Our team has complied a list of commonly used community resources to help you address your specific desires. Check out these great resources available to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities!
Commonly Accessed Services:
In Home Supportive Services: Medi-Cal funded personal care and cleaning services available to clients with developmental or physical disabilities (IHSS).
Personal Assistance Services Council: A registry of qualified and experienced personal care providers funded by IHSS.
Social Security Income: Government issued supplemental income that may be available based on a diminished capacity to perform regular work duties.
Access Transportation: An inexpensive door-to-door transportation service for people whose intellectual or physical disability prevents them from driving. An Access card also allows you to ride most Los Angeles buses for free!
Metro Reduced-Fare Tap Pass: Did you know if you are a student, have a disability, or are a senior citizen you are eligible for a reduced fare bus pass? Check out this link for your specific application.
Section 8/HUD Housing: Affordable housing that may be available based on income requirements.
H.O.M.E. Housing: A not-for-profit organization in West Los Angeles that offers affordable housing options specifically for people with developmental disabilities.
Educational and Vocational Services & Opportunities:
Community College Disabled Student Programs & Services: West LA College and Santa Monica City College offer wonderful resources to students with disabilities working on educational goals. Talk with an Independence Plus specialist to learn how to navigate the college system.
Volunteer Opportunities: Looking to volunteer? Try the Amanda Foundation, Lange Foundation, NKLA Animal Shelter, or Star Eco Station! We have had great experiences working with these agencies and appreciate their friendly and inclusive attitudes.
We are pleased to work collaboratively with the Ballona Creek Renaissance cleaning and beautifying the Culver City/Los Angeles area. Come join us at the next creek clean up!
Social Opportunities:
Best Buddies: Best Buddies provides a free friendship matching service for people with disabilities to be matched with typical young adults who can help expand the person’s social circle and opportunities. In order to participate, you must be affiliated with a high school or college that partners with Best Buddies. Click the Best Buddies link to access the new member application, or contact your chapter head to inquire about acceptance.
Dance For All: a therapeutic movement program for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. The program offers yoga and dance classes, as well as performance opportunities in Santa Monica and its surrounding communities.
Special Olympics: A well known not-for-profit organization that coordinates athletic competitions and social opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Check out our friends at the Westside Special Olympics!
Advocacy groups offered through the Regional Center: A social group hosted by Westside Regional Center clients to discuss social and personal issues and develop meaningful relationships.
Summer Events: Los Angeles is home to several great weekly summer events. Our two favorite events are Eat/See/Hear and The Twilight Concerts on the Santa Monica Pier. We hope to see you there!
Cool Cats Comics: Do you love comics and anime? Have you ever thought about learning to draw or sharpening your skills? If so, bring a sketch pad and pencils to Cool Cats Comics on Pico Blvd. for free drawing lessons. The guys here are great. You can drop in any time, set up your materials, and get drawing! Of course, it’s polite to buy a comic while you are there.
Check our Facebook page for additional weekly opportunities!
