California’s parenting website

California’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides a directory to help you or a loved one find a regional center in your area. These centers are designed to help connect people with the services and support they need.

To receive services from the DDS, a person must have a disability that begins before the person’s 18th birthday. Eligibility is determined through diagnosis and an assessment is performed by your local regional center.

Infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 36 months) who are at risk of having developmental disabilities or who already have developmental delays may also qualify for DDS services. To learn specific eligibility requirements, visit the DDS website listed above.

The Disability Rights of California (DRC) is a protection and advocacy agency aimed at providing services and support to children and families with disabilities. Through outreach, education, and policy making, the DRC works to empower people to self-advocate for themselves and to make legal changes to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities.

California’s Early Start program is an early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities, along with their families.

To determine eligibility, an assessment is completed at your local regional center. To find a center near you, visit the DDS website.

The Family Resource Centers Network of California (FRCNCA) supports families of children with disabilities, special healthcare needs, and children at risk by ensuring the quality of parent-directed family resource centers in your community.

If you have a child with a developmental delay or disability, contact the FRCNCA through their helpline number; they will connect you to your local early start family resource center.

The California Department of Education provides a list of California agencies providing resources and support for families of children with disabilities.

The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) is a public health practice and resource center for people with disabilities.

The NCHPAD works to increase the participation of people with disabilities in physical activities such as fitness, swimming, and recreational sports programs by providing referrals, consultation services, and trainings for disability and non-disability service providers.