Who do I call first for disability services in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz County.

Is help available in Spanish in Santa Cruz County?

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

What should I do in a disability-related crisis in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz County, California

A free, plain-language guide to disability services in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz County

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

Central Coast Center for Independent Living - Branch Office ((831) 462-8720, Capitola)
Easterseals Central California, Central Valley Office, Camp Harmon (Boulder Creek). 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
NAMI Santa Cruz County
7th Avenue Center (831-476-1700, Santa Cruz)
Encompass Community Services — Youth Services (831-429-8350, Santa Cruz)
Opal Cliffs Residential Center (831-464-8694, Santa Cruz)
Cesar Chavez Sbhc (831-761-6125, Watsonville)
Clinica Del Valle Del Pajaro (831-728-8250, Watsonville)
Coral Street Recuperative Care Center (831-454-2080, Santa Cruz)
Csvs - Pajaro Clinic (831-728-2505, Royal Oaks)
Hawthorn Educational Arts & Technology Inc (BEN LOMOND)
Santa Cruz County Special Education (Santa Cruz)
The Bay School (SANTA CRUZ)
Abode Services (510-657-7409, SANTA CRUZ). Self-direction / supports brokerage
Abrite Llc (844-322-7483, SANTA CRUZ). Early intervention (birth–3)
Accessible Health Care Central Coast (831-566-9450, SANTA CRUZ). In-home support
Accuquest Hearing Center, Llc (831-454-8547, SANTA CRUZ). Hearing & speech services
Sutter Care At Home (831-479-6625, SANTA CRUZ)
Certified Care Transportation Llc (831-287-4765, APTOS). Medical & accessible transport
Community Bridges (831-688-9663, WATSONVILLE). Medical & accessible transport
Gg Bear Care Inc (657-356-6741, APTOS). Medical & accessible transport
Hearts Transportation Llc (831-840-3205, APTOS). Medical & accessible transport
Casa De Exito ((831) 469-1700, Watsonville)

Statewide programs serving Santa Cruz County

These serve every county in California, including Santa Cruz 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.