication (AAC) — and more.
Conference
FERIA
The FERIA Partnership Conference is a one-day, culturally and linguistically inclusive event designed for 300 Latino parents, caregivers, and professionals who support students with special needs—from preschool through adulthood. The conference focuses on strengthening collaboration among families, schools, and communities to promote student success.
FERIA stands for Families, Educators, Resources, Institutions of Higher Education, and Agencies.