In my last blog, I talked about "Finding the Right Support for your Child with Disabilities". Since that blog, I've been asked by a few of you for examples of agencies in Southern California that help kids with disabilities.
Here are a few of the agencies with which I've either had personal experience, or whom others have shared with me.
Tichenor Clinic for Children Tichenor Clinic maximizes children’s abilities by providing access to therapy & parent support. Their therapeutic programs are free of charge. Tichenor Clinic exists so that families who most need it can access quality care to help their children thrive.
Regional Centers: These centers serve as the entry point for accessing services for individuals with developmental disabilities. There are 21 regional centers in California, and they can provide assistance with diagnosis, case management, and access to services.
AbilityFirst: AbilityFirst is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of services to individuals with disabilities, including job training, recreational programs, and independent living services. They have several locations throughout Southern California.
Easterseals Southern California: Easterseals provides a wide range of services to individuals with disabilities, including early intervention services, assistive technology, and employment and training programs.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles: This hospital provides a comprehensive range of services for children with special needs, including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
The Help Group: The Help Group is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of services for children and young adults with special needs, including education, therapy, and vocational training.
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD): CARD provides services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Exceptional Children's Foundation: This nonprofit organization provides a variety of services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including early intervention programs, vocational training, and community integration programs.
United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles: UCP of Los Angeles provides a variety of services to individuals with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities, including early intervention services, assistive technology, and independent living programs.
Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center: This center provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Los Angeles County, including case management, service coordination, and access to services.
Speech and Language Development Center: This center provides services for children with speech and language disorders, including assessment, therapy, and educational programs.
California Children's Services: CCS is a State program for children with certain diseases or health problems. Through this program, children up to 21 years old can get the health care and services they need. CCS will connect you with doctors and trained health care people who know how to care for your child with special health care needs
In conclusion, there are many avenues that you can explore for support for your child. This is not an exhaustive list by any means. Don't be afraid to talk to other families who may have already worked with these or other organizations to understand what they experienced. Always do your research.
Links for some of these resources can be found on the Family Resources page of Playmakers website. Visit this page often as we will resources as our families share their experiences with us. https://www.letsbeplaymakers.org/family-resources
While there are many good organizations out there to support you, your child, and your family, remember you are your child's best advocate.
With warm regards,
Ron Krajniak
Board Chair, Playmakers