Who      What       How     Services      Staff       Help

Who We Are

Abilities United (formerly C-A-R, Inc.) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization for children and adults with developmental disabilities (mental retardation, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions causing developmental delays) who live in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Each year, our nine services are used by over 2,500 people and their families.

What We Do

Abilities United services help to reduce and prevent developmental disabilities while supporting the families and care givers of its clients. Abilities United teaches community living skills and provides job placement and support to its clients. Abilities United educates the community about the valuable contributions made by people with developmental disabilities.

Abilities United programs has been accredited by CARF.

Abilities United is constantly seeking and evaluating new services and community partnerships for individuals with developmental disabilities.

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How We Started

In the 1950s, parents of children with developmental disabilities realized the need for local services which would support their efforts to raise their children at home. In 1963, they created Abilities United, an organization to promote education and training for children with developmental disabilities, to educate the public, and to advocate for services. Through the past several decades, Abilities United has expanded its focus to include both children and adults and offer more services.

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Abilities United Services

Abilities United provides services for children and adults. Children's Development include: Early Intervention and Abilities United Milestones Preshool.  Family Support includes  After School Socialization, the Computer Education and Respite. Adult Services include Adult Day Activities., Employment Services, and Independent Living Skills. Aquatics Services are provided at the Betty Wright Swim Center.

Community education and prevention information is available to the general public.

Aquatic Services, rehabilitation, fitness and recreation, are offered in our Betty Wright Swim Center's indoor, fully-accessible 92 degree heated pool; provides wellness, prevention and independence through hydrotherapy activities to the public. We also offer swimming and aquatic exercise classes for the general community.

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Abilities United Staff

Under the direction of its Executive Director, Lynda Joyce Steele, Abilities United has a staff of 140 full and part-time employees and also draws on the time, talents, and energy of over 250 community volunteers per year. In addition, the organization’s 18-member Board of Directors include dedicated men and women whose commitment is to ensure that Abilities United’s services remain available to those with developmental disabilities.

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How You Can Help

1. Volunteer - You can share your time, talents, and energy with Abilities United in a number of ways.
2. There are numerous ways in which you can give to Abilities United. These include cash donations, honorariums/memorials, bequests, donations of a vehicle or item donations to Abilities United's wish list and corporate matching gifts.
3. Learn and teach - Even if you can’t volunteer your time or donate, you can help. Learn about people with developmental disabilities and understand that they make good friends, neighbors, and employees. Tell your friends and family and become a voice that looks past their disabilities and speaks out for their abilities.

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