Resources for the Road Ahead
1. Regional Center — Services, Advocacy, and Self-Determination
In California, the Regional Center is the front door to lifelong developmental disability services — early intervention, respite, day programs, and adult supports. Knowing how the system works, what to ask for in your child’s Individual Program Plan (IPP), and how to advocate when a service is denied makes a real difference. These episodes help you get the most out of your Regional Center relationship.
“Regional Center Supports” with Wendy Dumlao
Disability-rights attorney Wendy Dumlao — who spent five years as the Clients’ Rights Advocate in San Diego before opening her own practice — explains how Regional Center services work, what families can ask for, and how to advocate when a service is reduced or denied.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Disability-rights attorney Wendy Dumlao — who spent five years as the Clients’ Rights Advocate in San Diego before opening her own practice — explains how Regional Center services work, what families can ask for, and how to advocate when a service is reduced or denied.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Self Determination” with Kasey Superstar
Kasey Howell (“Kasey Superstar”), a parent and professional, explains self-determination — one of the most-talked-about topics in the Regional Center world — and the values of choice, control, and voice that sit behind it.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube | Watch the earlier session
Kasey Howell (“Kasey Superstar”), a parent and professional, explains self-determination — one of the most-talked-about topics in the Regional Center world — and the values of choice, control, and voice that sit behind it.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube | Watch the earlier session
2. Education — IEPs, Parent Rights, and the School Years
The IEP (Individualized Education Program) is the legal backbone of your child’s school years — and, through transition planning, the on-ramp to adulthood. These episodes cover the IEP process, your rights as a parent, strength-based goals, working well with your school team, and staying organized all year long.
“IEP Supports” with Crystal Sanford
Crystal Sanford, M.Ed., M.A., CCC-SLP, walks through the annual IEP review process so you know what to expect and how to prepare before you sit down with the school team.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Crystal Sanford, M.Ed., M.A., CCC-SLP, walks through the annual IEP review process so you know what to expect and how to prepare before you sit down with the school team.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Creating a Strength-Based IEP” with Crystal Sanford
How to write IEP goals around what your child can do — not only their deficits — and why a strengths-first approach changes the whole conversation.
Watch on YouTube
How to write IEP goals around what your child can do — not only their deficits — and why a strengths-first approach changes the whole conversation.
Watch on YouTube
“Transition IEPs” with Crystal Sanford
Under IDEA, students must have an Individual Transition Plan (ITP) built into their IEP by age 16, tied to continuing education or training, employment, and independent living. Crystal breaks down what that means and how to advocate for a plan that reflects your child’s real goals.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Under IDEA, students must have an Individual Transition Plan (ITP) built into their IEP by age 16, tied to continuing education or training, employment, and independent living. Crystal breaks down what that means and how to advocate for a plan that reflects your child’s real goals.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Rights and Recommendations in the IEP Process” with Wendy Dumlao
Attorney Wendy Dumlao explains your rights as a parent in the IEP process and shares her practical recommendations for advocating effectively for your child.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Attorney Wendy Dumlao explains your rights as a parent in the IEP process and shares her practical recommendations for advocating effectively for your child.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Equipping and Empowering Parent Advocacy” with Dr. Sandy Robinson
An informative and heartfelt conversation about becoming a confident, effective advocate for your child in special education. (The YouTube session also features Alex Rodriguez.)
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
An informative and heartfelt conversation about becoming a confident, effective advocate for your child in special education. (The YouTube session also features Alex Rodriguez.)
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Kicking Off the School Year Organized” with Angela O’Brien
Systems and simple habits to start each school year organized — paperwork, schedules, and staying on top of everything your child’s education requires.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Systems and simple habits to start each school year organized — paperwork, schedules, and staying on top of everything your child’s education requires.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Organization for the Special Needs Family” with Angela O’Brien
A Parent Support Group session on keeping records, appointments, and household routines organized in a special needs home.
Watch on YouTube
A Parent Support Group session on keeping records, appointments, and household routines organized in a special needs home.
Watch on YouTube
3. IHSS, Medi-Cal, and SSI — Benefits and Medical Supports
IHSS, Medi-Cal, SSI, SSDI — public benefits can feel like alphabet soup. These programs can provide in-home care hours, health coverage, and monthly income for your loved one, but each one has its own rules, applications, and appeal process. These episodes explain how they work and how to advocate for the supports your family needs.
“IHSS & Medi-Cal Supports” with Wendy Dumlao
Wendy Dumlao — whose practice focuses on Regional Center, Social Security, Medi-Cal, IHSS, and special education advocacy — shares insights on Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for families.
Podcast episode (audio only)
Listen to the podcast
Wendy Dumlao — whose practice focuses on Regional Center, Social Security, Medi-Cal, IHSS, and special education advocacy — shares insights on Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for families.
Podcast episode (audio only)
Listen to the podcast
“SSI Supports” with Wendy Dumlao
Wendy explains Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — what it is, who qualifies, and how it interacts with the other supports families are juggling.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube | Watch the Parent Support Group session
Wendy explains Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — what it is, who qualifies, and how it interacts with the other supports families are juggling.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube | Watch the Parent Support Group session
“Supplemental Security Income (SSI) & Employment” with Aleyda Toruno
Aleyda Toruno, a Work Incentives Associate with 20+ years of disability advocacy, answers the question families ask constantly: can someone receive SSI and still work?
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Aleyda Toruno, a Work Incentives Associate with 20+ years of disability advocacy, answers the question families ask constantly: can someone receive SSI and still work?
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Advocacy and Fundraising for Medical Families” with Abby Zachritz
“Advocacy Abby,” a mother of five including a son with a disability, shares practical tools for advocating for medical needs and raising funds to cover them.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Advocacy Abby,” a mother of five including a son with a disability, shares practical tools for advocating for medical needs and raising funds to cover them.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
4. Future Planning — Special Needs Trusts, Conservatorship, Insurance, and More
Benefits like SSI and Medi-Cal have strict asset limits, so a well-meaning inheritance can accidentally disqualify your child. And as your child nears 18, families face decisions about legal decision-making authority. These episodes cover special needs trusts, CalABLE accounts, conservatorship, insurance, financial planning, the Letter of Intent, and the long-range plan for your loved one’s life after you’re gone.
“Future Planning” with Wendy Smith
Wendy Smith has advocated for people with developmental disabilities for over 35 years and has run Life Planning workshops through Home of Guiding Hands since 2006. This episode opens our Future Planning series — residential options, respite, independent living, and how to start early.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Wendy Smith has advocated for people with developmental disabilities for over 35 years and has run Life Planning workshops through Home of Guiding Hands since 2006. This episode opens our Future Planning series — residential options, respite, independent living, and how to start early.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Life Planning for the Future” with Wendy Smith
A Parent Support Group session with Wendy Smith walking families through the full arc of life planning, from the school years into adulthood.
Watch on YouTube
A Parent Support Group session with Wendy Smith walking families through the full arc of life planning, from the school years into adulthood.
Watch on YouTube
“Special Needs Trust Explained” with Attorney S. Ivette Kuyateh
What a special needs trust is and why your child needs one; how a direct inheritance can disqualify your child from SSI and Medi-Cal; first-party, third-party, and pooled trusts; why naming a sibling to manage money is risky; plus guardianship, conservatorship, powers of attorney, and the Letter of Intent.
Watch on YouTube | Kuyateh Law Group
What a special needs trust is and why your child needs one; how a direct inheritance can disqualify your child from SSI and Medi-Cal; first-party, third-party, and pooled trusts; why naming a sibling to manage money is risky; plus guardianship, conservatorship, powers of attorney, and the Letter of Intent.
Watch on YouTube | Kuyateh Law Group
“Special Needs Trusts” with Elizabeth McCoy
Attorney Elizabeth McCoy, licensed in California since 1997 and focused on special needs trusts, conservatorship, and estate planning, explains how trusts protect eligibility while building long-term security.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Attorney Elizabeth McCoy, licensed in California since 1997 and focused on special needs trusts, conservatorship, and estate planning, explains how trusts protect eligibility while building long-term security.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Conservatorship” with Elizabeth McCoy
Conservatorship is a complicated topic. Elizabeth McCoy returns to help families understand what it is and how the process works as their child approaches adulthood.
Podcast episode (audio only)
Listen to the podcast
Conservatorship is a complicated topic. Elizabeth McCoy returns to help families understand what it is and how the process works as their child approaches adulthood.
Podcast episode (audio only)
Listen to the podcast
“CalABLE Accounts” with Kasey Superstar
CalABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without putting benefits like SSI and Medi-Cal at risk. Kasey explains how they work and why families should know about them.
Podcast episode (audio only)
Listen to the podcast
CalABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without putting benefits like SSI and Medi-Cal at risk. Kasey explains how they work and why families should know about them.
Podcast episode (audio only)
Listen to the podcast
“Financial Planning” with Amelia Wilson and Alex Ramirez
A Parent Support Group conversation on financial planning for families raising a loved one with special needs.
Watch on YouTube
A Parent Support Group conversation on financial planning for families raising a loved one with special needs.
Watch on YouTube
“Everything No One Tells You About” with Kelley Coleman
From IEP meetings to haggling with insurance companies over medical needs, Kelley Coleman shares the practical things no one tells parents of a child with a disability.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
From IEP meetings to haggling with insurance companies over medical needs, Kelley Coleman shares the practical things no one tells parents of a child with a disability.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“The Dani Plan” with Joel & Debbie Pearlman
After documenting their daughter Dani’s medications, schedules, and routines so others could step in if needed, Joel co-founded the Dani Plan — a tool that helps caregivers capture and hand off that information. A practical companion to the Letter of Intent.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
After documenting their daughter Dani’s medications, schedules, and routines so others could step in if needed, Joel co-founded the Dani Plan — a tool that helps caregivers capture and hand off that information. A practical companion to the Letter of Intent.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Creating Residential Opportunities” with Jess Ronne
Jess Ronne, founder of The Lucas Project, speaks to where and how your loved one will live and be supported in community after you are no longer providing daily care.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Jess Ronne, founder of The Lucas Project, speaks to where and how your loved one will live and be supported in community after you are no longer providing daily care.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
5. Employment and Life Post Transitions
Transition doesn’t end at graduation. Young adults with disabilities need a plan for meaningful work, ongoing benefits, community, and growing independence. These episodes look at employment and SSI, inclusive businesses creating real jobs, and the practical steps that support life after high school.
“Supplemental Security Income (SSI) & Employment” with Aleyda Toruno
Aleyda Toruno, a Work Incentives Associate with 20+ years of disability advocacy, answers the question families ask constantly: can someone receive SSI and still work?
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Aleyda Toruno, a Work Incentives Associate with 20+ years of disability advocacy, answers the question families ask constantly: can someone receive SSI and still work?
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Crazy Socks” with Mark Cronin
Mark X. Cronin, co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks and Abilities Rising, shares how mission-led businesses create real jobs and opportunity for people with differing abilities.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Mark X. Cronin, co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks and Abilities Rising, shares how mission-led businesses create real jobs and opportunity for people with differing abilities.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Blissful Seeds” with Rita Saliba
Part of our Future Planning series on creative job opportunities — Rita Saliba, founder of the local nonprofit Blissful Seeds, shares how her organization creates meaningful work.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Part of our Future Planning series on creative job opportunities — Rita Saliba, founder of the local nonprofit Blissful Seeds, shares how her organization creates meaningful work.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Transition IEPs” with Crystal Sanford
Under IDEA, students must have an Individual Transition Plan (ITP) built into their IEP by age 16, tied to continuing education or training, employment, and independent living. Crystal breaks down what that means and how to advocate for a plan that reflects your child’s real goals.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Under IDEA, students must have an Individual Transition Plan (ITP) built into their IEP by age 16, tied to continuing education or training, employment, and independent living. Crystal breaks down what that means and how to advocate for a plan that reflects your child’s real goals.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Blue Envelope Program” with Heather Mitchell
Heather Mitchell, a Crime Prevention Specialist with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, explains the Blue Envelope Program — a tool that supports safer communication with law enforcement as young adults gain independence, including behind the wheel.
Watch on YouTube
Heather Mitchell, a Crime Prevention Specialist with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, explains the Blue Envelope Program — a tool that supports safer communication with law enforcement as young adults gain independence, including behind the wheel.
Watch on YouTube
“Creating Residential Opportunities” with Jess Ronne
Jess Ronne, founder of The Lucas Project, speaks to where and how your loved one will live and be supported in community after you are no longer providing daily care.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Jess Ronne, founder of The Lucas Project, speaks to where and how your loved one will live and be supported in community after you are no longer providing daily care.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together” with Amanda Owen
From our Future Planning series: author and entrepreneur Amanda Owen shares her journey from special education teacher to founder and executive director of Puzzle Pieces in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
From our Future Planning series: author and entrepreneur Amanda Owen shares her journey from special education teacher to founder and executive director of Puzzle Pieces in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
6. Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
Many of our kids live with more than one diagnosis, and mental health challenges often go unrecognized in people with developmental disabilities. These episodes cover mental health for your child and your family, co-occurring diagnoses, trauma-informed care, and the therapies and communication approaches families ask us about most.
Mental Health
“Mental Health in Intellectual Disabilities: Diagnosis, Support & Co-Occurring Conditions”
Two licensed therapists from CA START San Diego discuss co-occurring mental health conditions in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), getting an accurate diagnosis, trauma-informed care, and where families can find support.
Watch on YouTube
Two licensed therapists from CA START San Diego discuss co-occurring mental health conditions in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), getting an accurate diagnosis, trauma-informed care, and where families can find support.
Watch on YouTube
“Mental Health Awareness” with Liz Strout
Elizabeth (Liz) Strout, LCSW, Clinic Director of Omeo Mental Health San Diego, draws on 14+ years in community mental health to help families recognize mental health needs and find care.
Watch on YouTube
Elizabeth (Liz) Strout, LCSW, Clinic Director of Omeo Mental Health San Diego, draws on 14+ years in community mental health to help families recognize mental health needs and find care.
Watch on YouTube
“Mental Health for Families with Special Needs” with Elizabeth Strout
People with disabilities, including children, experience higher rates of mental health distress. Liz explains what families should watch for and how to get help — for their child and for themselves.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
People with disabilities, including children, experience higher rates of mental health distress. Liz explains what families should watch for and how to get help — for their child and for themselves.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Mental Health and Parenting” with Cheryl Jordan
Licensed therapist Cheryl Jordan — a mom of two adult children who faced mental health challenges growing up — leads a Parent Support Group discussion on parenting through mental health concerns and coexisting diagnoses.
Watch on YouTube
Licensed therapist Cheryl Jordan — a mom of two adult children who faced mental health challenges growing up — leads a Parent Support Group discussion on parenting through mental health concerns and coexisting diagnoses.
Watch on YouTube
“Mental Health in Teens and Young Adults with Disabilities” with Cheryl Jordan
The final episode of our Mental Health Series focuses on the teen and young adult years — what changes, warning signs to notice, and how to support your young person.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
The final episode of our Mental Health Series focuses on the teen and young adult years — what changes, warning signs to notice, and how to support your young person.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Counseling for Special Needs Families” with Cheryl Jordan
How counseling can support parents, siblings, and the whole family on the special needs journey, and what to look for in a counselor.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
How counseling can support parents, siblings, and the whole family on the special needs journey, and what to look for in a counselor.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Co-Existing Diagnoses in Children and Teens”
BCBAs Kelsey McCarthy and Megan Sprague of Hope Comprehensive Center for Development explain co-existing diagnoses and how they affect support and treatment.
Watch on YouTube
BCBAs Kelsey McCarthy and Megan Sprague of Hope Comprehensive Center for Development explain co-existing diagnoses and how they affect support and treatment.
Watch on YouTube
“Trauma Informed Care” with Kara Higgins
For families caring for a child who has experienced trauma — through foster care or adoption, or repeated medical procedures — and how a trauma-informed approach changes the way we respond.
Watch on YouTube
For families caring for a child who has experienced trauma — through foster care or adoption, or repeated medical procedures — and how a trauma-informed approach changes the way we respond.
Watch on YouTube
Developmental Disabilities, Therapies & Communication
“Applied Behavior Analysis” with Megan Sprague
Part of our Therapy Series: Megan Sprague, a Clinical Director of ABA, explains what applied behavior analysis is and how it can help.
Podcast episode (audio only)
Listen to the podcast
Part of our Therapy Series: Megan Sprague, a Clinical Director of ABA, explains what applied behavior analysis is and how it can help.
Podcast episode (audio only)
Listen to the podcast
“Occupational Therapy” with Jan Dalby
Part of our Therapy Series: what occupational therapy is and how it supports daily living, sensory needs, and independence.
Podcast episode (audio only)
Listen to the podcast
Part of our Therapy Series: what occupational therapy is and how it supports daily living, sensory needs, and independence.
Podcast episode (audio only)
Listen to the podcast
“Creating a Neuro Affirming Environment” with Chris Wenger “Speech Dude”
Speech therapist Chris Wenger, internationally known for his work with autistic students, shares how to create neuro-affirming environments at home and at school.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Speech therapist Chris Wenger, internationally known for his work with autistic students, shares how to create neuro-affirming environments at home and at school.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“Brain Health for Optimal Functioning” with Amanda Lee, M.A.Ed
Amanda Lee introduces the Brain Balance Program and shares practical takeaways for supporting brain health.
Watch on YouTube
Amanda Lee introduces the Brain Balance Program and shares practical takeaways for supporting brain health.
Watch on YouTube
“Screen Time Clinic” with Nicole Rawson
Digital wellness expert Nicole Rawson, founder of Screen Time Clinic, helps parents of neurodiverse and screen-sensitive children build healthier technology habits.
Watch on YouTube
Digital wellness expert Nicole Rawson, founder of Screen Time Clinic, helps parents of neurodiverse and screen-sensitive children build healthier technology habits.
Watch on YouTube
“The Spellers Method” with Dawnmarie Gaivin
Dawnmarie Gaivin, cofounder of the Spellers Method and Executive Director of Spellers Freedom Foundation, explains how spelling to communicate opens a voice for nonspeaking and unreliably speaking individuals.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
Dawnmarie Gaivin, cofounder of the Spellers Method and Executive Director of Spellers Freedom Foundation, explains how spelling to communicate opens a voice for nonspeaking and unreliably speaking individuals.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
“The Spelling Method” with Jessica Diamond
Jessica Diamond of Spellers Center San Diego — and mom to a spelling daughter — shares the method from both the parent and practitioner side.
Watch on YouTube
Jessica Diamond of Spellers Center San Diego — and mom to a spelling daughter — shares the method from both the parent and practitioner side.
Watch on YouTube
“Finding Their Voice: A Family’s Journey with Spelling” with J Brad and Paulette Britton
A San Diego family shares what changed when their son began communicating through spelling.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube
A San Diego family shares what changed when their son began communicating through spelling.
Listen to the podcast | Watch on YouTube