Resources
Organizations and Support Systems in the Bay Area
AbilityPath: Educational, therapeutic, vocational and family support services for individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities, specializing in employment placement and support. https://abilitypath.org
AchieveKids: Centers in Palo Alto and San Jose providing special education and mental health services to students between the ages of 5 and 22. https://achievekids.org
Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area: Information, networking and education, and advocacy for the autism community in the Bay Area. https://sfautismsociety.org
The Burkard School: Small independent K-8 school for students who need extra support with self-regulation, executive functioning, and/or social-emotional learning in the classroom. www.theburkardschool.org
Charles Armstrong School: Private school in Belmont, CA serving children grades 2-8. www.charlesarmstrong.org
Children’s Health Council: Education and mental health services for children, teens and young adults. www.chconline.org
Compass High School: College preparatory program in San Mateo designed for students with mild to moderate learning differences. https://compasshigh.org
Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA): Support group meetings, music therapy class, workshops and social events. Headquarters in Dublin, CA, with satellite Peninsula branch in Burlingame. www.dscba.org
Eating Disorders Resource Center: Organization in Campbell, CA that promotes awareness, recovery, and advocacy of eating disorders. https://edrcsv.org
Friends of Children with Special Needs: Supported and independent living services, adult day program and supported employment program. Headquarters in Fremont, with satellite branch in San Jose. https://fcsn1996.org
Hope Services: Provides day services, training and employment, community living, and mental health services for those with developmental disabilities. https://hopeservices.org
Hope Technology School: Private school for pre-K through high school students in Palo Alto, California that practices full inclusion of typical and special needs students. https://hopetechschool.org
Morgan Autism Center: School program and adult program for individuals on the autism spectrum and with other developmental disabilities: https://morgancenter.org
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI): Amazing resources and support for those with mental health challenges and their families. Highlights: Warmline for support, parent support groups, NAMI Walks. www.namisanmateo.org and www.namisantaclara.org
Opening Doors PTA: Special education PTA dedicated to supporting students with exceptional needs and learning differences. https://openingdoorspta.org
Partners and Advocates for Remarkable Children & Adults (PARCA): Residential programs, support for independent living, child care, family support and advocacy services for individuals with developmental disabilities. https://parca.org
Polaris Therapy: Interactive, self-paced, step-by-step therapeutic exercises to improve child development. courses.polaristherapy.com
Special Advantage: Provides family-focused and strength-based services for children ages 0-5 and their families. https://specialadvantage.com
Stanbridge Academy: Inclusive K-12 school for students with mild to moderate learning differences and social communication challenges. https://stanbridgeacademy.org
Support for Families of Children with Disabilities: Recreational, social, educational and support services for families of children with disabilities or special health care needs. https://supportforfamilies.org
Please contact our office if you are affiliated with a terrific organization in the Bay Area that provides services to the disability community and should be featured on this page!
Other Helpful Links
Pamphlet with general information on estate planning, State Bar of California
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Special Needs Trusts, from Special Needs Answers
Articles on various special needs issues, The Voice, Special Needs Alliance
About Probate, San Mateo County Superior Court
Summary of Med-Cal, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR)
About Medi-Cal, Santa Clara County Superior Court
About Limited Conservatorships, Santa Clara County Superior Court