Los Angeles is home to a legion of organizations providing services and resources to Angelenos with disabilities and their families. There are more than we can list but as you explore this website you will find many already highlighted elsewhere. They are diverse in their make-up, fields of service, and dedicated to the disabled community. We are proud to call them community partners.
Braille Institute
Braille Institute is a non-profit organization whose mission is to positively transform the lives of those with vision loss. We offer a broad range of free programs, classes and services serving thousands of students of all ages helping to demonstrate that vision rehabilitation is a beginning, not an end.
We serve the community from seven centers, and hundreds of community outreach locations throughout Southern California, and lead popular national programs like Braille Challenge and Cane Quest. Our staff and volunteers understand losing your vision can be scary, but we believe it is not the end of independence, but a new way of living. Visit Braille Institute Los Angeles Website.
Familia Unida
Incorporated as a grass roots 501-c3 nonprofit in 1998 as the first MS organization in the United States to outreach to the Spanish speaking community. Familia Unida Living with Multiple Sclerosis, e.g. Familia Unida; was founded in the early 90’s by Irma Resendez after her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis when she was 28 years old and learned at that time there were no services available or accessible for the Spanish speaking MS community. Irma experienced paralysis to her lower extremities and was confined to a wheelchair for almost a year. The Resendez home became the casa of hope where Irma and her family shared love with their new MS friends, learned about free resources, shared tears and hugs and especially reminded each other that they were not alone. Resendez went back to school to obtain her Masters in Social Work then incorporated Familia Unida as a non profit organization. Our office has been located in the East Los Angeles County- Centro Maravilla Center, for the past 17 years! The organization was initially founded to provide support services and resources to the Spanish speaking living with Multiple Sclerosis, targeting vulnerable, low-income and immigrants living with MS in the County of Los Angeles. However with the large demand for services in the Greater Los Angeles Area, and with Familia Unidas' open door policy more and more individuals arrived for help. Familia Unidas' reputation grew among the community as the "one stop for information and referrals" with a cultural sensitive approach.
Independent Living Centers
The Independent Living Centers support community living and independence for people with disabilities across Los Angeles and the nation based on the belief that all people can live with dignity, make their own choices, and participate fully in society. These centers provide tools, resources, and supports for integrating people with disabilities fully into their communities to promote equal opportunities, self-determination, and respect.
California Actively Living Independent and Free (CALIF)
Communities Actively Living Independent and Free (CALIF) works closely with the Korean Community in Los Angeles. Justice Pak is a Korean Outreach Advocate at CALIF and they partner with Korean Community partners to engage people with disabilities.
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