At Friendship Circle San Diego, we believe every individual deserves to feel supported, included, and empowered. Whether you're a parent seeking guidance, a teen eager to make an impact, or a community member hoping to learn more, these resources are here for you.
Below you'll find a curated collection of local and national tools to support individuals with special needs and their families, promote inclusive Jewish education, and empower volunteers and educators in creating a more connected community.
Please select the from the categories below for the type of resource you may be searching for:
Family Support & Special Needs Services
Accessible Transportation Services
Respite & Child Care Resources
Disability Inclusion & Advocacy
Jewish Financial & Community Support
Inclusive Jewish & General Education
Help Us Grow This Resource Hub
💛 Family Support & Special Needs Services
Navigating life with a loved one who has special needs can feel overwhelming. We’re here to walk beside you with trusted services and expert guidance to help your family thrive.
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ARC of San Diego
Offers personalized services, vocational training, and community programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
🔗 arc-sd.com -
Disability Advice – Child Disability Support
Helpful information for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, including legal rights, education, care options, and more.
🔗 disabilityadvice.org/child-disability -
Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC)
A parent-led organization offering advocacy, education, and support for families raising children with disabilities.
🔗 efrconline.org -
Gigi’s Playhouse San Diego
Free educational, therapeutic, and career-building programs for individuals with Down Syndrome.
🔗 gigisplayhouse.org/sandiego -
Parent Center Hub – Find Your Center
A national network connecting families with local disability support centers for education, advocacy, and resources.
🔗 parentcenterhub.org -
San Diego Regional Center
Provides essential services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including diagnosis, intervention, and long-term care planning.
🔗 sdrc.org -
Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego
A comprehensive resource hub connecting families with services, support groups, and educational tools.
🔗 specialneedsresourcefoundationofsandiego.com
🚗 Accessible Transportation Services
Safe and reliable transportation is key to independence. These services provide accessible transit solutions for individuals with disabilities and older adults.
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Facilitated Access to Coordinated Transportation (FACT)
Offers low-cost and free ride programs for individuals with disabilities and seniors in San Diego.
🔗 factsd.org -
On the Go by Jewish Family Service
Provides transportation solutions for older adults, including individual rides, shuttles, and group trips.
🔗 jfssd.org/on-the-go -
Transfinder – Inclusive Transportation Guide
A resource for parents and schools on making school transportation safe and inclusive for all students.
🔗 transfinder.com
🏡 Respite & Child Care Resources
Caring for a child with special needs requires a strong support system. These services offer therapy, childcare, and respite care.
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ABA Therapy – Guide to Red & Green Flags
Learn how to evaluate Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy options for your child.
🔗 beaminghealth.com -
ACES ABA Therapy
A trusted provider of ABA therapy, offering in-home and center-based support.
🔗 acesaba.com -
Child Care San Diego
A directory of childcare providers, including special needs-friendly options.
🔗 childcaresandiego.com -
Child Development Associates (CDA)
Provides early childhood education and financial assistance for childcare services.
🔗 cdasd.org -
YMCA Special Needs Care
Offers inclusive childcare services and family resources for children with disabilities.
🔗 ymcasd.org
💡 Disability Inclusion & Advocacy
Fostering inclusion begins with education. These organizations and individuals lead the way in shifting mindsets and making the world more accessible.
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Ruderman Family Foundation
Champions inclusion in Jewish life and beyond, advocating for accessibility and equal opportunity.
🔗 rudermanfoundation.org -
RespectAbility
A national nonprofit combatting stigma and expanding possibilities for people with disabilities.
🔗 respectability.org -
Brandon Farbstein
An inspiring Gen Z speaker and advocate sharing his journey to promote empathy, resilience, and belonging.
🔗 brandonfarbstein.com
🏦 Jewish Financial & Community Support
These organizations help Jewish individuals and families with financial assistance, community programs, and donated goods.
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Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Provides transportation for older adults, food assistance, parent advocacy, financial aid, housing support, mental health services, and senior care.
🔗 jfssd.org -
Jewish Federation of San Diego
Provides financial resources, grants, and community support for Jewish San Diegans.
🔗 jewishinsandiego.org -
Jewish Community Center (JCC)
Offers Jewish cultural, educational, and recreational programs and services.
🔗 lfjcc.org -
Kindness Initiative
Provides financial aid and emergency resources for Jewish individuals in need.
🔗 kindnesssd.org -
Jewish Gift Closet/Gemach
Offers donated clothing, games, toys, and furniture to those in need.
🔗 sandiegogmach.com
🏫 Inclusive Jewish & General Education
Learning should be accessible to all. These resources support Jewish education, college planning, and inclusive learning.
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PJ Library
Free monthly Jewish children’s books delivered to your home, inspiring connection to tradition and values.
🔗 pjlibrary.org -
Matan
Empowers Jewish educators with tools, strategies, and professional development to support diverse learners.
🔗 matankids.org -
Gateways: Access to Jewish Education
Provides inclusive curricula, visual aids, and educator resources for accessible Jewish learning.
🔗 jgateways.org -
Shalom Learning – Jewish Special Education Resources
Offers curriculum adaptations, online learning tools, and best practices for inclusive Jewish education.
🔗 shalomlearning.org -
College Planning Guide for Students with Disabilities
A helpful guide covering college accessibility services, accommodations, and self-advocacy tips.
🔗 intelligent.com
📬 Help Us Grow This Resource Hub
Do you know a great resource we should include? Are you interested in partnering with us? We’re always looking to expand and improve this hub.