🌟 Connecting Families to What Matters Most
At EmpowerConnect Services, we believe that no family should navigate disability services alone. Our Resource Connection Hub is designed to link individuals and caregivers to trusted programs, providers, services and organizations that share our commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment.
🤝 Our Partner Network
We proudly collaborate with:
San Diego Regional Center
Educational psychologists, Speech & Occupational Therapists
Developmental Specialists
Advocacy Nonprofits
Independent facilitators & FMS vendors
Local agencies like Community Connect San Diego & Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
These partnerships allow us to offer wraparound support tailored to each family’s unique journey.
📣 Become a Partner
Are you a service provider, nonprofit, or advocate looking to support families with disabilities? Join our partner network and help us build a more inclusive future.
Contact me through the contact page or email us empowerconnectservices@gmail.com to further discuss becoming a partner.
📚 Local & Sate Resources, Services or Programs
Explore community-based programs and services:
🧩 The Arc of San Diego
Offers a wide range of services including day programs, employment support, and independent living skills for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
⚖️ Disability Rights California, San Diego Office
Provides legal advocacy and support to protect the rights of Californians with disabilities, including education, housing, and healthcare access.
🔗 Path-Now: Services for People With Disabilities
A digital platform that connects individuals with disabilities to personalized services, providers, and community resources.
🏢 San Diego County Health and Human Services
Located in Lemon Grove, this Family Resource Center offers in-person support for Medi-Cal applications, document submission, and benefit questions. You will be able to find resources to apply for CalFresh, Calworks, CCS, and so much more.
IHSS (In Home Supportive Services)
IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) is a California state program that provides essential in-home care for eligible individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled—allowing them to live safely in their own homes rather than in institutional settings.
Direct Link for IHSS
State Council of Developmental Disabilities
The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is an independent state agency that advocates for the rights and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Its mission is to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) receive the services and supports they need to live independently, participate fully in their communities, and exercise self-determination.
Home and Community Based Alternatives Wavier (HCBA)
The Home and Community Based Alternatives Waiver provides care management services to persons at risk for nursing home or institutional placement. The care management services are provided by a multidisciplinary care team comprised of a nurse and social worker. The care management team coordinates Waiver and State Plan services (e.g., medical, behavioral health, In-Home Supportive Services, etc.), and arranges for other available long-term services and supports available in the local community. Care management and Waiver services are provided in the Participant’s community-based residence. This residence can be privately owned, secured through a tenant lease arrangement, or the residence of a Participant’s family member.
Note: It's going to take you to San Ysidro Health website but you don’t have to be a patient with SYH. On the site you can read more on this program and you can also get the application to apply and know what the next steps are in the process after you submitted the application. If you need help please reach out via contact page be sure to state this type of service and what program you are wanting help with and I can help you with the process and walk you through the steps.
CalABle
CalABLE is California's tax-advantaged savings and investment program, established under the federal ABLE Act, that allows eligible individuals with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses without losing essential public benefits like SSI and Medicaid/Medi-Cal. Offered by the state of California but available to residents nationwide, a CalABLE account allows individuals to save and invest their money, with both the account earnings and qualified withdrawals being tax-free. These funds can be used for health, independence, and quality of life-enhancing expenses, and are not limited to the $2,000 resource limit previously imposed on people receiving federal benefits.
Calable website to learn more about the program and how you can see if you are eligible and how to open an account to start saving for the future.
Rady Children’s Health (AKA Rady Children's Hospital San Diego)
Rady Children's Hospital is the only hospital in the San Diego area dedicated exclusively to pediatric healthcare, providing comprehensive medical services for children in San Diego, southern Riverside, and Imperial counties. As a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, it is a leading nonprofit, 511-bed facility recognized nationally for its excellence in care, research, and advocacy, with a recent merger creating the new Rady Children's Health system.
PLAY MY WAY
Adaptive Recreation Center Now Open
San Diego, CA
The Purpose
To provide a safe and accommodating space for people with physical and intellectual disabilities to gather, socialize and play.
Not just for people with disabilities - a play space for everyone - that is INCLUSIVE! Existing indoor recreational gyms do not meet the population's diverse physical, emotional or developmental needs.
Play My Way is a community center for special needs families.
They are a vendor of the San Diego Regional Center so they can offer social/recreational services to both traditional and Self Determination. clients in a form of monthly memberships.
Play My Way website to learn more.
You can learn more about the process and steps for SDRC clients for services at Play My Way
Self Determination Program
The Self-Determination Program (SDP) in California is a voluntary state initiative for people with developmental disabilities that offers more freedom, choice, and control over their services and supports. It allows participants to direct their own care through a person-centered planning process, using an individual budget to purchase services from a wider range of community providers rather than being limited to traditional regional center services. Key components include person-centered planning, an individual budget, and the option to hire an independent facilitator to help navigate the process.
How it Works
Person-Centered Planning:
Participants work with their chosen circle of support to create a plan that identifies their goals and needs.
Individual Budget:
A budget is allocated to the participant, who then decides how to use it to purchase services and supports that meet their Individual Program Plan (IPP) goals.
Service & Provider Choice:
Participants have the flexibility to choose their own providers from the community, not just those offered by the regional center.
Independent Facilitator:
An independent facilitator can be hired to assist participants with the person-centered planning process, budgeting, and service coordination.
Financial Management:
A Financial Management Services provider manages the individual budget, ensuring the funds are used appropriately
Who is this for:
Individuals who are eligible for services from a California Regional Center.
CCS
CA child services DHCS refers to the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), which manages the state's California Children's Services (CCS) program, a statewide initiative providing specialized medical services and case management for children under 21 with serious chronic health conditions or physical limitations.DHCS also oversees Medi-Cal for Kids & Teens (the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit), ensuring children covered by Medi-Cal receive comprehensive health services, including preventive care, mental health, and dental care.
website to learn more about CCS
🏛️ State Disability Insurance (SDI)
Provides short-term wage replacement for eligible workers who can't work due to non-work-related illness, injury, pregnancy, or childbirth.
Also includes Paid Family Leave (PFL) to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child. 🔗 Learn more
🧭 California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)
Offers vocational rehabilitation, job training, and employment support for individuals with disabilities.
Helps people prepare for, obtain, and retain meaningful employment. 📞 1-916-324-1313 🔗 DOR Website
📚More Local & State Resources , Services or Programs.
🆘 Disability Help Center
Specializes in helping individuals apply for and navigate Social Security Disability benefits, appeals, and legal support.
🏢 San Diego Regional Center
One of California’s 21 Regional Centers, offering lifelong services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. They offer a wide range of services including day programs, employment support, and independent living skills for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. once you are eligible for RC you will have a Service Coordinator assigned to your case to help you get services and supports for the individual. Our Mission To serve and empower persons with developmental disabilities and their families to achieve their goals with community partners. They serve the counties of San Diego and imperial county.
💼 Able Disabled Advocacy Inc
Focuses on vocational training, employment readiness, and advocacy for youth and adults with disabilities.
📚 Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego
Provides a comprehensive directory of local services, events, and support groups for families raising children with special needs.
California Department of Social Services
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is a state agency that provides essential support to some of California’s most vulnerable residents. Its mission is to serve, protect, and empower individuals and families experiencing need—especially those facing systemic barriers to well-being. Link to learn more
California Department of Developmental Disabilities Services
The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the state agency responsible for coordinating services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its mission is to help people live full, independent lives in their communities by providing access to personalized, high-quality care.
Core Services
Early Start Program: Offers early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or at risk of disability
Regional Center Oversight: DDS partners with 21 nonprofit Regional Centers across California to deliver direct services like case management, assessments, and individualized planning
Self-Determination Program: Empowers individuals to choose their own services and supports using a person-centered planning process
State-Operated Facilities: Oversees developmental centers and community-based homes for individuals with complex needs California Department of developmental Services
Department of Healthcare Services
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the state agency responsible for administering Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, which provides health coverage to millions of low-income residents. DHCS plays a central role in maintaining the state’s health care safety net and is one of the largest health care purchasers in California.
Link to learn more about services and Med-ical
Together We Grow
Our state of the art facilities offer an environment that fosters self-esteem, yet challenges each child to reach his or her full potential. Children learn to empathize with those who are different and to accept others who often face similar challenges.
It’s full staffed with RNS, LVNS , CNA & infant and preschool teachers .Our care team includes Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who work alongside the nurses and teachers to assist and enhance the child’s stay at Together We Grow. They have two locations in CA one in San Diego and one in Vista which is in North County.
Funding: They are a vendor of the San Diego Regional Center and are now accepting SDP Clients. ( talk with the Case manager at either location)
Our nurses provide skilled nursing care to medically fragile children from 6 weeks to 22 years of age, and young adults over age 22. Every medically fragile child will have a plan of care developed by the RN Case Manager and signed by the child’s Primary Care Physician. Examples of nursing care would include medication administration, respiratory treatments including oxygen use, trach care, enteral (gastric tube) feedings, and seizure monitoring.
Our centers provide overnight weekend care for enrolled medically fragile children on selected weekends throughout the year. Children may attend from Friday through Sunday. Overnight weekend care provides parents/guardians with the opportunity to temporarily rest from their role as primary caregiver.
Our centers provide a caring and nurturing environment for medically fragile children from age 6 weeks up and over 22 years of age. Any young adult age 22 or older must have attended Together We Grow before the age of 22. There are certain medical requirements to qualify for care as a medically fragile child. These include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:
Medication administration, either oral, enteral or inhalation
Enteral (gastric tube) nutrition
Respiratory treatment, which may involve oxygen administration or suctioning
Tracheotomy care and suctioning
Transitional Care Unit Program
Our centers provide care for medically fragile young adults aged 22 and over, who have attended a Pediatric Day Health Center (such as Together We Grow) before the age of 22. Our adult day program provides an option for parents who are seeking care for their young adult when they are no longer public school eligible. The day program is ideal for young adults who need more skilled nursing care than can be provided in a usual adult day program. There is a curriculum plan for each center, carried out by dedicated teachers. Although self-sufficiency may not be a realistic goal for our young adults, it is what helps guide the development of the daily routine. Medically fragile young adults must have attended a Pediatric Day Health Center (such as Together We Grow) before the age of 22. The young adults also have the option of attending the Weekend Program, being included in the fun activities.
Website to learn more about this resource/program & Center.
They offer many different types of services and programs for those who are medically fragile and need skilled nursing level of care.
Autism Society of San Diego
The Autism Society San Diego County is a non-profit organization which originated in 1966 as the National Society of Autistic Children. It served to unite and inform parents on new revelations concerning intervention therapy. Today, the Autism Society San Diego serves as the voice and resource of the San Diego autism community. The Society members include autistic individuals and their parents, relatives, friends, advocates, caregivers, medical professionals and educators throughout San Diego County and beyond.Our Board of Directors has, throughout its extensive history, been comprised of a diverse mix of both autistic individuals and their family members as well as experts in the field of autism and business community professionals. Every Board Member, regardless of background or position, serve the Society on a volunteer basis. The organization maintains a small staff and an Executive Director to guide the organization.As an affiliate of the national organization, the Autism Society of America, we share in their mission of improving the lives of all affected by autism by promoting meaningful participation and self-determination for autistic individuals and their families. We work diligently to ensure we support and amplify the voices of autistic individuals within our organization and throughout our community. For autistic individuals in need we offer extensive financial support for our programs and membership.Our programs and outreach include:
Support Groups for parents, caregivers, and autistic adults
Community Resources and Referrals
Camp I CAN, Surf Camp, AWARE Camp, and Family Camp
Aquatic Programs including swim lessons and monthly pool parties
Special Events including Splash for Cash, Lights! Camera! Autism!, Golf Classic & Celebrity Dinner, Beers & Cheers for Autism, etc.
Monthly Newsletters
Grants and Scholarships
Social Media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Together we have a voice; we hope you’ll share your voice by joining the Autism Society San Diego community!
Conservatorship
Limited conservatorships are for adults with developmental disabilities who cannot fully care for themselves or their finances. Conservatees in limited conservatorships do not need the higher level of care that conservatees in general conservatorships need.
website to get more Information about conservatorship
There is also some information to contact a attorney of your own choice to help with the process or you can go to the San Diego Legal Aide Society that has a free clinic to help with your case if you are in need of any legal help. It’s recommended that you start this process for the individual that has disabilities at least around their 17th birthday or at least 6 months before they are turning 18. The process itself can take a long time so make sure its going to be in effect when the child turns 18. This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance, please consult a qualified attorney or legal professional.”
Timeline & checklist for conservatorship
Packet for Limited Conservatorship
Supported Decision making option
if you don’t want to go the route of Conservatorship. Supported decision-making (SDM) is an empowering alternative to conservatorship that allows individuals with disabilities to make their own choices with help from trusted supporters — rather than having someone else make decisions for them.
Coordinated Family Support Service
CFS is a new service option specifically designed for adults who are 18 years and older who:
Choose to live in their family home
Are served by a regional center
CFS provides assistance with the coordination of services and supports that allow adults to continue living in their family home such as:
Developing skills in the home
Coordinating & getting services delivered, including help with “generic services”
Helping people access their community
CFS providers will prepare a service plan designed to help reduce or remove barriers to staying in the family home, address challenges and meet goals. Services will be provided in a manner that respects the language & culture of individuals and their families, and services will be tailored, individualized, and flexible to meet the changing needs and preferences of individuals.