September 11, 2024
August 12, 2024
Facebook Groups for Family Caregivers
It can be difficult to navigate the challenges of raising a child with a disability. Sometimes parents and caregivers simply need a place to connect with other families who truly understand and can offer valuable...
July 30, 2024
Treating Epilepsy: Diverse ways people live with seizures
A seizure can be a terrifying experience. We all have a seizure threshold, so anyone can have one. It's nothing to be ashamed of. One in 10 people experience a seizure at some point in their...
July 15, 2024
All-Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair 2024
This year’s All-Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair was the best one to date! We loved meeting all the wonderful families from our community and were amazed at the depth of services the resource...Sports Are for Everyone: Inclusive and special programs in San Diego
There is one simple thing that could change the life of a child or adult with disabilities: Adding a sport to their routine. Athletic programs for people with developmental and physical disabilities have become easier...
June 17, 2024
San Diego Summer Fun
As you’re looking for fun activities to do with your family in San Diego this summer, we’d love to direct you to the plethora of recreation resources in our annual publication, Flourishing Families. With over...
April 23, 2024
Local attractions offer accommodations to kids with disabilities and their caregivers
Many San Diego parks, museums and attractions offer accommodations for families with disabilities. These local spots have amenities such as companion passes, early entry, discounted admission, sensory features and social stories. Visit each website for...
April 15, 2024
Thank You for Joining Us at the All-Inclusive Day of Play: Starry Night Cinema & Resource Fair!
A sincere thank you to all our guests and vendors who joined us for the All-Inclusive Day of Play: Starry Night Cinema & Resource Fair! Your presence made the event truly special and we are...
March 14, 2024
Flourishing Families 2024
Welcome to the 15th annual edition of Flourishing Families, San Diego County’s premier resource guide for families and caregivers of children and adults with special needs. In this year's publication, we're thrilled to offer more...
March 11, 2024
Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Night Fundraiser
We had an absolute blast at this year's Movie Night Fundraiser, featuring the warrior dragon Kung Fu Panda! Our Movie Night Experience transcended the ordinary movie outing. It was a grand celebration where guests were...
February 29, 2024
Helpful Apps for People with Epilepsy
Apps designed specifically for epilepsy can be powerful tools—and many are free. There are apps that log seizures, keep a journal, send medication reminders and more. All of these features can be beneficial to caregivers...
February 23, 2024
ShopAble: Support Business Owners with Disabilities
Purchasing products and services from business owners with disabilities or chronic medical conditions allows them to achieve independence and self-reliance. It also encourages inclusion and people having agency in our community. The more “able” we...
November 28, 2023
Support business owners with disabilities by purchasing gifts for the holidays
As you plan your holiday shopping this year, consider supporting local ShopAble businesses while buying meaningful gifts with purpose. Each of the artisans featured below is a local business owner with a disability or chronic medical...
November 21, 2023
Kid-tested, Parent-approved Toys for Kids of All Abilities
When you have a child with special needs, it's not always easy to find toys and activities that are engaging, accessible and age-appropriate. We’re excited to share these toys and activities that were reviewed by...
October 4, 2023
Halloween Help for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Halloween, with its costumes, parties, and spooky decorations, is a joyous occasion for most children. However, for those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), the festivities can become overwhelming. Children with SPD interpret sensory inputs in...
September 22, 2023
Keeping the Faith
Families with special needs often count on faith communities to be safe spaces of acceptance and connection, but sometimes the struggle for inclusion feels so challenging that they walk away from congregations where true acceptance...
July 18, 2023
An Amazing Inclusive Event Day of Play 2023
We had so much fun hosting this year's All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair! We hung out with amazing families and wonderful resource providers. Thanks to everyone for making this day meaningful and...
June 27, 2023
Self-Determination in Three Easy Steps
If you’ve heard about the benefits of self-determination, but feel overwhelmed by the enrollment process, don’t panic. While enrollment does, indeed, require several steps, you’ll only need to initiate three of them on your own....
June 2, 2023
Time to Get Social: How and where to build community
Social groups are an excellent way for young people to build community and self-confidence. There is great joy in meeting regularly with those who share special interests. Of course, it can be challenging to find...
May 8, 2023
“Out of this World” Movie Night Fundraiser!
We had so much fun hosting this year’s movie night fundraiser! Thank you to all the guests, who came out in support of the event. All event proceeds will go to helping families with special...
April 12, 2023
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Movie Night Fundraiser
Join the Special Needs Resource Foundation for an in-person, Movie Night Fundraiser on Saturday May 6, 6pm at UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley– Hazard Center. Our Movie Night Experiences offer much more than simply seeing a blockbuster movie....
March 20, 2023
Disneyland’s Mickey’s Toontown An Inclusive and Accessible Redesign
As part of Disney100 anniversary celebration, Mickey's Toontown has been reimagined with more activities and attractions than ever before and open spaces for relaxation with an inclusive feel. The entire town is now curb-free and...
March 13, 2023
New 2023 Flourishing Families Available
We are excited to present the 14th annual edition of Flourishing Families, San Diego County’s most comprehensive resource guide for families and caregivers of children and young adults with special needs. This year the publication contains...
December 5, 2022
ShopAble Holiday Gift Guide 2022
The Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego is excited to present a group of talented, local artisans with disabilities who create a variety of products perfect for gift giving this holiday season. Introducing San Diego’s...
November 18, 2022
Useful Products for Families with Special Needs
Experts in the special needs community—local parents (with children of varying ages) and therapists (physical, ABA, occupational and speech therapists) reviewed the awesome products below, each of which have adaptable features. You’ll find comfortable clothing...
November 3, 2022
Big Al’s Best: Toffee-maker builds community through entrepreneurship
Alex Jaeger is the easygoing 30-year-old behind Big Al’s Best—a toffee and greeting card business he operates alongside his mother, Joanna. Alex has Autism and Type 1 Diabetes. “His goal in life is to be a...
October 3, 2022
Balancing the Brain and Body: Support total child health using Polyvagal Theory
Mental health has long been thought of as secondary in overall child wellness, and we often hold people more accountable for mental health diagnoses than those with disease of the kidney or heart. However, the...
September 6, 2022
San Diego Gives 2022
You already know the importance of eating and shopping local—now join the movement to GIVE locally. San Diego Gives is shining a light on the tremendous work of nonprofits throughout the county in a 24-hour...
August 15, 2022
Mobile version of ShopAble Holiday Gift Guide 2022
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July 26, 2022
Tell Me More: How to support alternative communicators
Luke has a unique genetic condition and a happy disposition. He will talk to anyone who shows interest and has time to chat. When Luke was a toddler, expressing his needs was challenging, so mom...
July 18, 2022
Fantastic Time at the All Inclusive Day of Play 2022
We had so much fun hosting our 5th annual All Inclusive Day of Play Event! Thanks to all the families and organizations who were able to join us at the event! We were able to...
July 5, 2022
All the Things I Did Wrong
I often wish I could hit the rewind button on my special needs parenting journey, which is why I love helping families with children who are newly diagnosed. It’s an amazing opportunity to offer perspective...
June 27, 2022
Fun at the All Inclusive Read 3×3 Event 2022
We had so much fun hosting our fourth annual All Inclusive READ 3x3 Literacy Event. Families from around the county joined us for book readings and crafts from 3 local authors, Pam Fong, Marcie Colleen,...
June 1, 2022
All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair 2022
It’s one of our favorite days of the year—and all activities and resources are free and open to the public! Kids of all abilities will love this event brought to you by the Special Needs...
May 23, 2022
Accessible Media Arts Training
Training in media arts—including audio and video production, digital photography, and coding—can offer exciting new avenues for creative expression. Heidi Tulcan, MT-BC is a board-certified music therapist who works with podcasting students through Able ARTS...
May 20, 2022
All-Inclusive READ 3X3 Literacy Event
Join the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego for our FREE, in-person event on Saturday, June 25 from 10 am-12 noon at the San Diego Central Library – 330 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101. Three authors,...
April 18, 2022
Fantastic Movie Night Experience
We had so much fun hosting this year's movie night fundraiser! Thank you to all the guests, who came out in support of the event. All event proceeds will go to helping families with special...
April 8, 2022
Resources for Transition to Adulthood
We've added a new section to Flourishing Families, which is dedicated to the transition to adulthood. You’ll find organizations, resources and groups in San Diego County that support youth and young adults on the road to independence. Discover...
April 4, 2022
Choosing Camps for Children with Special Needs
As summer camp season is upon us, we are looking for camps that serve both of our boys, one with a genetic anomaly. We’ve learned a lot by trial and error. Here are key factors...
March 22, 2022
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore Movie Night Fundraiser
See the blockbuster movie, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore while raising money to help families with special needs! Join our nonprofit for this year’s, in-person Movie Night experience on Saturday April 16, 6pm at UltraStar Cinemas...
March 9, 2022
New 2022 Flourishing Families Available
We are excited to present the 13th annual publication of Flourishing Families, San Diego’s most comprehensive resource guide for families and caregivers of children and young adults with special needs. Discover more than 1,300 resources to help parents...
December 20, 2021
An Amazing Movie Night for Families
We had so much fun hosting this year's movie night fundraiser! Thank you to all the guests, who came out in support of the event. All event proceeds will go to helping families with special...
November 28, 2021
Our Movie Night Experience is Sold Out!
Our Movie Night Experience is now sold out. Thank you to all of our amazing guests who purchased tickets for our Movie Night Fundraiser, Spider-Man No Way Home. You can still make a difference this season...
November 10, 2021
ShopAble for the Holiday Season
The holidays are upon us and this is the year of the Maker! Before you purchase holiday decor, tableware and gifts for loved ones, we’d like to introduce you to a group of talented artisans with...
October 27, 2021
Special Needs Resource Foundation received honors at the 48th Annual San Diego Press Club “Excellence in Journalism” Awards.
The Special Needs Resource Foundation won 3 Excellence in Journalism Awards at the 48th Annual San Diego Press Club event. Our annual publication, Flourishing Families, received 2nd place in the Special Interest/One-Time Publications category and our Flourishing Families cover won an Honorable...
October 18, 2021
A Very Big Thank You to the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities!
Thank you Foundation for Developmental Disabilities for awarding SNRFSD a generous grant which will be used to help increase resources in our annual Flourishing Families publication. These funds will also be used to support our...
October 7, 2021
Rebuilding Trust After Big Blunders
Imagine arriving at school to pick up your child from the curb where he waits every day with an aide, but he's not there. Or, picture your reaction if you discovered that the carefully crafted...
September 27, 2021
Fun at the All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair 2021
It was wonderful seeing families in-person at our All Inclusive Day of Play Event! We had a great time hosting! This event allowed us to provide information for families covering services and resources available from...
August 19, 2021
Emily Dolton wins the Tony Gwynn Award for inspiring young minds!
Congratulations to our Resource Specialist Emily Dolton, who was recently honored with the Tony Gwynn Award for inspiring young minds, thanks to the Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation! Emily was nominated by the Islamic Center of San Diego...
August 6, 2021
All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource 2021
We are VERY excited to announce our, in-person 2021 All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair. It will be held on Saturday, September 25 from 10am-1pm at the Park de la Cruz Recreation Center...Imperial Valley parents create programs for kids with disabilities
Jackie Riddell’s son Killian safely played in the recreational baseball program for as long as he could. His needs were greater than those of his peers, so Jackie knew he needed something different. As part...
August 5, 2021
Thanks to The Country Friends!
The Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego would like to thank The Country Friends for their generous charitable grant of $8,000. Support from The Country Friends will help us move forward with our mission...
July 28, 2021
Fun at the 2021 All-Inclusive READ 3 x 3 Literacy Event
Thanks to all who joined us for the All-Inclusive READ 3 x 3 Literacy Event. We had a great time spending time with everyone! A big shout out to the authors, Doreen Cronin, Author, Alex...
July 25, 2021
We Have a Diagnosis: Now What?
The 4-1-1 on common therapies Receiving a primary diagnosis is not always the light at the end of the tunnel. Faced with an odyssey of interventions and therapies, parents can become overwhelmed, navigating which route...
June 30, 2021
How Kids Benefit from Self-Determination
What would it mean for people with disabilities if they could decide, with their family support system, what to do with funds provided through the San Diego Regional Center? For participants in the three-year-phase-in-period of...
June 1, 2021
Tax Planning for Families with Special Needs
It’s a good time to start planning ahead to minimize taxes for 2021 and beyond. A key consideration for those caring for loved ones with special needs are the tax advantages associated with accounts such...
March 22, 2021
10 Tax Tips for Families with Special Needs
As if tax season isn’t already an overwhelming task for families caring for loved ones with special needs, 2020 ushered in a unique set of changes and challenges. To help lend clarity to the chaos,...
March 14, 2021
New 2021 Issue of Flourishing Families Available
We are excited to present our 12th annual publication of Flourishing Families, the resource guide for parents who have children with special needs. There are 1,200 resources to help families find services in San Diego...
March 2, 2021
Adaptive Programs Offer Exciting Adventures for Kids with Disabilities
Adaptive sports have been a huge thrill for homeschool senior Ben Lou of Poway. Lou was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at age one. This rare genetic disease affects motor neurons in the spine,...
January 28, 2021
How to Prepare for a Child’s Hospital Stay
In the past 14 years, Alex has had more visits to the hospital than to his local park. Alex’s odyssey resulted in a diagnosis of a rare, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder NEDAMSS or IRF2BPL related disorder....IEP Self-Advocacy
Attending an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting can seem daunting, especially if there is disagreement with an aspect of the program or services. Parents are a child’s best and most knowledgeable advocate, but self-advocacy requires...
January 13, 2021
Strong, Disabled Voices: Middle grade books featuring characters with disabilities
Books for Littles is an online curated list of children’s books that features strong, empowered and diverse voices. In their website post, The Uhura Test: Making Space for Peers and Equals, they establish a simple...
January 4, 2021
Tooth Smarts: Early Preventative Care Improves Smiles for Kids with Disabilities
Parents might not think it’s imperative to be concerned about dental care before a child has teeth, but that simply isn’t true. Since the mouth is where most bacteria enter the body, tooth decay can...
November 3, 2020
Three Excellence in Journalism Awards Received from the San Diego Press Club
YES, we did it again! The Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego won three outstanding awards at the 47th Annual San Diego Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards. Our annual publication, Flourishing Families, once again received a 3rd place...
October 12, 2020
Success at the All Inclusive Day of Play Drive-Thru Event 2020
We had a great time hosting the All Inclusive Day of Play Drive-Thru Event! We were able to combine efforts from many local organizations to help families find needed resources and create unique family memories...
October 9, 2020
All Inclusive Day of Play Craft Projects for Children of All Abilities
https://youtu.be/JiHorIKSoiU
September 18, 2020
All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair Interactive Drive-Thru Event!
The Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego is hosting our 3rd annual All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair. This Interactive Drive-Thru event is FREE for families this fall! On Sunday, October 11...
September 12, 2020
Vendor Resources: All Inclusive Day Of Play Drive-thru Event
The Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego is hosting our 3rd annual All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair. Here's a resource list of vendors who will be attending this year's event. Anna...
September 11, 2020
All-Inclusive Virtual READ 3X3 Literacy Event Success
Thanks for joining us at the 2nd annual All-Inclusive READ 3 x 3 Literacy Event hosted by the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego. We had a great time working with local authors, Henry...
July 29, 2020
San Diego Union-Tribune’s “Someone San Diego Should Know” – Emily Dolton
Our resource specialist Emily Dolton was recently featured in San Diego Union-Tribune's "Someone San Diego Should Know" column. Emily has been instrumental in the development of the Special Needs Resource Foundation and our annual Flourishing Families resource guide, available for...
July 2, 2020
Superhero Sensory Sidewalk Course
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_OCa2qqaZo Create a Superhero-Themed Obstacle Course Who doesn’t love an old-fashioned obstacle course? San Diego artist Emily Dolton created an amazing superhero-themed course with sidewalk chalk and toys to inspire families to make their own....
June 1, 2020
Music Moves Us: The Buzz on Local Musician Steph Johnson
Two years ago, Steph Johnson and Brady Grinnell were on the cover of Flourishing Families, our annual publication featuring resources and articles for parents of children with special needs. Brady has Autism and was featured...
May 28, 2020
Programs that Offer Faith-Based Support
When Amanda Coleman responded to a friend’s invitation to visit a faith-based program for families with special needs, she didn’t know what to expect. Coleman, who doesn’t consider herself religious, recognized the importance of finding...
April 16, 2020
Home Learning Resources for Kids with Special Needs
Families are facing unprecedented challenges in the wake of shelter-in-place guidelines. As teachers rally to support caregivers for in-home learning, parents also face the task of setting up homes and schedules to manage students’ educational...
February 28, 2020
Inclusion Films Produces the Award-Winning Film, Carol of the Bells
Inclusion Films—dedicated to training filmmakers who have developmental disabilities—celebrated a huge win at the San Diego International Film Festival in October 2019. The organization’s first feature-length project Carol of the Bells earned the festival’s coveted...
February 12, 2020
How to Safeguard Children with Special Needs from Bullying
When young Cody joined the peer inclusion preschool at his neighborhood public school, he fit in from the start. His class was a mix of neurotypical “peer mentors” and children with disabilities, including students like...
January 6, 2020
Success at the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Movie Fundraiser
We had so much fun hosting this year's movie fundraiser! Thank you to all the guests, who came out in support of the event. All event proceeds will go to helping families with special needs....The How and Why of Self-Care for Caregivers
Many caregivers live with chronic stress—the kind that gnaws at mental and physical health. It can lead to burnout, fatigue and strained relationships. Parenting a child with special needs can be all-consuming, but caregivers who...
December 5, 2019
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Movie Fundraiser
Join the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego on December 20, 7 pm at UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley for the celebration of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker movie fundraiser! Watch the video from...
November 19, 2019
Improv on the Spectrum
by Anne Malinoski I recently had the privilege of meeting with local nonprofit Unscripted Learning to observe their popular youth improv class. Like many teens I know, the students were quirky, comical and utterly delighted...
November 5, 2019
Success! Beyond the Diagnostic Label – Facilitating Communication and Interaction
Thank you for joining the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego for our first speaker series topic: Beyond the Diagnostic Label – Facilitating Communication and Interaction presented by Karyn Lewis Searcy, M.A. CCC-SLP Karyn discussed...
November 1, 2019
Book Reviews for Families with Special Needs
Kids of all abilities have similar experiences, how they manage the process can be different and require more care. We've reviewed several books for kids with special needs and the parents and professionals working with...
October 25, 2019
Student Athletes Prove Life on Wheels Has No Boundaries
Meet Riley Phelps A single look at Riley Phelps’ activity schedule is exhausting. Whether she’s hitting the slopes in Mammoth with Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (with brother Evan snowboarding by her side), surfing the waves...
October 21, 2019
Free Speaker Event for Parents: Beyond the Diagnostic Label – Facilitating Communication and Interaction
Join us, the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego, as we present our first speaker series topic: Beyond the Diagnostic Label – Facilitating Communication and Interaction presented by Karyn Lewis Searcy, M.A. CCC-SLP Karyn Searcy, clinical...
October 2, 2019
5 Great Apps for Kids with Special Needs
If you’re a parent or caregiver of kids with special needs, you may be familiar with apps that help kids learn to navigate social situations. Here are five that specifically help with communication, understanding emotions,...
August 15, 2019
Success at the All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair!
We had so much fun at the 2019 All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNJrPQxBkdg We were able to combine efforts from many local organizations to help families find needed resources and create wonderful...Success at the All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair!
We had so much fun at the 2019 All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNJrPQxBkdg We were able to combine efforts from many local organizations to help families find needed resources and create wonderful...
July 12, 2019
Thank you for donating!
The Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego's purpose is to help parents and advocates in the special needs community overcome challenges of the family’s journey by bringing to ether people, information and resources. We accomplish...
June 24, 2019
A Beginners Guide to Respite Care
Caregiving is the ultimate act of love, but sometimes the most loving thing to do is take a break. Respite care can provide occasional time away for caregivers to focus on their mental health and...
June 12, 2019
Thank you New York Life for your volunteer support!
We love working with companies that volunteer! A big Thank You to the crew at New York Life - San Diego for helping us with craft prep-work for our All Inclusive READ 3 x 3 Literacy event...
June 4, 2019
Benefits, Risks and Limitations of Genetic Testing
People consider genetic testing for many reasons, such as having a child with special needs, having a family history of a disorder, planning for pregnancy or simple curiosity. Here is important information to consider if...
May 15, 2019
Top Colleges for Adaptive Sports Programs
California’s adaptive sports programs continue to grow at the high school and college levels. Changes are especially positive for youth who aspire to college-level adapted athletics or simply want to follow an exceptional adapted team....
May 9, 2019
Thank you Las Patronas!
Thank you to Las Patronas for selecting the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego for a 2019 Spring Minor Beneficiary grant. Las Patronas is a philanthropic organization with a long history of giving. Since...
May 2, 2019
A Big Thank You to The UPS Store
The Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego is thrilled to announce we have received a grant from #TheUPSFoundation. This grant will enable us to continue to pursue our mission of helping parents and advocates...
April 25, 2019
Finding the Right Balance
Ringing in the ears. Motion sickness. Unsteady walking. Difficulty focusing. If your child has these symptoms, you may be struggling to make sense of them. Fortunately, there’s a place that can help. It is estimated...
April 15, 2019
All Inclusive Literacy Event
Join us downtown on Saturday, June 22 from 10am-1pm at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common, Binford I CAN, Too! for the All Inclusive READ 3x3 Literacy Event: 3 Authors,...
April 1, 2019
All Inclusive Day of Play and Resource Fair
Each year the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego hosts an All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair! Families from around the county are invited to celebrate the last day of summer and...
March 6, 2019
Special Needs Camps Give Kids a Chance to Shine
Kim Kelly attended a special needs overnight camp for the first time at age 6. Before then her mom wanted to keep her close because Kim has hearing loss and orthopedic limitations. "My daughter needed...
February 8, 2019