Resources & Education
Links and resources for patients, families, and providers
The following sections contain helpful links and information about funding sources, adaptive shoes and clothing, advocacy services, and adaptive recreation and sports.
Learn about upcoming events, conferences and camps.
Adaptive shoe and clothing recommendations
Shoes to accommodate braces
- See Kai Run Adaptive collection (children)
- Also available at Zappos
- BILLY Footwear (sneakers and boots for children and adults)
- Also available at Zappos
- Piedro Therapy shoes and boots (children)
- Friendly shoes (children and adults)
- Also available at Amazon
- Zappos AFO-friendly shoes (lots of children’s styles, a few adult styles)
- Ikiki shoes (toddlers)
- SureStep shoes (children)
- Stride Rite AFO-friendly collection (children)
Easy on/off shoes
- Nike EasyOn (children and adults)
- Zappos Adaptive (easy on/off sneakers and sandals for children and adults)
- New Balance alternate closure shoes (children)
- See Kai Run Adaptive collection (children)
- Target (infants and children)
- SpoonieThreads (tube care and port access clothing for infants, children, and adults)
- Special Kids Company (tube and port access clothing for children and adults)
- French Toast (adaptive school uniforms)
- JCPenny Adaptive (children)
- Tommy Hilfiger (children and adults)
State-funded Resources
Access to therapies, equipment, medical treatment and case management
Early Start (birth - 3 years):
The Early Start (ES) program is California’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or at risk for having a developmental disability and their families.
- Information packets:
- Contact information:
- Phone: 800-515-BABY
- Email: [email protected]
- HOW TO APPLY:
- Contact your Regional Center (Map)
- Anyone can refer your child to a Regional Center, including you
Children 3-17 and Adults
To be eligible for services, a person must have a disability that begins before the individual’s 18th birthday that is expected to continue indefinitely and present a substantial disability. Qualifying conditions include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and other disabling conditions.
- HOW TO APPLY:
- Contact your Regional Center (Map)
- Anyone can make a referral to a Regional Center, including you
Children and young adults, birth - age 21
The CCS program provides diagnostic and treatment services, medical case management, and physical and occupational therapy services to children under age 21 with CCS-eligible medical conditions. Examples of CCS-eligible conditions include, but are not limited to, chronic medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, cerebral palsy, heart disease, cancer, traumatic injuries, and infectious diseases producing major sequelae.
- Fill out the CCS application
- Submit to your county CCS office
Adaptive Sports and Recreation
PlayLA Adaptive Sports
Multiple Los Angeles locations
Free swimming, equestrian, volleyball, archery, tennis, JUDO, surfing, basketball, soccer, and skateboarding classes
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (310) 202-2803
Website: PlayLA Adaptive SportsAngel City Sports
Multiple Los Angeles locations
Free adaptive sports and recreation events for youth and adults: swimming, functional fitness, golf, track and field, air rifle, and more
Adaptive sports camps
Angel City Games: adaptive sports festival (Summer 2025)
Contact: [email protected]
Website: Angel City SportsSoCal Adaptive Sports
Riverside County
Free and low-cost adaptive sports and recreation events for youth and adults: golf, bowling, hiking, archery, and many more
Adaptive sports after school programs
Contact: [email protected]
Website: SoCal Adaptive SportsPlaymakers
Long Beach
Adaptive baseball and basketball leagues, dance lessons
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (562) 689-5939
Website: PlaymakersIsla Vista Community Services District
Santa Barbara
Accessible recreation and adaptive fitness, including cycling, golf, kayaking, yoga, and wheelchair sports
Contact: (805) 569-8999 x82101
Website: Isla Vista Community Services DistrictKEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now)
Downtown Los Angeles
Free accessible physical activities and fun: basketball, swimming, dance, art, and more
Virtual library of physical activities to participate in at home
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (213) 276-1777
Website: KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now)SoCal Trykers
Assisting people in obtaining Amtryke adaptive tricycles to encourage mobility and independence
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (714) 356-4475
Website: SoCalTrykersCasa Colina Progress After Therapy
Independent fitness programs (Pool and Land) – initial evaluation and development of an exercise program, followed by open access to the gym or pool during opening hours. Participants may work out independently or with the help of a family member/caregiver
- For those who are unable to use the equipment independently and do not have someone to assist them, rehabilitation aides are available for an additional fee
Location: Pomona, CA
Contact: (909) 596-7733, ext. 3500
Website: Casa Colina Fitness After TherapyC.O.R.E (Center of Restorative Exercise)
Inclusive fitness facility with specialized equipment
Location: Northridge, CA
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (818) 718-2673
Website: C.O.R.E (Center of Restorative Exercise)Staying Driven
Inclusive virtual group fitness classes
Location: Zoom
Website: Staying DrivenAdaptFit
Inclusive group fitness classes and yoga
Location: Los Alamitos, CA
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (562) 794-9330
Website: AdaptFitPlanet Fitness
Most locations now have adaptive exercise equipment, including hand cycles and adaptive ellipticals. We recommend calling your preferred location to confirm!
Website: Planet Fitness
ZOOZ Fitness
Personal training, group workouts, and virtual sessions for kids, teens, and adults
Vendored through North LA County and Westside Regional Centers
Location: Woodland Hills, CA and virtual
Contact: (818) 646-6914
Website: ZOOZ FitnessCrossFit 1904
Adaptive strength and conditioning classes
Location: San Diego, CA
Contact: (619) 693-6784
Website: CrossFit 1904The Adaptive Athlete
Group fitness, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, dance
Location: Upland, CA
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (909) 931-2764
Website: The Adaptive AthleteW.O.W. Fitness and Wellness
Wheelchair fitness classes and personal trainers
Virtual classes available
Contact: [email protected]
Website: W.O.W. Fitness and WellnessTOPSoccer CalSouth
A community-based recreational program specifically designed to help athletes with physical and mental disabilities participate in soccer
Main website: TOPSoccer CalSouth
Multiple Locations:
- Los Angeles County
- Riverside/San Bernadino Counties
- Orange County
- Ventura County
- San Diego County
A Walk on Water
Free surf therapy events
We welcome Athletes of any disability or need to experience life-changing AWOW Surf Therapy
Location: Multiple locations in Southern California
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (424) 334-1773
Website: A Walk on WaterMighty Under Dogs
A dedicated team of surfers who understand and share the healing powers of ocean therapy
Location: Malibu
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (310) 579-5093
Website: Mighty Under DogsLife Rolls On
Free adaptive sport events: surfing, skating, and fishing
Location: Multiple locations in Southern California
For more information: fill out the contact form for the event you’re interested in or call (424) 272-1992
Website: Life Rolls OnTHERAsurf
Free surf therapy events
Location: Multiple locations in Southern California
Contact: [email protected]
Website: THERAsurfWaves4All
Free adaptive surfing sessions and adaptive sailing
Location: San Diego, CA
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (858) 531-0442
Website: Waves4AllUnited States Adaptive Recreation Center
Adaptive skiing, snowboarding, and sit-ski lessons
Location: Big Bear, CA
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (909) 584-0269
Website: USARCPlayLA Adaptive Swim Lessons
Group lessons for ages 4+
Location: Los Angeles County
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (310) 202-2803
Website: PlayLA swim lessons
For more information: PlayLA English flyer, PlayLA Spanish flyerAngel City Sports
Monthly adaptive swim lessons
Location: Studio City
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (424) 286-4227
Website: Angel City adaptive swimmingOne with the Water
Special needs swim lessons for children and adults; Westside Regional Center vendor
Location: Culver City, Burbank, Los Angeles, Laguna Niguel, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara
Phone: (323) 364-7946
Website: One with the WaterSNAP with Stepping Stones
Adaptive swim lessons and aquatic therapy
Location: Ventura County
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (805) 557-8540
Website: SNAP with Stepping StonesWaterworks Aquatics
Adaptive swimming lessons
Location: Multiple Los Angeles and Orange County Locations
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (562) 794-9330
Website: Waterworks AquaticsSwim SCAAPE
Swim lessons and swim therapy for all abilities; Westside Regional Center funding and scholarships may be available
Location: Culver City, Inglewood, Santa Monica, and Reseda, CA
Phone: (323) 622-9468
Website: SwimSCAAPEPools of Hope
Swim lessons, aquatic wellness programs, and aquatic therapy for children and adults of all abilities
Location: Long Beach, CA
Phone: (310) 537-2224
Website: Pools of Hope
Patient and family support, education, and advocacy
For more than 40 years, DRC has worked to advance the rights of Californians with disabilities in education, employment, housing, independence, health, and safety, and has grown into the largest disability rights organization in the nation.
We work in litigation, legal representation, advocacy services, investigations, public policy, and provide information, advice, referral, and community outreach.
Programs aim to promote equality and end discrimination. Advocacy, representation, and support is available in the areas of education, employment, civil rights, healthcare, housing, regional center services, mental health, voting, and criminal justice.
Phone: 1-800-776-5746
Website: Disability Rights California
Inclusive Sol is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and equitable access for families of children with disabilities, serving as a resource and advocacy hub for those navigating the challenges of cerebral palsy
Website: Inclusive Sol
United Cerebral Palsy was founded in 1949. Today, our network of affiliates in the United States and Canada provide a wide range of services annually to more than 154,000 children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
These services include information and resource referral, advocacy, research, educational instruction, home- and community-based services, early intervention therapies, job coaching, integrated employment support, recreational opportunities, and community-based residential programs.
We are committed to the belief that all people with disabilities should be treated as equal members of an inclusive society.
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 872-5827
Website: United Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Alliance is a ground-breaking, global centre of expertise for cerebral palsy services and support, research, technology and innovation, and advocacy based in Australia. Our alliance of great minds work together to deliver a world of opportunity for people with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities, and their families.
Contact: [email protected]
Website: Cerebral Palsy Alliance
The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization that defines and addresses Moments of Impact – the times at which interventions and insights, if properly implemented, have the power to change lives.
Our Collaborative Networks bring together many of the country’s most prestigious medical institutions, as well as innovative thinkers in diverse areas such as technology and media, in order to accelerate not only the development of critical advances, but also their delivery.
While our work of course includes important strides being made toward the eventual prevention of cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities, our focus is on the translational research, clinical application and knowledge transfer that can dramatically change lives today.
Phone: (212) 520-1686
Website: Cerebral Palsy Foundation
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is established by state and federal law as an independent state agency to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and supports they need.
Consumers know best what supports and services they need to live independently and to actively participate in their communities. Through advocacy, capacity building and systemic change, SCDD works to achieve a consumer and family-based system of individualized services, supports, and other assistance.
The Council advocates, promotes and implements policies and practices that achieve self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all aspects of community life for Californians with developmental disabilities and their families.
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (916) 263-7919
The DRLC's Civil Rights Litigation Program provides holistic legal assistance to people with disabilities and invests in otherwise neglected communities by advocating for equality, inclusion, and access. These cases aim to create systemic changes that benefit the entire disability community by reshaping attitudes, challenging perceptions, and influencing future policies, procedures, and structures to effect positive change for people with disabilities nationwide.
DRLC’s cases and work within the Civil Rights Litigation Program address the following issues: Education access; pedestrian rights of way; health and safety for incarcerated people; reasonable modifications to state and government policies and practices; translation services in hospital settings; effective communication in public services; housing access; criminalization of the unhoused; service animals; children in foster care; voting rights; access to benefits; and juvenile justice.
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (213) 736-1031
Website: Disability Rights Legal Center
Educational Resources
The Help Group is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits dedicated to serving children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse, and emotional challenges.
This non-profit offers nine specialized schools for children with learning differences, as well as adult transitional programs. Additional resources and programs include mental health support, parent support groups, therapies, and clubs and activities.
Location: six campuses across the LA area
Phone: (818) 781-0360
Website: The Help Group
Programs and events to help parents navigate the special education system
Phone: (323) 221-6696
Website: Fiesta Educativa
Social and Community Activities
Adrian's Place is a community hub for teens and young adults to come together, share and spend time with friends. Offering dance, social skills, sports, cooking, and arts classes, as well as camps and events
Location: Santa Monica
Contact: (310) 581-8101
Website: Adrian's Place
Friendship Circle exists to bring friendship and inclusion to children and young adults with special needs through a variety of social, recreational and educational programs and offers support and respite to their families.
Social, sports, dance, and arts activities for children, adults, and their families.
Location: Newport Beach
Phone: 949-721-9800
Email: [email protected]
Website: Friendship Circle