Resources & Education
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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(Link is external) (children)
- Also available at Zappos(Link is external)
- BILLY Footwear(Link is external) (sneakers and boots for children and adults)
- Also available at Zappos(Link is external)
- Piedro Therapy shoes and boots(Link is external) (children)
- Friendly shoes(Link is external) (children and adults)
- Also available at Amazon(Link is external)
- Zappos AFO-friendly shoes(Link is external) (lots of children’s styles, a few adult styles)
- Ikiki shoes(Link is external) (toddlers)
- SureStep shoes(Link is external) (children)
- Stride Rite(Link is external) AFO-friendly collection (children)
Easy on/off shoes
- Nike EasyOn(Link is external) (children and adults)
- Zappos Adaptive(Link is external) (easy on/off sneakers and sandals for children and adults)
- New Balance alternate closure shoes(Link is external) (children)
- See Kai Run Adaptive collection(Link is external) (children)
- Target(Link is external) (infants and children)
- SpoonieThreads(Link is external) (tube care and port access clothing for infants, children, and adults)
- Special Kids Company(Link is external) (tube and port access clothing for children and adults)
- French Toast(Link is external) (adaptive school uniforms)
- JCPenny Adaptive(Link is external) (children)
- Tommy Hilfiger(Link is external) (children and adults)
State-funded Resources
Access to therapies, equipment, medical treatment and case management
Early Start (birth - 3 years)(Link is external):
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: earlystart@dds.ca.gov
- HOW TO APPLY:
- Contact your Regional Center(Link is external) (Map)(Link downloads document)
- Anyone can refer your child to a Regional Center, including you
Children 3-17 and Adults(Link is external)
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(Link is external) (Map)(Link downloads document)
- 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.
Program overview(Link is external)
HOW TO APPLY(Link is external):
- Fill out the CCS application
- Submit to your county CCS office(Link is external)
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: rap-adaptivesports@lacity.org
Phone: (310) 202-2803
Website: PlayLA Adaptive Sports(Link is external)Angel 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(Link is external): adaptive sports festival (Summer 2025)
Contact: info@angelcitygames.org
Website: Angel City Sports(Link is external)SoCal 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: info@socaladaptivesports.org
Website: SoCal Adaptive Sports(Link is external)Playmakers
Long Beach
Adaptive baseball and basketball leagues, dance lessons
Contact: info@letsbeplaymakers.org
Phone: (562) 689-5939
Website: Playmakers(Link is external)Isla 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 District(Link is external)KEEN (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: info@keenlosangeles.org (Link opens in new window)
Phone: (213) 276-1777
Website: KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now)(Link is external)
(Link sends email) (Link opens in new window)SoCal Trykers
Assisting people in obtaining Amtryke adaptive tricycles to encourage mobility and independence
Contact: SoCalTrykers@gmail.com
Phone: (714) 356-4475
Website: SoCalTrykers(Link is external)Casa 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(Link opens phone app), ext. 3500
Website: Casa Colina Fitness After Therapy(Link is external)C.O.R.E (Center of Restorative Exercise)
Inclusive fitness facility with specialized equipment
Location: Northridge, CA
Contact: centerofrestorativeexercise@gmail.com
Phone: (818) 718-2673
Website: C.O.R.E (Center of Restorative Exercise)(Link is external)Staying Driven
Inclusive virtual group fitness classes
Location: Zoom
Website: Staying Driven(Link is external)AdaptFit
Inclusive group fitness classes and yoga
Location: Los Alamitos, CA
Contact: info@adaptfitlife.com
Phone: (562) 794-9330
Website: AdaptFit(Link is external)Planet 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(Link is external)
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 Fitness(Link is external)CrossFit 1904
Adaptive strength and conditioning classes
Location: San Diego, CA
Contact: (619) 693-6784
Website: CrossFit 1904(Link is external)The Adaptive Athlete
Group fitness, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, dance
Location: Upland, CA
Contact: adaptiveathlete@icloud.com
Phone: (909) 931-2764
Website: The Adaptive Athlete(Link is external)W.O.W. Fitness and Wellness
Wheelchair fitness classes and personal trainers
Virtual classes available
Contact: wowwondersonwheels@gmail.com
Website: W.O.W. Fitness and Wellness(Link is external)TOPSoccer CalSouth
A community-based recreational program specifically designed to help athletes with physical and mental disabilities participate in soccer
Main website: TOPSoccer CalSouth(Link is external)
Multiple Locations:
- Los Angeles County
- Riverside/San Bernadino Counties
- Orange County
- Ventura County(Link is external)
- 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: info@awalkonwater.org
Phone: (424) 334-1773
Website: A Walk on Water(Link is external)Mighty Under Dogs
A dedicated team of surfers who understand and share the healing powers of ocean therapy
Location: Malibu
Contact: info@mightyunderdogs.org
Phone: (310) 579-5093
Website: Mighty Under Dogs(Link is external)Life 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 On(Link is external)THERAsurf
Free surf therapy events
Location: Multiple locations in Southern California
Contact: info@therasurf.org
Website: THERAsurf(Link is external)Waves4All
Free adaptive surfing sessions and adaptive sailing
Location: San Diego, CA
Contact: waves4allsurf@gmail.com
Phone: (858) 531-0442
Website: Waves4All(Link is external)United States Adaptive Recreation Center
Adaptive skiing, snowboarding, and sit-ski lessons
Location: Big Bear, CA
Contact: info@adaptfitlife.com
Phone: (909) 584-0269
Website: USARC(Link is external)PlayLA Adaptive Swim Lessons
Group lessons for ages 4+
Location: Los Angeles County
Contact: citywide.aquatics@lacity.org
Phone: (310) 202-2803
Website: PlayLA swim lessons(Link is external)
For more information: PlayLA English flyer(Link downloads document), PlayLA Spanish flyer(Link downloads document)Angel City Sports
Monthly adaptive swim lessons
Location: Studio City
Contact: info@angelcitygames.org
Phone: (424) 286-4227
Website: Angel City adaptive swimming(Link is external)One 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 Water(Link is external)SNAP with Stepping Stones
Adaptive swim lessons and aquatic therapy
Location: Ventura County
Contact: SNAPaquatics@gmail.com
Phone: (805) 557-8540(Link opens phone app)
Website: SNAP with Stepping Stones(Link is external)Waterworks Aquatics
Adaptive swimming lessons
Location: Multiple Los Angeles and Orange County Locations
Contact: info@adaptfitlife.com
Phone: (562) 794-9330
Website: Waterworks Aquatics(Link is external)Swim 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: SwimSCAAPE(Link is external)Pools 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(Link is external)
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
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(Link is external)
The UCLA Tarjan Center is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). We are one of 67 federally designated UCEDDs across the country. These centers are authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and funded by the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD), part of the Administration on Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
We serve as a bridge between the resources of the university and local, state, and international organizations, agencies, policy makers, people with disabilities and their families.
Contact: TarjanCenter@mednet.ucla.edu
Website: Tarjan Center for Developmental Disabilities(Link is external)
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: info@ucp.org
Phone: (800) 872-5827
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: ask@cerebralpalsy.org.au
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
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: council@scdd.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 263-7919
Websites: State Council on Developmental Disabilities(Link is external)
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: DRLC@theDRLC.org
Phone: (213) 736-1031
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(Link is external)
Programs and events to help parents navigate the special education system
Phone: (323) 221-6696
Website: Fiesta Educativa(Link is external)
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(Link is external)
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: info@friendshipoc.org
Website: Friendship Circle(Link is external)