Foundation for Developmental Disabilities

08/14/2026

🎉 FDD was proud to award a $10,000 grant to Mountain Shadows Support Group in support of their Together We Thrive initiative.
Through quarterly community celebrations and social gatherings, Together We Thrive creates meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families to connect, build friendships, and engage with their community. By fostering connection, recreation, and support, the program helps reduce isolation and strengthens a sense of belonging for all participants.
We are honored to support this impactful work and invest in programs that enrich lives and promote inclusion. We are excited to see the lasting connections, memorable experiences, and positive impact that Together We Thrive will continue to create for individuals and families throughout our community. 💙

08/13/2026

📸 Yesterday, we had the pleasure of presenting a $15,000 FDD program grant award to TrueCare in support of its Comfort in Care: Sensory Support for Health Access initiative.

This funding will help create sensory-friendly environments across seven North County health centers, enhancing spaces with sensory-adapted furnishings and equipment designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities and young children with sensory sensitivities.

These improvements will help reduce anxiety, improve healthcare experiences, and remove barriers to care, ensuring more patients can access services in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Thank you to the TrueCare team for your dedication to advancing inclusive and accessible healthcare for our community. We are proud to support this important work and look forward to seeing the impact of this initiative in the months ahead.

08/12/2026

🌟 Sponsor Spotlight: Adjoin Nonprofit!🌟

A special thank you to Adjoin for being a Gift Giver Sponsor of FDD's Season of Sharing! 🎁

Your generosity and commitment to strengthening communities help make it possible for us to create meaningful opportunities and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families this holiday season.

We are grateful for your ongoing partnership and for helping make this year's Season of Sharing truly special.

💙 Thank you, Adjoin, for making a difference!

08/11/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to Jan Adams, Chair of the FDD Board of Directors! 🎉

Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to creating opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Please join us in wishing Jan a wonderful birthday filled with joy, celebration, and all the things that make the day special. Thank you for all you do for FDD and the people we serve!

08/07/2026

Friday Community Partnership Highlight 💙

As we head into the weekend, we're celebrating a partnership that is helping create a more inclusive San Diego. Through a Foundation program grant, YMCA of San Diego County – Toby Wells YMCA provided adaptive gymnastics classes and sensory-friendly family sessions for children and youth with developmental disabilities, reducing barriers to recreation while building confidence, connection, and community.

Over six months, the program recorded 346 registrations and visits, exceeding participation goals and creating meaningful opportunities for children and their families.

As one caregiver shared, “Adaptive Gymnastics is a brick in the foundation of my child’s self-confidence.” Another noted that the program gave their child “the chance to be like any other child and have fun without fear of others making fun of them.”

Thank you, YMCA of San Diego County – Toby Wells YMCA, for your commitment to inclusion and for helping children of all abilities thrive.

08/04/2026

🍪 Happy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! 🍪
Today we're celebrating one of life's sweetest treats, the chocolate chip cookie! Just like the perfect cookie is made from different ingredients coming together, our community is stronger because of the unique talents, perspectives, and contributions of every individual.
At the Foundation, we're grateful for the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), families, caregivers, professionals, and advocates who each bring their unique strengths to help build a more inclusive community where everyone can thrive.
Let's have some fun! 👇
🍪 Tell us: What's your favorite cookie?
👍 Classic Chocolate Chip
❤️ Oatmeal Raisin
🥰 Sugar Cookie
👏 Snickerdoodle
😋 Other (tell us in the comments!)
Because just like a great cookie, our community is stronger, sweeter, and better when we come together.

08/03/2026

🚀✨ We made the pages of GB Magazine!

We're excited to be featured in the August edition, highlighting the Foundation's 2026 Grantee Showcase, a wonderful celebration of the people and organizations creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

A special shoutout to the San Diego Air & Space Museum for hosting the event and generously donating the venue space. The museum provided the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with inspiration, connection, and celebration. ❤️

We're so grateful for our sponsors and supporters who continue to help us make a difference: HUB International, MiraCosta College Community Education & Workforce Development, Unified Esports League, Home of Guiding Hands, The Arc of San Diego, Options For All, Hanna Interpreting Services, Special Olympics Southern California San Diego County, Noah Homes, St. Madeleine Sophie's Center, Adjoin Nonprofit, Living For Today.

Take a look at the GB feature and event photos:

The Foundation for Developmental Disabilities Grantee Showcase 2026 celebrated grant recipients making a difference for individuals with IDDs and families.

08/03/2026

Sensory Friendly Movies Day Success!

07/31/2026

We're incredibly grateful to OneWell Health Care for their generous support as a Gift Giver Sponsor of our Season of Sharing event! 💙

Thank you, OneWell, for believing in our mission, championing our work, and standing alongside us year after year. Your generosity and ongoing partnership make a meaningful difference, helping create opportunities for hope, connection, and lasting impact throughout our community.

Because of dedicated partners like OneWell Health Care, we can make an even greater impact supporting families served by the San Diego Regional Center.

We are honored to have OneWell as part of Season of Sharing and deeply appreciate their commitment to building a stronger, more caring community. Thank you for your trust, partnership, and unwavering support. 🎁✨

07/30/2026

🌊🏄 Smiles, waves, and unforgettable moments at Camp Wet & Wild! Our CEO, Sitara, was honored to attend, meet the incredible campers, and witness firsthand the confidence, joy, and empowerment that adaptive surfing brings to individuals with disabilities.
Hosted by the Disabled Services Advisory Council in partnership with the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, Camp Wet & Wild gives participants the opportunity to stay active, build confidence, and experience the thrill of catching a wave in an inclusive and supportive environment. We're proud to support programs that create meaningful opportunities and remind us that adventure is for everyone.