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Braille and Talking Book Library: Assistive Technology Lending Program (800) 952-5666 Offers assistive technology devices free of charge that allow readers to use the Braille and Audio Reading Download Program to download books.
California Telephone Access Program (800) 806-1191 Provides free specialized phones and accessories to make it easier to hear, dial, and call.
Department of Rehabilitation - San Jose District Office (408) 277-1355 Resources, device loans, low and no cost devices.
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (408) 894-9041 Weekly peer support group
Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (650) 858-0202 Support groups for those who are new to vision loss
Operates two private schools, one in Palo Alto and the other in East San Jose, for students with learning disabilities. Enrollment is done through referrals from partnering school districts. Programs include special education, behavioral health, speech and language, and transition services.
Athena Academy (650) 543-4560 For students in grades 1-8 with dyslexia or twice exceptional (students with a high IQ who also struggle with learning).
A therapeutic day school for children in grades K-10 who struggle emotionally or behaviorally.
Palo Alto Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) Serves children and youth with special needs from preschool to postsecondary education in the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD). Offers programs, events, resources, and information on how to navigate special education in PAUSD.
AbilityPath (650) 259-8500 Individual and group placement, and job development.
California Department of Rehabilitation - San Jose District Office (408) 277-1355 Services include the Supported Employment Program, Career Counseling, and Information and Referral Services for Blind, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Disabled persons.
California State Employment Development Department (EDD) (916) 654-7799 Provides access to services so that all job seekers with disabilities receive equal employment opportunities.
Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA) (510) 343-6670 Provides deaf and hard of hearing job seekers information, resources, and tools to seek and maintain employment.
Goodwill of Silicon Valley Neurodivergent Pathways (408) 869-9265 Teaches essential personal and workplace skills for those with a two or four year degree and are underemployed or unemployed.
Works with clients to determine individualized housing plans and helps submit completed housing applications.
Parents and Advocates for Remarkable Children and Adults (PARCA) (650) 312-0730 Offers independent living residences, assisted living residences, and a weekend out-of-home respite care program.
AbilityPath (650) 259-8500
Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA) (510) 343-6670
Greater Opportunities for the Developmentally Disabled (408) 248-4464
Department of Rehabilitation: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (916) 558-5670 Services include interpreter services, audiologic and hearing aid assessments, and referrals to specialized agencies.
Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA): Interpreting Services (510) 722-7004 Provides affordable, qualified interpreters for on-site and video communication.
Deaf Services of Palo Alto request@dspa.org Provides interpretation services for corporate clients.
(510) 343-6670 Information and referral and advocacy services
Disability Rights California (800) 776-5746 Advocacy and Information on Legal Rights
For more parent resources visit the Child Development and Youth Special Needs page.
Parents Helping Parents (PHP) (408) 727-5775 Parenting skills development, support groups, workshops, and networking.
Partners and Advocates for Remarkable Children and Adults (PARCA) (650) 312-0730 Programs for youth and adults, support groups, and networking opportunities.
Palo Alto Adult School - Parenting and Family Classes (650) 329-3752 Offers classes in teaching students with autism, ADHD, and other educational areas.
Schwab Learning Center - Children’s Health Council (CHC) (650) 617-3800 Offers evaluations and assessments for suspected learning disabilities. Also provides parenting education and workshops.
San Andreas Regional Center (SARC): Santa Clara County Office (408) 374-9960 Service-coordination and free diagnostic evaluations for those living with learning disabilities.
AbilityPath (650) 259-8500 Speech and occupational therapy for youth (ages 0-22).
AbilityPath: Stroke and Brian Injury (650) 509-9530 Stroke and brain injury services; group and one-on-one sessions.
California Children’s Services (CCS), Santa Clara County Public Health (408) 793-6200 For youth (ages 0-21) with certain diseases/diagnosis. CCS has two parts, a Nurse Case Management Program (eligibility process, navigating health systems, referrals) and a Medical Therapy Program (occupational and physical therapy, durable medical equipment consultation).
B.O.K Ranch (650) 366-2265 Therapeutic horseback riding program in Woodside.
Catholic Charities Handicapables Program (408) 325-5257 Events for adults with disabilities, based in San Jose.
Easterseals Central California: Camp Harmon (831) 681-2166 An overnight summer camp in Boulder Creek for children with developmental and/or physical disabilities.
Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) (415) 474-7662 Offers white water rafting, cross-country skiing, and seas kayaking trips to people with disabilities and under-resourced youth. Based in San Francisco with trips in the Bay Area and throughout California.
Jewish Family and Children’s Services: Shupin Social Club (415) 449-3805 Offers group events for neurodiverse young adults, events are held in the San Francisco area.
Therapeutic horseback riding program in Woodside.
(650) 871-8402 A summer day camp in San Bruno for children with developmental disabilities.
(650) 278-1606 Offers recreational activities, services are based in Burlingame.
(831) 459-7210 Outdoor recreational activities, overnight camps, and arts activities for people with developmental and/or physical disabilities, based in Santa Cruz. Many activities are free or low-cost.
(925) 944-8801 Enriches the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through sports, education, and athlete health. Programs are at no cost to participants.
(207) 266-3544 Adaptive and therapeutic paddling program for veterans, active-duty military, and their families.
(408) 243-7861 Youth and adult summer camp programs.
(650) 858-0202 Social clubs and events for the blind and visually impaired, services in Palo Alto and San Jose.
(650) 947-8680 Therapeutic horseback riding program in Los Altos.