Vocational Training and Employment Options Resources in San Diego County

A Reason to Survive (ARTS)

Provides afterschool art education, internships with professional mentors, youth-led community development, counseling services and leadership training to build job skills for students with mental health challenges.

ACES, Inc. (Autism Comprehensive Ed Services)

Offers behavioral and educational services in the home, school, community and at the accredited ACES Academy.

Adjoin Catalysts

Provides vocational counseling, job placement, community-living skills training, residential support  and crisis intervention to individuals with disabilities.

Beacons North County

Postsecondary job seekers interested in employment or paid internship can improve skills through our innovative vocational workshops. Low ratio (10:3), outcome-driven curriculum, progress monitoring, and assistive technology help build employment pathways and skills. Funded by the SDRC for eligible consumers.

Community Interface Services

Nonprofit provides vocational training, job placement and coaching.

Department of Rehabilitation

Works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy for competitive employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities.

San Diego: 619-767-2100

La Mesa: 619-667-5649

Chula Vista: 619-426-8720

D’Vine Path

Comprehensive program for adults with Autism, developmental delays and/or learning disabilities providing vocational and life skills training in agriculture, hospitality and the arts.

Fred Finch Specialized Learning Center

Specialized treatment center, residential care and private school program serving ages 12–22 who have an intellectual disability and suffer from significant mental health challenges.

Living Independently is for Everyone

Assessment and day program for teens and adults with disabilities who want to be more involved in their community or enter the workforce. Services include independent living skills, hygiene, job readiness training and social skills training.

Options for All

Nonprofit organization that educates and empowers low-income adults with developmental disabilities with the skills and knowledge to achieve their optimum potential in life.

Paige’s Pantry

Fresh produce harvested and packaged by people with disabilities. Partnerships with community farms help eliminate food waste and give food security to families.

Pride Industries

Provides adults with disabilities who are ready, willing and able to work, the opportunity to find employment and independence through job placement and training under the supervision of job coaches.

Revision Creative Workspace

Nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide inclusive access to art, culture, social practice and environmental education through the framework of creative workspace. Builds artistic vocational skills for micro-business creation.

What’s Baking?

One-on-one culinary mentorship with an experienced professional baker. Instruction within the neurodiverse community, cultivating the exploration and skills needed to operate a food industry business.

Workability III: San Diego Community College District

Partnership between the SDCCD and the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). Program provides career counseling services to students with disabilities with the goal of obtaining and retaining employment.

Xcite Steps Adults

Helps individuals connect with employers who value their unique strengths. Provides personalized vocational assessment and job development training for transitioning teens, as well as Independent Living and Tailored Day Services.