Public Resources Overview

The internet can be a wonderful place, especially when it comes to finding free resources and programs that are a good fit for your child. Below we've compiled a list of various organizations that serve a multitude of purposes. We hope some of these links will offer you information and other resources in your home area.

Arch National Respite Network — The mission of the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center is to assist and promote the development of quality respite and crisis care programs in the United States; to help families locate respite and crisis care services in their communities; and to serve as a strong voice for respite in all forums.

Autism Society of Los Angeles — To improve the lives of all affected by autism in Los Angeles County by empowering individuals with autism, their families, and professionals through advocacy, education, support, and community collaboration. 

Autism Speaks — Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support.

BenefitsCal — This site connects you to applications for Medi-Cal, County Medical Services Program (CMSP), CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps) and California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) benefits in California. 

Brain Injury Association of America — To advance awareness, research, treatment, and education and to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury.

California Department of Education — The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world.

California Department of Rehabilitation — The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is an employment and independent living resource for people with disabilities.

Cerebral Palsy Guidance - Cerebral Palsy Guidance was created to provide answers and assistance to parents of children with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy Guide — Cerebral Palsy Guide provides free educational materials, financial options, and support to help those affected by cerebral palsy.

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) — CHADD is a national non-profit organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADHD. 

College Planning Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities — In this extensive planning guide, intelligent.com gives you the tools you need to be successful in understanding the college environment for students with learning disabilities as well as your rights and potential accommodations.

COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates) — COPAA’s mission is to protect and enforce the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families. 

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation — The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment, and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care.

Disability Rights California (DRC) — Disability Rights California advocates, educates, investigates, and litigates to advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, and choices for all people with disabilities.

DMV — How to Apply for a Disabled Persons Placard or License Plate.

Family Caregiver Alliance — Their mission is to improve the quality of life for caregivers and those they care for through information, services, and advocacy.

Family Resource Centers Network of California — Their mission is to support families of children with disabilities, special healthcare needs, and those at risk by ensuring the continuance, expansion, promotion and quality of family-centered, parent-directed, family resource centers.

Foothill Autism Alliance (FAA) — A nonprofit, all-volunteer organization of parents, professionals, and care-givers dedicated to providing education, resources, and support to the autism community. Learn more here.

Free Grants for Veterans — This site offers free detailed information on grants for veterans. The site claims these grants are given away for free and do not have to be repaid. Grants listed on this site are not available exclusively to veterans, so there are many opportunities that all Californians can take advantage of here.

Grants for Seniors - They are volunteers working on this website to guide seniors and retirees when they need help. That help subjects may be categorized as financial help, health care, help with rent, housing assistance, food, clothing assistance, trasnportation assistance and daily life needs.

Holton's Heroes — Holton's Heroes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides support, information, and therapy tools for children and their families affected by a post-birth brain injury.

IEP Binder Set-Up — The wonderful people at understood.org put together this great video and instructions on how to prepare a rock solid IEP Binder. This binder will keep all necessary forms, paperwork, and notes for your first and future IEP meetings for your child.

IHSS Connect — This platform connects residents of California to caregivers that help them and their loved-ones remain safely at home due to age or impairment. ⭐️

International Dyslexia Association — To create a future for all individuals who struggle with dyslexia and other related reading differences so that they may have richer, more robust lives and access to the tools and resources they need.

The Ken Project — Committed to helping families and professionals expand their knowledge and understanding of the laws designed to protect the rights of children with special needs. 

Live Another Day — Live Another Day was created in early 2021 as a response to the unprecedented increase in substance abuse, mental illness, and deaths resulting from the pandemic. We’re a small, tight-knit group of business professionals and clinicians who have invested thousands of hours towards creating a truly one-of-a-kind recovery resource.

Medi-Cal Acronyms and Abbreviations Glossary

Medi-Cal Aid Codes Master Chart — The aid codes in this chart are meant to assist providers in identifying the types of services for which Medi-Cal and Public Health Program recipients are eligible.

Mesothelioma Help Now — Request a free mesothelioma guide for seniors recently diagnosed.

National Association of School Pyschologists (NASP) —  The world's largest organization of school psychologists, NASP works to advance effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior, and mental health. Our vision is that all children and youth thrive in school, at home, and throughout life. 

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders and is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Their mission is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society — Their vision is simple: A world free of MS. They aim to allow people affected by MS to live their best lives as they stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.

New Mouth - Developmental Disabilities and Oral Health

Nursing Career Guide for People With Disabilities - For people with disabilities, getting into nursing might seem like a tough road with a lot of unknowns. Luckily, it isn’t just doable, people with different abilities can find the career extremely fulfilling.

Nursing Home Abuse — What is nursing home abuse?

RetireGuide.com — An estimated 34.2 million Americans provide unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older. If you’re a caregiver, it’s important to understand the coverage and benefits Medicare can offer you and your loved one.

Special Needs Trust Funds — Great info on how SNT's help disabled people keep their state and federal benefits, but it is important to make sure that you seek out good advice about how to set one up in order to avoid serious problems.

Sunshine Behavioral Health — A Parents’ Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

TASK — TASK’s mission is to educate and empower people with disabilities and their families. 

Testing - Your Health Matters - Their new resource helps inform seniors about which tests are covered by Medicare. They share a comprehensive list of Medicare-covered health tests and screenings as well as how to qualify, the test’s frequency, and any out-of-pocket costs.

Understood — Their goal is to help the millions of parents whose children, ages 3–20, are struggling with learning and attention issues. They want to empower them to understand their children’s issues and relate to their experiences. With this knowledge, parents can make effective choices that propel their children from simply coping to truly thriving.

United Cerebral Palsy (UPC) — United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a trusted resource for individuals with Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities and their networks.

Wrightslaw — Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys visit this site for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.

YourBenefitsNow! — YourBenefitsNow! is a website through the LA County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) for Los Angeles county residents to apply for and to view their benefits online. Currently, the site supports CalWORKs, CalFresh, General Relief and MediCal applications.