Law Office of Meagan Nunez

08/20/2025

Thank you for your wonderful volunteer work this summer David Rivera! We know you have a very bright future ahead of you!

07/11/2025

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth @ the All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair!!

05/15/2025

Come see us!

You're Invited! All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair – Friday, July 11, 11 AM–2 PM at Miramar Hourglass Recreation Center, San Diego.

FREE TICKETS AT: https://inclusivefamilyevent2025.eventbrite.com

Join us for a day designed for kids of all abilities. We'll have free activities, fun surprises and resources for parents.

What you’ll find:
• Interactive stations like Olaf Snowball Toss & Super Hero Speedway
• Character meet & greets (including Princess Ariel)
• Crafts, prizes, shopping & more
• Quiet Sensory Time from 11–11:30 AM
• Local resources to support your family
• The ShopAble Bazaar featuring vendors with disabilities

💙This event is free and open to everyone. Hosted by the Special Needs Resource Foundation. Come celebrate community and connection!

04/08/2025

If you’re looking for engaging summer activities, we’d love to introduce you to dozens of classes, camps and programs designed specifically for children, teens and young adults with disabilities, chronic medical conditions or unique needs. The abundant benefits of summer camp are for everyone, so don’t let worry prevent you from registering loved ones for camp. These programs offer extra care and support with trained staff at camps for individuals and families. Find more information by visiting each website—and prepare for an unforgettable summer adventure!
FEATURED CLASSES, PROGRAMS & CAMPS
Aqua Pros
Aqua Pros and Autism Society San Diego partner to provide private swim lessons for those with Autism.
4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego
858-715-0678
www.autismsocietysandiego.org/programs/swim-lessons

Fleet Science Center
Join Accessibility Mornings at the Fleet on the third Saturday of every month. Enjoy exhibit galleries in a quieter setting an hour before regular public hours, and a modified documentary film screening with house lights on and lower soundtrack volume. Stay and enjoy the Fleet all day.
1875 El Prado, San Diego (Balboa Park)
619-238-1233
www.fleetscience.org/visit/accessibility

Game Gen
Game Gen helps video game players become video game developers, offering online classes for kids, teens and adults in coding, animation and design.
9655 Granite Ridge Dr. #200, San Diego
833-426-3436
www.gamegen.com

Play My Way
An inclusive, accessible recreation center opening in May. Art and music classes and open gym sessions for kids with disabilities, featuring adaptive swinging, jumping and climbing, sensory activities, a quiet area to unwind, and a parent and caregiver lounge.
7540 Metropolitan Dr. #103, San Diego
619-916-8156
www.playmywaysd.com

Resounding Joy
Resounding Joy is a nonprofit music therapy organization that enhances well-being for all ages and abilities through the power of music. Now a San Diego Regional Center vendor.
11300 Sorrento Valley Rd. #104, San Diego
858-457-2200
www.resoundingjoyinc.org

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
Join SDCDM for Sensory Friendly Mornings every Sunday from 9:30–11:30 a.m. and enjoy a comfortable and quiet environment for you and your child to explore, imagine and experiment at the Museum.
320 N Broadway, Escondido
760-233-7755
www.sdcdm.org

Surf Camp
The Autism Society San Diego surf camp for persons (ages 5+) with Autism.
858-715-0678
www.autismsocietysandiego.org/surf-camp.html

SUMMER CAMPS (DAY AND OVERNIGHT CAMPS)

AWARE-Adults with Autism Recreation Experience
Fun, summer day camp for young adults (18+) on the Autism Spectrum allows socialization with peers and community-based activities. Camper or family member must be a current Autism Society of San Diego member.
Various locations; 858-715-0678; www.autismsocietysandiego.org/aware.html

Camp Able at Coronado
Provides children and adults with mental and physical disabilities the opportunity to experience aquatic activities like kayaking, sailing and swimming in the ocean.
858-254-0944; www.campableatcoronado.org

Camp Beyond the Scars Burn Institute
Traditional summer camp for burn-injured kids ages 8–17 with professional support for addressing their unique physical and emotional challenges. Counselors include off-duty firefighters, medical staff and adult burn survivors.
858-541-2277; www.burninstitute.org/camp-beyond-the-scars

Camp del Corazon
Three programs for kids and families with congenital heart disease: P.A.C.E. (Progressive Adult Cardiac Experience) for ages 18–25, summer camp for ages 7–17, and the annual Happy Heart Festival symposium.
North Hollywood,CA; 818-754-0312; www.campdelcorazon.org

Camp Grizzly
Located in the Sierra Foothills and run by mentors of the NorCal Center, this camp offers Deaf, Hard of Hearing and KODA youth a supportive environment to study Indigenous American history, and local plant and animal life.
TTY: 916-349-7500; VP: 916-993-3048; www.campgrizzly.org

Camp Harmon
ACA-accredited camp for ages 8–65 with developmental or physical disabilities. Run by Easterseals with a 3:1 camper/counselor ratio, health center, heated cabins, arts & crafts, accessible swimming pool, putting green, gardening and animal farm.
Boulder Creek, CA; 831-338-3383; www.campharmon.org

Camp I CAN
The Autism Society and YMCA offer 1:1 instruction at this camp for kids with Autism. Register early—it fills up every year! www.autismsocietysandiego.org

Camp Ivey
Summer horse camp dedicated to encouraging interaction of disabled and able-bodied children of all ages. Day camp for ages 7–17 with therapeutic horseback riding and horse grooming program.
110 Rancho del Oro Dr., Oceanside, CA 92057
760-722-4839; www.iveyranch.com

Camp Jaycee
Inclusive, ACA-accredited camp for ages 18 mos. to 12th grade offers traditional activities, sports, Spanish-immersion, theater and more. Scholarships available.
4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037
858-362-1132; www.campjaycee.com

Camp Let Loose
Week-long summer program for kids with special needs. Paired 1:1 with a teen counselor, campers enjoy field trips such as Fleet Science Center, Coastal Roots Farm, Petco Park and more.
441 Saxony Rd., Encinitas, CA 92024
858-633-7328; www.friendshipcirclesd.org

Camp Paivika
Overnight camp near Big Bear for ages 5–22 with developmental and physical disabilities. Includes horseback riding, fine arts, adaptive sports, swimming, cookouts and campfires and nature hikes.
909-338-1102 x5003; www.camppaivika.org

Camp Ramah
Jewish children with special needs (ages 10–17) enjoy therapeutic programs with behavior specialists in Ojai, CA. Individual counselors for each family.
www.ramah.org/event/programs/special-needs-family-camp

Camp Stevens
Inclusive, traditional, outdoor overnight camp for kids ages 8–15. Discuss the needs of your child with ASD, ADD/ADHD, and mild delay with counselors. Focus on interpersonal skills during archery, swimming, crafts, campfires, etc.
Julian, CA; 760-765-0028; www.campstevens.org

Camp Wamp
Wilderness camp located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for ages 8–18 with physical disabilities. Founded by local climbing legend Stephen Wampler.
Soda Springs, CA; 800-381-6891; www.campwamp.org

CIP (College Internship Program) Summer Program
Two-week college experience for ages 18–26 with ASD, ADHD and other learning differences. College is not just about academics; it’s about fostering connections, learning skills to succeed and having fun.
877-566-9247; www.cipworldwide.org

City of Chula Vista Day Camps
Students with disabilities are encouraged to attend all day camps. Two-week notice is required to complete an assessment and to assign an aide, if needed.
www.chulavistaca.gov

ConnectMed
Inclusive, community-building events and activities for children with physical differences and disabilities. Psychosocial programs include weekend camps, online meet-ups, family outings, equine therapy and caregiver support groups.
619-800-5869; www.connectmed.org

Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Family Camp
Provides an opportunity for children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing and their families to come together in a positive environment.
www.cahandsandvoices.org/family-camps/southern-california

Easterseals Camp Oakes
Resident camp in the San Bernardino Mountains serves children and adults with disabilities. Activities include crafts, hayrides, talent shows, dances, swimming, canoeing, archery, hiking and a ropes course.
Big Bear, CA; 951-264-4855; www.easterseals.com

Joni & Friends
Nationwide retreats for families living with disability. Fun, accessible, Christ-centered experience with worship, indoor and outdoor activities and more; build lasting memories and friendships with others who understand.
Agoura Hills, CA; 818-707-5664; www.joniandfriends.org

Junior Adaptive Sports Camp
An opportunity for kids ages 4–18 with physical impairments to participate in about 15 different sport rotations over five days. Volunteers and counselors help athletes learn fundamentals of games and activities.
424-286-4227; www.angelcitysports.org/camp

KODAWest Camp
Kids of Deaf Adults ages 8–17 enjoy traditional camp experiences at Camp Edwards in Angelus Oaks, CA and explore their identities as bicultural individuals. Registration opens every January.
818-265-9700 VP; www.kodawest.com

The Painted Turtle
Summer camp and year-round programs for ages 7–16 with various medical conditions. Medical staff onsite 24/7. Special foods available for dietary needs.
Lake Hughes, CA; 661-724-1550; www.thepaintedturtle.org

Rancho Family YMCA Camps
Exciting, inclusive camps offered to kids of all abilities. Assessment provided to determine support needed. Financial aid available.
9410 Fairgrove Ln., Rancho Peñasquitos (San Diego) 858-484-8788; www.ymcasd.org

San Diego Parks & Rec Therapeutic Recreation Services
Inclusive summer and winter day camps offered to children of all abilities.Schedules online.
619-525-8247; www.sandiego.gov/TherapeuticRecreationServices

Surfin Fire Surf Camp
Year-round surf lessons and camps in Oceanside, Carlsbad and Encinitas for all ages and most abilities by an Encinitas firefighter with swift water rescue certification and his trained staff. Surfboards and wetsuits provided.
760-438-0538, www.surfinfire.com

Surfing Madonna
Summer surf camp for kids with special needs in Encinitas and Oceanside. Free to all participants June to September. www.surfingmadonna.org/surf-camp

Wishing Well Equestrian
Therapeutic riding and small group camps for people with and without special needs at Deer Springs Equestrian Center.
140 Deer Springs Rd., San Marcos;
619-770-8765, www.facebook.com/nancymcnaryequine

Whispering Winds Family Camp
Families with a child with developmental disabilities enjoy a retreat of respite, support, fun and prayer in Julian, CA. www.whisperingwinds.org/camps-retreats/special-needs-family-camp

YMCA of San Diego County
Summer day camps, overnight camps, swim lessons and sports leagues for children preschool and up. Children with special needs are always welcome.
3708 Ruffin Rd., San Diego; 858-292-9622; www.ymcasd.org

EXPLORE THE FULL CAMP LISTING >

As a leading nonprofit organization, the YMCA of San Diego strives to improve the well-being of individuals and communities.

03/19/2025

IN THIS MEMO:
Get Involved! This Is a Critical Week to Protect Medicaid

Proposed Medicaid Cuts Threaten California Families: The Chadwick Family

Students With Disabilities Will Be Significantly Impacted by Shutdown of U.S. Department of Education

Final Week to Get Tickets to DisCo at the Capitol: California Disability Community Advocacy Conference

Don't Miss Tomorrow's Webinar: Navigating College for Students with Disabilities

Enroll Now for Self-Care for the Family Caregiver Starting March 18

Caring Futures Now Offers Self-Paced Future Planning Classes for Caregivers

Upcoming Opportunities, News Articles & Reports, Jobs, Funding Opportunities, & More

Get Involved! This Is a Critical Week to Protect Medicaid

As members of Congress return home this week for recess, Californians across the state are making it loud and clear that voting for a cut to Medicaid is a betrayal to people with disabilities and their families. Our voices are beginning to be heard but the fact remains that the House of Representatives passed a budget blueprint for a cut of $880 billion in spending, which would drastically reduce funding for Medicaid funded services in California by tens of billions of dollars every year. And no matter what members of Congress are saying, people with disabilities and their families are NOT WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE.

By now you are hopefully aware of what programs and services Medicaid funds in California through Medi-Cal: Regional Center services, In Home Supportive Services (IHSS), therapies and supports for students, pre-natal care for pregnant women, and early interventions services for babies born with complex medical conditions or developmental delays.

So, how can you add your voice to this fight? Members of Congress are on recess from March 15 – 23, so this week is a critical time for you to reach out to them before they make important votes on Medicaid in the coming weeks.

Our partners at Care Can’t Wait have developed this Ultimate Guide to Protect Medicaid that will give you step by step information on how to reach out to your member of Congress and how to engage others to do the same. Additionally, you can help to spread the word about the following opportunities to connect with our Republican members of Congress this week:

Tele-Townhall with Rep. Kevin Kiley's (District 3)
DATE AND TIME:
Monday, March 17 at 6:30 PM.
ONLINE ACCESS:
Call (877) 229-8493 and enter PIN #122293.
RSVP:
https://kiley.house.gov/tele-town-hall-rsvp-form

Rally to Save Our Health Care in front of Rep. Young Kim’s office (District 40).
DATE AND TIME:
Tuesday, March 18 at Noon
LOCATION:
180 N. Riverview Dr. Suite 150 Anaheim, CA 92808
Click HERE to View Flyer

If you need assistance reaching out to your member of Congress or organizing a rally or other event then please contact our office at info@thearcca.org.

By Jordan Lindsey, Executive Director, The Arc & UCP California Collaboration
View Article

Proposed Medicaid Cuts Threaten California Families: The Chadwick Family Story

In a poignant narrative that underscores the vital role of Medicaid funding, Cynthia Chadwick, president of the Board of Directors for The Arc of Ventura County, shares her family's journey through the challenges of raising two sons with developmental disabilities.

Cynthia and her husband, Rich, were blessed with two sons: Thomas, a spirited blond, and Robert, a freckle-faced redhead. Early on, they noticed differences in their boys. Thomas was not developing speech as expected, and subsequent testing revealed he was deaf. When Robert was born, he too faced the same challenge. While Cynthia views their deafness not as a disability but as a challenge, it necessitated her learning sign language to communicate effectively with them.

As the years progressed, the family faced additional hurdles. Both boys experienced seizures and exhibited learning delays, with Robert developing muscular weakness that eventually confined him to a wheelchair. Despite these challenges, the Chadwick family felt fortunate to access essential government-funded services, including Medicaid, which allowed their sons to lead fulfilling lives.

Robert thrived at a nearby Arc day program, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of his peers and the joy of outings. His infectious laughter brought light to the family, and his love for their dog, Nick, and funny Popeye cartoons created cherished memories. Tragically, Robert passed away from a grand mal seizure in 2019, leaving a profound void in the family's life.

The family's journey took another heartbreaking turn when Thomas, now 42, developed early onset dementia. This condition dramatically altered his personality, leading to frustration, aggression, and incontinence. Once a sweet, shy teenager who excelled in Special Olympics sports and idolized Kobe Bryant, Thomas now struggles to remember the rules of the games he once loved. He currently resides in a group home, a place that provides the necessary support and care for his needs.

Cynthia emphasizes that both of their sons are unique individuals, embodying both strengths and challenges. Their stories reflect a broader narrative of the disability community and underscore the importance of continued support for individuals like Thomas and Robert.

As the family navigates these trials, they remain deeply concerned about the proposed cuts to Medicaid funding. Cynthia urges policymakers to recognize the critical impact of these services on families like hers. "Please find it in your hearts not to cut Medicaid," she implores. "Such cuts would be a crushing blow to disabled individuals, their families, and the dedicated staff that serve them."

Through their heartwarming yet heartbreaking experiences, the Chadwick family exemplifies the importance of advocacy and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Their story reinforces The Arc of California’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals receive the assistance they need to lead fulfilling lives.

You can join our fight to SAVE MEDICAID sharing your story with us and our elected officials. Please email us your story with photos to info@thearcca.org or RECORD A VIDEO MESSAGE at mystory.thearcca.org.

Click HERE to view story on our website.
View Video

Students With Disabilities Will Be Significantly Impacted by Shutdown of U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education’s mass layoffs this week gutted its Office for Civil Rights (OCR), shutting down regional offices and leaving it critically understaffed. OCR is already overwhelmed with a record number of civil rights complaints—and no issue is bigger than disability discrimination.

Last year, more than 22,600 complaints were filed from parents and students, the majority of which involve students with disabilities. Without strong federal enforcement, their rights are just words on paper. Cutting OCR guts protections against discrimination and leaves families with nowhere to turn when schools fail to provide the services their children need. This is not just bureaucracy—it’s about real kids losing real opportunities.

DEMAND ACTION: Click HERE to tell your lawmakers to stop these cuts and protect every student’s right to an education!

STAY INFORMED: On Tuesday, April 1st California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond will speaking at the "DisCo at the Capitol: California Disability Community Advocacy Conference" in Sacramento, CA. He will address the recent cuts to the Department of Education and how it will impact California families. Don’t miss it! Get your ticket at DisCoAttheCapitol.org.
Take Action!

Final Week to Get Tickets to DisCo at the Capitol: California Disability Community Advocacy Conference

It's the FINAL WEEK to get tickets to attend the empowering and memorable “DisCo at the Capitol: California Disability Community Advocacy Conference,” taking place on April 1 and 2, 2025!

You can register to attend both days, or just one day!

Join us for California's premier annual gathering for the disability community, brought to you by The Arc of California, Easterseals, and United Cerebral Palsy. Meet your legislators, hear from community leaders and policy makers on important topics, such as threats to Medicaid and Special Education funding, the status of the Master Plan on Developmental Services, and the state budget outlook for disability services system. View the full program at DisCoAtTheCapitol.org

DAY 1 -
Advocacy Conference:
Tuesday, April 1
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
$125 ticket fee
(includes light breakfast & lunch)

DAY 2 -
Walk, Rally and Roll to Meet Your Legislator and Enjoy a Silent DisCo at Lunch
Wednesday, April 2
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
FREE
(included light breakfast & lunch)

You must register to attend both days, or just one of the two days. ASL and Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Don’t miss this opportunity to advocate, connect, and be inspired!
Register Now
Announcing the Following Advocacy Conference Presenters:
(In order of Appearance)

Experience the Ultimate DisCo at the Capitol! Get ready for a memorable experience at DisCo at the Capitol: California Disability Community Advocacy Day TICKETS! Ver En Español SPONSOR DISCO AT

02/21/2025

https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/what-the-assault-on-public-education-means-for-kids-with-disabilities

The future of the Department of Education may hinge on the world views of two billionaires who abhor what they perceive as weakness and waste.

01/03/2025

Check out this new upcoming webinar series!

12/19/2024

This is a great step towards early identification of students with dyslexia. California has been behind other states when it comes to early screening for reading challenges. Catching dyslexia early makes a huge difference in the ease of remediation.

Districts will have four options for screening instruments to identify reading difficulties among students in kindergarten through second grade.

11/27/2024

Check out this Age Well Services newsletter for the Winter Season!

11/18/2024

Congratulations to our newest attorney Kelsey Castanho on passing the Bar! Kelsey is brilliant, empathic, and hardworking.
We are so fortunate to have her as part of our team!

10/15/2024

10. This interview with Ta-Nehisi Coates emphasizes the power of books, which is what reading is all about. This is why it matters that our kids can read.

Author Ta-Nehisi Coates is no stranger to controversy. Over a decade ago Coates wrote his thought provoking article in The Atlantic magazine titled The Case for Reparations. The article sparked a global conversation and led to Coates testifying in front of congress about reparations. Now Coates is b...

10/15/2024

9. The Right to Read film is fantastic! It frames reading as a civil right and explores the way that reading instruction impacts racial equity. Anyone interested in equity in education should watch.