Despite growing awareness and advocacy, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in Southern California continue to face significant barriers in employment, housing, family support, and self-advocacy. While strides have been made, the data reveals a long road ahead—and a pressing need for innovative, community-driven solutions.
Key Statistics: Where We Stand
- Employment: In 2024, only 22.7% of individuals with disabilities were employed, compared to 65.5% of those without disabilities. This gap reflects systemic challenges in workplace accessibility, job training, and inclusive hiring practices.
- Family Support: California’s developmental services system supports over 400,000 individuals, yet many families report difficulty accessing respite care, behavioral support, and financial assistance. Long waitlists and regional disparities exacerbate these issues.
- Housing: Affordable, accessible housing remains scarce. In Southern California, less than 12% of adults with developmental disabilities live independently or with minimal support. Rising rents and limited availability of supported living programs contribute to housing insecurity.
- Self-Advocacy and Access: Many individuals with IDDs lack the tools and platforms to advocate for their rights. Barriers include limited digital literacy, inaccessible public services, and insufficient community outreach. This restricts their ability to participate fully in civic life and decision-making.
Why It MattersAccess to employment, housing, and support services isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s a matter of dignity, equity, and human rights. When individuals with developmental disabilities are empowered to live independently, contribute to their communities, and advocate for themselves, everyone benefits. Inclusive systems foster stronger families, more resilient communities, and a richer social fabric.
Yet the statistics show that we’re not there yet. The disparities in access and outcomes are stark, and they demand bold, collaborative action.
A New Path Forward: To address these challenges, the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities is partnering with Raizes to develop —a centralized digital platform designed to connect individuals with IDDs and their families to vital resources across Southern California.
This initiative will offer:
- A user-friendly interface for finding employment programs, housing options, and support services
- Tools for self-advocacy and community engagement
- Multilingual access and culturally responsive design
The Foundation’s mission is clear: “To generate and distribute funds to innovative programs that enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in San Diego and Imperial Counties.”
embodies this mission by bridging gaps in access and empowering individuals to take control of their futures. 
Looking AheadSouthern California has the talent, heart, and infrastructure to lead the nation in disability inclusion—but it requires sustained investment, policy reform, and community collaboration. With initiatives like and the leadership of organizations like the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities, we’re planting the seeds of transformation.
But make no mistake: we have a long way to go. Let’s keep pushing for a future where every individual with a developmental disability has the opportunity to thrive—not just survive.
Thank you,David PerezZerep Health IncorporatedThe contents of this e-mail message and any attachments are confidential and are intended solely for the addressee. The information may also be legally privileged. This transmission is sent in trust for the sole purpose of delivery to the intended recipient. If you have received this transmission in error, any use, reproduction, or dissemination of this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail or phone and delete this message and any attachments.