Who do I call first for disability services in San Diego County, California?

Start with early intervention (children under 3), your school district's special education office (ages 3–21), and California vocational rehabilitation for employment. This guide points to the right front door for San Diego County.

Is help available in Spanish in San Diego County?

Yes. This San Diego County guide includes Spanish-language support, and most California agencies provide interpretation on request.

What should I do in a disability-related crisis in San Diego County?

For an immediate emergency call 911. For mental health crisis support call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7. This page also lists local crisis resources where available.

Disability Services in San Diego County, California

A free, plain-language guide to disability services in San Diego County, California. Find who to call first for early intervention, special education, Medicaid waivers, transition planning, employment supports, and crisis help, with Spanish-language support. Always call to confirm details, which can change.

Services covered in San Diego County

Early intervention (under 3) and special education / IEPs (ages 3–21)
Medicaid waivers and home- and community-based services
Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment
Transition planning, guardianship, and benefits
Crisis support: 911 for emergencies, 988 for mental health crisis

Local organizations in San Diego County

Disability-related organizations on file with an address in San Diego County. Details change, so always call to confirm before you visit.

Access to Independence - Escondido ((619) 293-3500, Escondido)
Access to Independence - Mission Valley ((619) 293-3500, San Diego)
Project SEARCH — Legoland California (Carlsbad). One-year school-to-work transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted at
Project SEARCH — San Diego Zoo (San Diego). One-year school-to-work transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted at
Autism Services | San Diego - Chesapeake (San Diego). Easterseals affiliate — disability services (varies by location: early intervention, employment, day programs, respite).
The Arc of California. State chapter of The Arc — advocacy, family support, and connections to local chapters for people with intellectual and
Alvarado Parkway Institute — Outpatient Services/El Cajon (619-401-6236, El Cajon)
Bayview Behavioral Health Campus (619-426-6310, Chula Vista)
BOLD Health (555-667-8999, Encinitas)
Brightquest Treatment Centers (619-466-0547, La Mesa)
4080 Centre Administration (619-515-2300, San Diego)
Accounts Receivable (619-515-2300, Chula Vista)
Beach Area Family Health Center (619-515-2444, San Diego)
Beach Area Women's Health Center (619-515-2444, San Diego)
21iqinnovation (SAN DIEGO)
Aces 2020 Llc Dba: Aces Academy (SAN DIEGO)
Acton Academy San Diego East (EL CAJON)
America Huacheng School Inc (SAN DIEGO)
1st Place Community Initiatives (866-531-3328, SAN DIEGO). Adult day program
28th Street Detox Llc (754-368-1285, SAN DIEGO). Substance-use treatment
360 Caregivers Home Agency Llc (619-519-4902, SAN DIEGO). In-home support
365 Home Care (619-439-7289, SPRING VALLEY). Respite care
A Better Solution In Home Care (619-585-9011, SAN DIEGO)
Aba Home Care Inc (619-754-9500, LA MESA)

Statewide programs serving San Diego County

These serve every county in California, including San Diego County.

Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, UC Davis MIND Institute. University center on disabilities (UCEDD)
UCLA Tarjan Center. University center on disabilities (UCEDD)
USC UCEDD at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. University center on disabilities (UCEDD)
Disability Rights California (800-776-5746). Protection & Advocacy: free disability rights legal help
State Council on Developmental Disabilities ((916) 322-8481). State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Ability Tools ((800) 390-2699). State assistive technology program: device loans, demos & reuse

Other counties in California

Browse every county from the California disability resources portal, choose a different state on the state portals index, or read more about PathAble AI.