RESOURCES from DSPS

The resources are provided for informational purposes only. Glendale Community College/DSPS does not endorse the resources. Students should conduct their own research to learn more about the services provided. Links are current from the time of posting.

ADVOCACY/LEADERSHIP/LEGAL/VOTING RESOURCES

Abilities Expo Los Angeles

Free, three-day all-access passports to products, technology, workshops and adapted activities for individuals with disabilities.

https://www.abilities.com/losangeles/

American Association of People with Disabilities

AAPD works to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities.

As a national disability-led and cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for over 60 million Americans with disabilities. We do this by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation.

https://www.aapd.com/

Trains young adults to become advocates for APIs with disabilities. We seek college students from all backgrounds and ethnicities who have a passion for empowering APIs with disabilities.

https://www.apidisabilities.org/yliapply

ASAN Autism Campus Inclusion Leadership Academy

Helps autistic students learn to make their college campuses better for people with disabilities. ACI participants learn about making student groups, understanding disability policy, and talking to people in power. During ACI, all participants go to the U.S. Capitol to talk to their Senators and Representatives about policies important to the disability community. After the Academy, students get help from ASAN to meet their advocacy goals at their college.

https://autisticadvocacy.org/aci/

Bet Tzedek

Provides free, expert legal advice and representation to low-income residents of Los Angeles County. Bet Tzedek offers a variety of specialized programs and services for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families and caregivers. 

www.bettzedek.org

CA Secretary of State for Voters with Disabilities

Resources and information for voters with disabilities.

https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voters-disabilities

City of Los Angeles Department of Disabilities

Provides info on access to employment, programs, facilities and services; through strategic management and partnership education, advocacy, training, research and improved service delivery; for the benefit of persons with disabilities, providers of essential resources and policymakers. 

https://disability.lacity.gov/

Communities Actively Living Independent & Free (CALIF)

An independent living center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides advocacy programs and services for people with disabilities primarily residing within the 50 zip codes of Los Angeles County covering south and central Los Angeles and neighboring communities. Services include assistive technology, advocacy, disaster preparedness, housing and systems advocacy, and referrals.

https://calif-ilc.org/

Disability:IN NextGen  Leaders

For college students and recent graduates with disabilities. Students are matched one-on-one with mentors from Disability:IN Corporate Partners across all industries like Google, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Boeing, and Pfizer. POC, women, veterans, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/nextgen-leaders-initiatives/

Disability Rights Legal Center 

Program that provides disability rights advocacy by providing free legal assistance to people with disabilities experiencing discrimination in violation of their civil rights.

www.drlcenter.org/ 

Disability Rights California

For assistance navigating the process to receive services through the Department of Rehabilitation, Regional Center, Social Security Income and other disability related assistance. 

www.disabilityrightsca.org

Disability Vote CA

Non-partisan campaign to eliminate barriers to voting, promote accessibility of voting technology and polling places; educate voters about issues and candidates; promote turnout of voters with disabilities across the state; engage candidates and the media on disability issues, and protect eligible voters’ right to participate in elections.

https://disabilityvoteca.org/

Fannie Lou Hammer Leadership Program

Fannie Lou Hamer is a well-recognized civil rights activist and organizer for voting rights. Her work centered on elevating the rights of Black voters and women, particularly across the state of Mississippi. Hamer had polio as a child and later became physically disabled due to a severe beating in a Mississippi jail. The program is designed for young Black disabled advocates (ages 18-30) who are committed to the social, political, and economic issues surrounding the intersection of the Black and Disability communities.

https://www.aapd.com/fannie-lou-hamer-leadership-program/

Housing Rights for People with Disabilities

Nation's largest non-profit civil rights organization dedicated to securing and promoting Fair Housing. HRC was founded in 1968, the same year that Congress passed the Fair Housing Act. Our mission is to actively support and promote freedom of residence through education, advocacy, and litigation, to the end that all persons have the opportunity to secure the housing they desire and can afford, without regard to their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, familial status, marital status, disability, ancestry, age, source of income or other characteristics protected by law.

https://www.housingrightscenter.org/

Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities provides resources and information on meetings regarding disability matters.

https://laccod.lacounty.gov/

National Black Disability Coalition (NBDC)

NBDC is a response to the need for Blacks with Disabilities to organize and assist each other around issues of mutual concern and use our collective strength to address disability issues in both the greater Black community and the greater disability community. Our vision to be a source of change for Black disabled people and their families; to build a place where Black disabled people and families can be participating members in a greater society. Our goals are to Promote Unity among Black disabled people, our families, and our communities. Advance Equity within the disability movement and our communities.Foster Opportunity  for Black disabled people.

https://www.blackdisability.org/

PACER Center enhances the quality of life and expands opportunities for children, youth, and young adults with all disabilities and their families so each person can reach his or her highest potential. PACER operates on the principles of parents helping parents, supporting families, promoting a safe environment for all children, and working in collaboration with others.

www.pacer.org 

YO! Youth Organizing: Disabled and Proud! 

Yo! connects, organizes, and educates youth with disabilities! YO! gives youth leadership opportunities, social networks, resources, and more. YO! is for youth with disabilities to be PROUD of who we are and what we can achieve!

www.yodisabledproud.org

EDUCATION 

California State University, Northridge, Explorer’s Program

A program to increase the employability and independence of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. For ages 18-28. Must take two CSUN undergraduate classes each semester.

https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/csun-explorers

College Connect

This is a support program for students with developmental disabilities to achieve goals, promote academic and occupational success and create meaningful relationships. Contact your Regional Center Service Coordinator and request an initial interview (intake) for College Connect Services to determine eligibility.

 www.collegeconnectsupport.com

College to Career

The College-to-Career (C2C) program is a partnership with select community colleges and DOR to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities (I/D) and autism. C2C students must be DOR and Regional Center consumers. The program provides employment preparation and soft skills training in addition to some instruction in independent living skills, and campus inclusion. Students are expected to be included in these specialized services in addition to regular educational or vocational classes provided by the college. The goal of the program is for the C2C students to become employed in a competitive integrated community-based job.

https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/CppCollegetoCareer

Pathway at UCLA Extension

Pathway is a two-year certificate program for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, offering a blend of educational, social, and vocational experiences, taught and supervised by experienced instructors sensitive to the individual needs of our students. On campus, Pathway students attend classes and participate with UCLA students in the many social, recreational, and cultural activities of a major university. 

www.uclaextension.edu/pathway

Taft College TIL: Transition To Independent Living (Taft, CA)

The Transition to Independent Living Program endeavors to provide an environment with Enriching collegiate experiences • Interactive and inclusive environments • Learning outcomes transferable to lifelong productivity • Career education resulting in gainful employment • Self-determination and knowledge of individual strengths • Empowerment through education 

www.taftcollege.edu/til

Think College

Think College provides resources, technical assistance and training related to college options for students with intellectual disability, and manages the only national listing of college programs for students with intellectual disability in the United States.

https://thinkcollege.net/about/what-is-think-college

Tierra Del Sol (Sunland-Tujunga)

TDS works with Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation clients. Nexus program serves students on local college campuses including GCC, Pierce College, LA Valley College, Cal State Northridge and Mission College. 

www.tierradelsol.org

Wayfinders at Fresno State (Fresno, CA)

Wayfinders is a 2-year non-degree independent living certificate program for young adults (aged 18-28) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Wayfinders students experience university life and increase their independence by taking classes at Fresno State, living in student apartments, and participating in work experience internships both on and off-campus.

 www.fresnostate.edu/kremen/about/centers-projects/wayfinders

EMPLOYMENT AND INTERNSHIPS RELATED

1IN4 Coalition is an intersectional coalition of disabled creatives currently working in Hollywood focused on long-term institutional shifts to increase employment and authentic representation of disabled people.

https://www.1in4coalition.org/

Ability First works with Regional Center clients. Helps individuals with physical and developmental disabilities reach their full potential throughout their lives. Offers a broad range of employment, recreational and socialization programs and operates 12 accessible residential housing complexes. www.abilityfirst.org

Actors for Autism is an LA-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing individuals on the autism spectrum training in acting, voice over, and theatre based techniques to work in the entertainment industry.  We are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals on the spectrum,  their families, and the community at large.

www.actorsforautism.com 

Advance LA provides comprehensive and individually designed support services to post-high school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, ADHD and other Learning Differences. Life skills coaching in time management, self-advocacy, social skills, money management, personal hygiene, transportation, and independent living skills.

www.advancela.org

Best Buddies Colleges pairs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in one-to-one friendships with college students. In the past, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have not had the opportunity to have friends outside of their own environment. Best Buddies Jobs continues the integration of people with intellectual disabilities into the community through supported employment. The program helps individuals attain and maintain jobs of their own choosing by providing ongoing support and training, enabling people with intellectual disabilities to earn an income, pay taxes, and work in an environment alongside others in the community. 

https://www.bestbuddies.org/california

California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (Statewide) 

Independent Living Centers (ILCs) are run and controlled by persons with disabilities. They are non-residential, community-based centers where people with disabilities can receive assistance with a variety of daily living issues, independent living skills training, housing referrals, and learn the skills they need to take control of their lives from people who have had similar experiences living with a disability. The centers serve people with all types of disabilities.

 www.cfilc.org

California Work Source currently operates 16 WorkSource Centers and 3 portal offices located throughout Los Angeles. These centers act as your personal employment agency and our services are always free. We serve adults, dislocated workers, veterans, the homeless and the re-entry population, and offer broad support to business owners and entrepreneurs.

https://ewddlacity.com/index.php/employment-services/adults-age-24-and-older/worksource-centers

Career One Stop is US Department of Labor website that provides information on career exploration, training, and jobs. The workers with disabilities link has information on job accommodations and disability disclosure, and more!

https://www.careeronestop.org/ResourcesFor/WorkersWithDisabilities/workers-with-disabilities.aspx

CITY Community Services works with Regional Center clients in metropolitan Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, and parts of Ventura. CITY provides a wide variety of services from job placement, independent living skills, mobility training services and supported employment services, all of them emphasizing community integration. 

www.citycommunityservices.org

Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is an employment and independent living resource for people with disabilities. www.dor.ca.gov Disability Information U.S. federal government website for information on disability programs and services nationwide. 

www.disability.gov

Easter Seals of Southern California works with Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation clients. Provides Adult Day, Residential, Employment Services/WorkFirst, Independent Living Skills, Individual and Family Support Services.

 www.southerncal.easterseals.com

Exceptional Minds provides young adults on the autism spectrum with customized instruction and hands-on experience to earn a living in the fields of multi-media, computer animation and post production. 

https://exceptional-minds.org/

Foothill Vocational Opportunities (FVO Solutions, Inc.) provides a range of vocational services designed to provide disabled individuals and their families opportunities for vocational and personal growth. The Work Training Services and Community Supported Employment Program are focused on providing the greatest opportunity for involvement in the community. 

https://www.fvosolutions.com/Home%20Page

Glendale Community College Career Center and Student Employment

https://www.glendale.edu/students/student-services/career-center

Inclusion Films is a two-phase practical program. Our goal is to provide developmentally disabled adults with an entry-level working knowledge of film production. Our curriculum offers students real world experience. At the conclusion of each semester, students will work as a team to create and produce a short thesis film. After completing the program, the most qualified and successful students may be invited to work join our micro-enterprise, Team Diversity Media. Together we will work on production projects for clients in the community. Works with Regional Center clients.

 www.inclusionfilms.com

Independent Living Center of Southern California empowers persons with disabilities to seek an individual path to independence. 

www.ilcsc.org

Jay Nolan Community Services provides support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Developmental Disabilities to live fulfilling lives as members of the community by providing Enhanced Support Services, Resource and Training Center, Family Support Services, Employment Support and Supported Living Services. Works with Regional Center and private pay clients. 

www.jaynolan.org

Jazz Hands for Autism

Helps adults on the Autism Spectrum find community-based volunteer and paid work opportunities by building on their musical talents, providing social, professional, technical and musical skills training. The Academy is a three-stage program that provides person-centered training that helps the aspiring musician improve their social, professional, technical, and musical skills.

https://www.jazzhandsforautism.org/

Integrate Autism was founded in 2010. Our decades of corporate experience drive our mission to help organizations identify, recruit and retain professionals on the autism spectrum.

As more and more organizations realize the benefits of hiring neurodivergent talent, we come closer to fulfilling our vision of inclusive, competitive employment for autistic individuals.

https://www.integrateadvisors.org/

Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues. Serving customers across the United States and around the world for 40 years, JAN provides free one-on-one practical guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities.

www.askjan.org

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth is a source for information about employment and youth with disabilities. Our partners - experts in disability, education, employment, and workforce development - strive to ensure you will be provided with the highest quality, most relevant information available.

www.ncwd-youth.info 

PathPoint provides employment, day services and assisted living programs for people with developmental disabilities and foster youth, as well as others. Works with Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation clients. 

www.pathpoint.org

Service Center for Independent Life empower people to live an independent life with free services such as assistive technology coordination, advocacy, transition assistance, computer skills training, resume building, SSI benefits help and more. 

www.scil-ilc.org

Southeast Center for Independent Living develops comprehensive programs, responding to the needs of the disability community, enabling them to lead healthy, independent, and productive lives. Most services are provided free of charge to all persons with disabilities. Works with Department of Rehabilitation clients. 

www.scrs-ilc.org

Ticket to Work Program is a free and voluntary program that can help SS beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, and become financially independent, all while they keep their Medicare or Medicaid. Individuals who receive SS benefits because of a disability and are age 18 through 64 may qualify for the program.

www.ssa.gov/work

Tierra Del Sol’s mission is to serve our communities by empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to realize their greatest human potential, become as independent as possible within their families and to become productive and valued citizens. Instruction is in a wide variety of vocational areas, employment training, adult life skills, social/recreational and artistic expression. Works with Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation clients. Nexus program serves students on local college campuses.

www.tierradelsol.org

Verdugo Jobs Center is a one-stop career center serving the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and La Cañada Flintridge. We provide our region’s diverse workforce with career counseling, job search assistance, professional development and training opportunities, job fairs, workshops, and more, free of charge. Our career services are suited to a wide variety of individuals, including dislocated workers, military veterans, ex-offenders, high-school dropouts, migrant and seasonal farmworkers, non-English speaking, people with disabilities, public assistance recipients, senior workers, youth, and much more.

https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/community-services-parks/verdugo-jobs-center

Villa Esperanza Services offers Adult Day, Vocational, Employment and Transitional, Residential, Independent Living Skills, Care Management Outreach, Integrated Work Programs, Speech and Language Services and Music Therapy. Works with Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation clients. 

www.villaesperanzaservices.org

Westview Services, Inc. provides day, community transitions and employment programs. More than 500 employees serve about 2000 clients in 30 programs, each driven by our mission of enriching the daily lives of people through services designed to realize their potential. Works with Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation clients.

www.westviewservices.org

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

*Students should check each site for eligibility, due dates, etc.

Anne and Allegra Ford Scholarships: www.ncld.org/archives/blog/anne-and-allegra-ford-scholarships-areposted

Autism Can Do Crazy Socks: https://johnscrazysocks.com/pages/autism-can-do-scholarship-2023

Buckfire Law Disability Scholarship: https://buckfirelaw.com/scholarships/disability/

California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability (CAPED):  https://www.caped.co/scholarships/

Council for Exceptional Children Yes I Can! Award: www.cec.sped.org/About-Us/CEC-Award-Programs/Yes-I-Can-Awards 

Dyslexia Advantage: https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/karina-eide-awards/

Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities: www.finaid.org/otheraid/disabled.phtml 

Gemm Learning: https://www.gemmlearning.com/about/scholarship-opportunities/

Glendale Community College Scholarships:  https://www.glendale.edu/financial-aid-fees/scholarships

Heumann Armstrong Award: http://www.equalopportunitiesforstudents.org/

Horatio Alger Society scholarships: www.scholars.horatioalger.org/ 

InCight: https://www.incight.org/scholarship

Learning Ally National Achievement Awards (formerly Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic): https://learningally.org/About-Us/Overview/National-AchievementAwards/108 

Lime Connect: https://limeconnect.com/awards/google-lime-scholarship/

Making A Difference Autism https://www.washington.edu/doit/making-difference-autism-scholarship#:~:text=All%20high%20school%20students%20with,the%202021%2D2022%20academic%20year

Microsoft Disability Scholarship: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/microsoftdisabilityscholarship.aspx

National Center for Learning Disabilities: https://www.ncld.org/what-we-do/scholarships

National Down Syndrome Society O’Neill/Tabani Enrichment Fund: https://ndss.org/ndss-scholarships/oneill-tabani-enrichment-fund

NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship: https://www.aapd.com/nbcuniversal-tony-coelho-media-scholarship/

Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award: https://www.aapd.com/paul-g-hearne-emerging-leaders-award/

Rise Scholarship Foundation: https://risescholarshipfoundation.org/

Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship: https://rubysrainbow.org/about/

Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color: https://researchautism.smapply.org/prog/synchrony_scholarship/

United Parent Support for Down Syndrome: https://www.upsfordowns.org/scholarships

Washington University college funding for students with disabilities clearinghouse of information: https://www.washington.edu/doit/college-funding-students-disabilities

Wells Fargo Scholarships Program for People with Disabilities : https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/pwdscholarship/

Williams Syndrome Association Educational/Vocational PostSecondary: https://www.williams-syndrome.org/resources/pdf/postsecondary-scholarship-application

STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS

Department of Developmental Services - Regional Center 

The California Department of Developmental Services is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities. These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. Services are provided through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, and through contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. 

www.dds.ca.gov

Department of Mental Health (L.A. County office)

Mental health services provided here include assessments, case management, crisis intervention, medication support, peer support and other rehabilitative services. Services are provided in multiple settings including residential facilities, clinics, schools, hospitals, county jails, juvenile halls and camps, mental health courts, board and care homes, in the field and in people’s homes. Special emphasis is placed on addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and other health problems such as addiction. 

https://dmh.lacounty.gov/ 

Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is an employment and independent living resource for people with disabilities. www.dor.ca.gov Disability Information U.S. federal government website for information on disability programs and services nationwide. 

www.disability.gov

Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs provide assistance to people who meet our requirements for disability.

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/

TRANSPORTATION

Burbank Dial A Ride 

https://www.burbankca.gov/senior-disabled-transit

Glendale Community College GoPass

https://www.glendale.edu/students/student-services/student-basic-needs/gopass

Glendale Dial-A-Ride

https://www.glendaletransit.com/tools/dial-a-ride

Los Angeles ACCESS

https://accessla.org/home/

Pasadena Dial-A-Ride

https://www.cityofpasadena.net/pasadena-transit/dial-a-ride/

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

• Ability Path www.abilitypath.org
• ABLE Accounts: https://www.ablenrc.org/what-is-able/what-are-able-acounts/
• Armenian Autism Outreach Project: https://www.armenianautism.org/about-us/
• Armunity (mental health services for the Armenian community): https://didihirsch.org/armunity/
• Autism Alliance SoCal: https://www.autismsocal.org/
• Autism Self Advocacy Network https://autisticadvocacy.org/
• Autism Society of America www.autism-society.org
• Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks.org
• Center for the Partially Sighted https://www.guwsmedical.info/eyesight.html
• Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder www.chadd.org
• DaniMation (art skills for the neurodiverse):https://danimationentertainment.com/
• Deaf West Theatre  https://www.deafwest.org/
• Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services: https://didihirsch.org/
• Disability Benefits 101 www.ca.db101.org
• Disability Resources Network, Inc. www.disability-resource.org
• GameGen (computer science skills for the neurodiverse): https://www.gamegen.com/
• Homies (supportive roommate living service): meethomies.com
• Fiesta Educativa, Inc. www.fiestaeducativa.org
• Institute on Community Inclusion (links to publications and resources) www.communityinclusion.org
• International Dyslexic Association www.dyslexiaida.org/
• Learning Ally www.learningally.org
• Learning Disabilities Association of California https://ldacalifornia.org/
• Learning Disabilities Association of America www.ldaamerica.org
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (multiple locations) www.nami.org
• National Center for Learning Disabilities www.ncld.org
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke www.ninds.nih.gov
• National Stuttering Foundation www.westutter.org
• Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, International www.iocdf.org
• Paralysis Resource Center: ChristopherReeve.org
• Pushrim Foundation (life after injury): https://pushrimfoundation.org/
• Reel Abilities Film Festival https://reelabilitiesla.org/
• RespectAbility https://www.respectability.org/
• Spectrum Laboratory (performing arts skills for the neurodiverse): https://www.speclabs.org/
• The Stuttering Foundation www.stutteringhelp.org
• Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. https://tourette.org/
• United Cerebral Palsy www.ucp.org

DSPS is comprised of five areas. 

Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD, including the Garfield Campus): Academic advisement, vocational and occupational counseling, disability-related counseling, tram services, accessible parking, note takers.

Accommodations Resource Center (ARC): Learning disability assessments, specialized tutoring, test proctoring, study skills, accommodations, specialized training in, and use of, technology. 

Alternate Media: Utilizes specialized equipment to scan books and documents, software to convert scanned images to text, software for the conversion of text to Braille or to audio files, and equipment to emboss Braille and create tactile images.

Adapted Physical Education Classes (APE): Improving physical fitness and motor skills necessary for activities of daily living, developing positive self-image and feelings of self-worth, and building skills and abilities that enable participation in both academic and leisure/recreational pursuits.

Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Services (DHH): ASL interpreting and Real-time captioning are available for classes, events, and campus activities.

We also offer

Specialized Workshops: Including Lip Reading, PAIR UP, workshops in assistive technology, and Student Success Workshops.

Congrats Graduates!