All phone numbers are area code 916 unless otherwise noted.
We recommend calling ahead to RSVP and confirm details.

Special Needs Services & Resources are organized by topic:
Special Needs Services
Resources & Support Groups
Autism Spectrum Support
Down Syndrome Support

Special Needs Services:

ABC School (Applied Behavior Consultants, Inc.)
Applied Behavior Consultants is a human services agency dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with special needs, using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). 364-7800. www.abcReal.com

Advance Kids Inc.
Provides intensive ABA programs for children diagnosed with autism. 363-6103. www.AdvanceKids.com

Affordable Hearing Aid Center
Offers hearing aids and related products from top brand name manufacturers at low prices. Located in Fair Oaks. 863-1404. www.AffordableHearing.com

Anat Baniel Method for Children
The practitioner of this scientifically-based method uses gentle techniques to help the brain of the special needs child form new neural connections and patterns that take the child beyond their current limitations. This learning-based method can benefit children of all ages who have cerebral palsy, autism, brachial plexus, scoliosis, genetic disorders, ADD, and feeding disorders. To find a practitioner: www.AnatBanielMethod.com

Auburn Gymnastics Center
Offering one on one and group play classes for special needs children. 100% scholarships for special needs children are available beginning August. 530-823-2031 or natalieotis@gmail.com

Avalon Academy
K-8 children with movement disorders (primarily cerebral palsy) can attend full-time education, summer or afternoon programs and/or workshops and private lessons that integrate both academic and motor-skill development so that they can thrive in school and society. 650-777-9130. TheAvalonAcademy.org

Brainaisum
Understanding unique learners! The fun, active approach benefits K-12 students who struggle in school. One on one academics, sensory integration therapy, occupational therapy, listening therapy and more. 780-1818. www.BrainasiumWorks.com

Bridges Behavioral Language Systems Inc.
Provides highly supervised, continually individualized programs of intensive ABA-based therapy for children with autism. Programs are optimal for newly diagnosed children 18 months through early preschool age at intake. 725-1270 www.BridgesBLS.com

Bright Start Therapies
Programs are designed to enchance the growth and learning capacity of chilren of all ages who have learning disorders or developmental delays or disabilities by providing the best therapeutic services available today. Sacramento: 483-8282; Roseville: 773-8282. www.BrightStartTherapies.com

Canine Companions for Independence
This non-profit organization enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained (over 40 commands) assistance dogs for free and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. People with physical or developmental disabilities who are at least 18 years old, and children with disabilities including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, autism and Down’s syndrome who are at least 5 years old may apply for a companion dog. 1-800-572-2275. www.cci.org

Child Health and Disability Prevention Program
A free health program that provides health exams and immunizations for Medi-Cal eligible and moderate income children, infants and teens. Located in Sacramento. 875-7151. www.SacDhhs.com

Community Alliance for Special Education
Based in San Francisco, CASE offers parents and community professionals free technical assistance on special education rights and services. (415) 431-2285 or info@caseadvocacy.org. www.CaseAdvocacy.org

Cord Blood Registry
Saving your baby’s cord blood can be lifesaving to your family. Protect your family with CBR, the world’s largest and most experienced cord blood bank and the bank Ob/Gyns recommend most. 1-888-775-2520. www.CordBlood.com

Easter Seals – Superior California
Dedicated to breaking down attitudinal barriers and giving people with disabilities an equal opportunity to live, learn, work and play in their community for over 85 years through pediatric and work service, adult day programs and aquatic rehabilitation therapy. Located in Sacramento. 485-6711. SuperiorCa.EasterSeals.com

Elanor Therapies
Provides speech and language therapy and reading instruction to all ages in a family friendly environment. Experienced in autism and oral motor disorders. 530-886-0772. www.ElanorTherapies.com

Freedom Concepts
This company custom builds tricycles, walkers and chair for adults and children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, rett syndrome, and visually impaired. 1-800-661-9915. www.freedomconcepts.com

Health Rights Hotline
Experienced counselors offer free and independent information and assistance to consumers in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Yolo counties. 888-354-4474. www.hrh.org

Horses for Healing Therapeutic Riding Center
Open to children and adults and dedicated to improving the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of disabled persons through involvement with horses. All instructors are certified and all horses are trained and gentle. Current lesson times are Tuesday 1:30-6pm and Friday 9am-noon (check online for 2008 riding schedule). To set up an appointment, consultation or to see the facilities call: (530) 887-9573. HorsesForHealing.org

Jabbergym
Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to infants, toddlers, and school-age children. Community play classes focusing on language development and sensory integration are also offered. 771-8255. www.Jabbergym.com

Lovaas Institute
Provides treatment to children with autism utilizing applied behavior analysis. Programs are individualized to the needs of each child and family. 310-914-5433 or 979-9398. Lovaas.com

Movement for Life
Jackie Mason, who specializes in neurological conditions of adults and children, teaches students how to stay flexible, pain free and find a balance within movement. Her teachings are expanded and based on Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais’s professional training program. Children with developmental disabilities or limited movement will increase their range, balance and coordination in an enjoyable, playful way—parents/caregivers learn techniques to continue their child’s learning process. 530-885-8461. MovementForLife.info

Northern California Prep School
NCPS is a fully WASC accredited, theapeutic and educational environment, educating Aspergers, high functioning autistic, emotionally disabled, OHI and learning disabled students. 383-6222. NcpsSchool.com

Protection and Advocacy, Inc.
Provides legal assistance, including referrals, self-advocacy training, representations, investigation of abuse, and more to people with disabilities. 1-800-776-5746 or 488-9950. www.pai-ca.org

Riding High Equestrian Program
Serves 'at risk' youth and adults using equine assisted therapy in a safe and open environment that helps transform lives. (530) 888-8891
www.ridinghighequestrian.org

Sacramento Association for the Retarded
SAR has provided advocacy and support for almost 60 years for families of loved ones with mental retardation and associated developmental disabilities. Grant funds are available. 454-0900. SacramentoAR.org

Saddle Pals
Since 1993 this therapeutic horsemanship program has been providing services to people with physical and developmental disabilities with the philosophy of striving for independence through horsemanship. Saddle Pals is accredited through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and all lessons are conducted by certified instructors. 565-7700. UcpSacto.org

Sensitive Sitters
Provides baby sitters, tutors and shadow aides to children with autism, down syndrome, learning disabilities, muscular dystrophy and other conditions. 310-203-1367. www.SenstiveSitters.com

Sierra Mental Fitness
EEG Biofeedback for problems with focus and concentration, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression and autism spectrum disorders. 797-5525. SierraMentalFitness.com

Smile Island
Board Certified Pediatric Specialists are specifically trained to work with special needs children and adults. 773-6565.

Special Olympics Northern California
Athletes and aspiring-athletes 8 years and older with developmental disabilities participate in year-round training and competitions of 19 different Olympic-type sports for free. North East Region contact: 920-2950 or neregion@sonc.org. Sonc.org

SPARK (Special Adaptive Recreation Program)
Provides West Sacramento residents with special needs (age 14 and older) the opportunity to participate in low-cost and free recreation/leisure activities in a 1:5 staff-to-participant ratio. 617-4637. parks@cityofwestsacramento.org

Spina Bifida Association of America – Sacramento Valley
Offers referral services, scholarships, summer camps, bi-monthly newsletter and more. dttaylor@pacbell.net. www.Sbaa.org

Very Special Arts
Promoting creative power while reducing fear and increasing awareness of capabilities and accomplishments of people with disabilities through art programs at school. While only your school's principal can request a VSA program, you can learn more at: 227-6806 or VsaSacramento.org

Warmline Family Resource Center
Information, understanding and support from parents who have “been there,” plus links to area services and support groups. Serving six area counties. Sacramento: 922-9276 or 800-660-7995. Roseville: 782-7147. www.WarmLineFRC.org

Yolo Child Care Planning Council
Advises, supports and assists in the planning of quality child care programs that are accessible and affordable. 530-688-3773. YoloChildCarePlanning.org

Resources & Support Groups:

Friday Night KidzKlub
A three-hour respite for parents of special needs kids (ages 1-16), KidzKlub offers free compassionate and competent child care on the first Friday of each month, 6:15-9:15pm at Bayside Church in Granite Bay. Siblings welcome, nurse on hand. Advance reservations required. Contact Melynda: 746-8697 or KidzKlub@Surewest.net.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Greater Sacramento Chapter
Voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services, including education programs, co-pay assistance, and a variety of youth, adult and parent support groups held in Sacramento and Placer counties. Contact Susan: 800-410-8170 (ext. 19) or Susan.Todd@lls.org. General information resource hotline: 800-955-4572. www.Leukemia-Lymphoma.org

Muscular Dystrophy Association
Free monthly support groups, including Parent Support, Kids Activity, Caregivers Support and General Diagnosis Support, for families affected by MD and related diseases. Contact 921-9518 or Sacramento@MdaUda.org. www.Mda.org

National Stuttering Association - Sacramento Chapter
Meets on the second Thursday of each month. 7-9pm at McGeorge Law School (upstairs) in Sacramento. Free. Call Dr. Kelso prior to attending: 682-8625. NsaNorcal or www.WeStutter.org

Nor-Cal Kids Club
This group offers support, information, community connections and fun for families with any type of special needs child. Meetings take place on the second Tuesday or Wednesday of each month, starting August 14, from 7-9pm, in the Auburn Library’s Beecher Room. Contact Ron: (530) 315-0393 or NorCalKidsClub@Aol.com. NorCalKidsClub.com

Nor Cal Service for Deaf & Hard of Hearing – Sacramento Chapter
This non-profit, established by and for deaf and hard of hearing people, hosts social events (like bingo nights and scrapbooking socials) and deaf access services, including drug/alcohol prevention and communication assistance. Voice: 349-7500. Interpreters: 349-7525. Email: Info@NorCalCenter.org.

SEAMS (Support, Education & Advocacy for Mothers (and Fathers) of children with Special Needs)
Lead by teachers and parents, SEAMS supports, advises and welcomes all families and educators. Meetings include guest speakers and open forums. Held the 2nd Friday of each month 7pm-9pm at the Heritage Theatre (upstairs) in Lincoln. Contact Christina: 408-5069 or Info@MySeams.org. www.MySeams.org

Therapeutic Recreation Services
Concentrating on ability rather than disability, TRS provides award-winning activities for children, teens and adults with special needs. Programs include low-cost travel excursions, vocational training and a social club for people who enjoy friends, food and fun. Meets the first Friday of each month. 381-0255. Trs@SacCounty.net. www.SacParks.net

TrailBlazers Fathers Forum
Dads, grandparents, uncles and men impacted by children with any disabilities have been meeting for over 10 years. Meets the last Tuesday of each month, 7-9pm at Round Rable Pizza in Granite Bay (8755 Sierra College Blvd.) Contact Al or Raymond: 922-9276 or WarmLine@WarmLineFrc.org

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) - Greater Sacramento
Improving independence, productivity and quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families, UCP offers respite for caregivers, classes for disabled individuals, therapeutic and educational programs, access to resources and more. Contact 565-7700 or Ucp@UcpSacto.org

Autism Spectrum Support:

Auburn ASD & LD Support Group
Support and resources for parents who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Learning Disabilities. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7-9pm in the Auburn Library Beecher Room. Contact Karen Clay at claynco@inreach.com.

Autism Speaks - Sacramento
The Sacramento Community Leadership Committee (CLC) of Autism Speaks organizes area awareness and fundraising activities, including the Walk Now for Autism (held this year on Sept. 28 at UC Davis MIND Institute). Contact Sacramento@AutismSpeaks.org for more information!

Autism Spectrum Disorders - Elk Grove Resource Group
Meets on the 1st Sunday of each month, 1-3pm at Blue Moon Café. Call Connie: 683-5652 or Lynne: 682-1740 (9am-5pm).

FEAT (Families for Early Autism Treatment) Family Empowerment Forum
Improve your knowledge and ability to advocate for your child. Meetings are open to everyone with an interest in individuals on the autism spectrum. Meets the 3rd Sunday of each month, 1-3pm, at Ajay's Karate in Sacramento. Childcare is not available. Contact Connie.Ajay@feat.org or Lynne.Weissmann@feat.org prior to first attendance.

FEAT Elk Grove Parent Resource Group
Primarily assists parents who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (but offers help to anyone who has children with disabilities). Meetings: 3rd Sunday of each month, 4-6:30pm at the Holiday Inn Express’ Lodi Room in Elk Grove. 683-5652.

FEAT Family Resource Meetings
Get information and join a support network of families who meet and discuss issues surrounding autism, advocacy and treatment options. Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7- 9pm, at the UC Davis MIND Institute Auditorium in Sacramento. Child care is not provided. www.feat.org

Friday Night KidzKlub
A three-hour respite for parents of special needs kids (ages 1-16): 1st Friday of each month, 6:15-9:15pm, at Bayside Church in Roseville/Granite Bay. Siblings welcome. Advance reservations required. No fee. Contact Melynda Adragna: 746-8697 or kidzklub@surewest.net. www.BaysideOnline.com

Nor-Cal Kids and Teens Club
This group offers support, information, community connections and fun for families with any type of special needs child. Call Ron at 530-315-0393 or email NorcalKidsClub@aol.com. www.NorcalKidsClub.com

Nor-Cal Bowling Club
Nor-Cal Kids Club invites children with special needs, family and friends to come out and play. Socializing on Tuesdays at Crest View Lanes in Carmichael or Thursdays at Rocklin Bowl in Rocklin. Cost: $2 per game, plus $3 shoe rental on Tuesdays and free shoe rental on Thursdays. Family members are encouraged to participate at the same price. Friends are welcome at the regular rates. Call Ron at 530-315-0393, Teresa at 599-2200, or email NorcalKidsClub@aol.com. www.NorcalKidsClub.com

Sacramento Asperger Syndrome Information & Support
Sacramento Asperger Syndrome Information & Support Groups
Support groups meet from 7-9pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Three groups meet at the same time in separate rooms at the UC Davis MIND Institute in Sacramento. Parents & Caregivers meet in the auditorium; Older Teens & Adults with ASD (ages 16 and up) meet upstairs in the Boardroom; the Social and Conversation Coaching Group (ages 16 and up) gather in the lobby area. Contact Lynne.Weissmann@feat.org before attending for the first time. Childcare is not available. Call 888-883-0961, visit www.SacramentoAsis.com or go to www.MindInstitute.org for more info.

Sacramento Asperger's Syndrome Meetup Group
A time to share information, resources and support. For teens or adults with Asperger's Syndrome or anyone who has a friend or family member with AS. Meets the 3rd Monday of each month from 7-8 pm at Fall Creek Counseling Associates offices at 5900 Coyle Avenue Suite D Carmichael CA 95608. Space is limited. To RSVP or for more information visit aspergers.meetup.com or phone Dr. Debra Moore at (916) 344-0900.

Down Syndrome Support:

National Down Syndrome Coalition - Greater Sacramento
Providing education, charitable resources and supportive socializing opportunities to families touched by Down syndrome (including “Mommy and Me” playgroups, Teen/Young Adult events, educational seminars, New Parent support, anytime telephone support and more). Call 532-4773 or email Info@NDSCoalition.org for more information. www.NDSCoalition.org.

Down Syndrome Information Alliance (DSIA)
Dedicated to improving knowledge and providing support for local families affected by Down syndrome. The DSIA offers family support at local Community Network meetings and educational and social activities. DSIA will also host the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention in Sacramento in July, 2009. Contact Elaine: 799-6438 or Elaine@DownSyndromeInfo.org. Info and parent support hotline: 658-1686. www.DownSyndromeInfo.org

DSIA Monthly Family Support Nights – listed by area:

DSIA – Elk Grove
Contact Tammy: 682-3145 or Ababich@Surewest.net for meeting times and locations.

DSIA – Folsom/El Dorado Hills Area
This group, offering fun and support for families affected by Down syndrome, meets on the first Sunday of every month, 4-6pm at various locations. Contact Elaine: 799-6438 or Elaine@DownSyndromeInfo.org.

DSIA – Placer Area
Meetings are held once a month at a rotating location. Contact Nancy: 955-9819 or Disneybabe@Sbcglobal.net for meeting time, location and additional info.

DSIA – Sacramento
Held on the second Tuesday of each month, 6:30-8:30pm at The Toy Box in Sacramento. Children are welcome. Contact Magdeline: Magzog1@Sbcglobal.net or Amanda: Sean@CccSac.org.

DSIA – West Sacramento/Woodland
Monthly meetings for parents and their infants or toddlers with Down syndrome run September through June. For meeting time, location and more info contact Robin Bent at 530-668 3870 or at bent@ycoe.org. These groups are part of the Yolo Area chapter and families may attend meetings there, too.

DSIA – Yolo County Area
Monthly playgroups held on the last Monday of each month during the academic school year at the Infant Steps Program classroom. Contact Andrea: 530-297-5991 or Castuders@Aol.com.