Developmental Disability Questions

How many people have a developmental disability?

• About 17% of U.S. children under 18 years of age have a developmental disability.
• Approximately 2% of school-aged children in the U.S. have a serious developmental disability, such as mental retardation or cerebral palsy, and need special education services or supportive care.
• State and federal education departments spend about $36 billion each year on special education programs for individuals with developmental disabilities who are 3-21 years old.

If other children make fun of my son because he has a disability can Abilities United help me talk to them?

• One of the goals of Abilities United is to educate the community about developmental disabilities. We are available for speaking engagements (email info@abilitiesunited.org) to any interested audience and our facility is available for tours (email chris@abilitiesunited.org).
• We also provide educational materials that may help you learn how to educate other people about the facts of developmental disabilities.
• You can also call us at 650-494-0550 or email info@abilitiesunited.org for assistance or information.

I need to find a residential program/housing for my adult son/daughter, where can I get information?

• You can begin at the California State Independent Living Council where you will find a list of all Independent Living Centers located in California by county.
• You can also contact your local Regional Center to get a referral to an appropriate residential program for your child.
• The state of California offers another good resource for information on Independent Living

My developmentally disabled child is ready to get a job. How do I get help to make this happen?

• You can begin by contacting the California Department of Rehabilitation to talk to a counselor to determine eligibility for employment services.
• Abilities United offers a full-service Employment Services Program, which provides job assessment, skills training, coaching, and placements for people with developmental disabilities.

Aquatic Therapy Questions

I use the Aquatics @ Abilities United (BWSC) and would like to tell other people about it - what should I do?

• We have several tools you can use to help promote the swim center and benefit your colleagues as well. Just ask the staff at the BWSC Reception Desk for any of the following:
  • The Aquatics @ Abilities United Class Guide
  • The Aquatics @ Abilities United Medical Brochure/Package
  • Coupons for one time free admission
  • Share copies of the advertisements or coupons that the BWSC runs in the local papers (Palo Alto Weekly, Palo Alto Daily, Bay Area Parent)
  • Buy Gift Certificates for pool usage that can be purchased at the BWSC Reception Desk
• Word of mouth is always the most effective promotion and we welcome you spreading the word. There are several ways you can help:
  • Tell your friends and colleagues about how you have benefited from the BWSC
  • Give out copies of the BWSC Class Guide. Get copies from the BWSC reception desk.
  • Tell your medical practitioners about the benefits of the BWSC. Give their names to the pool manager (link to info@abilitiesunited.org) or give them a copy of the BWSC medical brochure. (Get a copy from the pool manager)
  • Bring your friends and colleagues to the BWSC for a complimentary swim. Get swim passes at the BWSC reception desk.
  • Refer the pool manager or marketing manager to any organizations that may be interested in having a presentation about the BWSC health benefits.
  • Tell the pool manager or marketing manager about any health fairs or age appropriate events that would be suitable for BWSC staff to attend or have a booth at.
  • Tell us your success story at the BWSC so we can use it in our newsletters, annual report, or press releases.
  • Join the pool manager as a spokesperson at any public presentations about the BWSC.

Abilities UnitedS Programs Questions

How can I talk to the Executive Director?

• Lynda Steele,our Executive Director is always interested and available to talk to our clients and their families or caregivers. She can be reached at 650-494-0550 or via email

If I have a concern about a Abilities United program what do I do?

• First, talk to the Program Manager or the Associate Director to try to get your concern addressed. Abilities United has a grievance procedure if you feel your concern is still unresolved.

Can parents and clients go to Abilities United Board meetings? When are they?

• All parents, clients, donors, volunteers and community members are welcome at Abilities United Board meetings, which are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. Meetings are held in the Support Center Conference Room located at 525 East Charleston Road in Palo Alto.

What percentage of Abilities United revenues is funded by the state of California?

• In fiscal year 2001-2002, the State of California provided 53% of the funds needed to provide Abilities United services. This amount has been steadily declining each year. We anticipate state funding to be reduced by 5-10% in 2003-2004. The remainder of Abilities United's revenue is generated through private philanthropy, grants, and private service fees.

Can parents help with fundraising for Abilities United?

• Fundraising is our lifeblood! We welcome and need parental involvement in our fundraising efforts. There are many ways parents can become involved.
  • PTA: parents with children in the Infant Program can join the PTA and become active in their specific fund raising projects.
  • Start your own parent fund raising group for the program your child uses.
  • Swim at our Corporate Challenge Aquathon
  • Attend our Authors' Luncheon
  • Write letters to your friends, family, and colleagues about the difference Abilities United has made in your life and your child's life. A heartfelt letter from you, rather than the Abilities United agency, asking for their help or donations, works wonders in helping us raise money to continue the services.
  • Donate your vehicle to Abilities United.
  • Make a donation in the form of cash, stock, endowment, corporate match, in-kind items, etc.
  • Arrange for Abilities United speaking engagements at your local church, civic organization, school, employer, etc. Contact our Fund Development Director
  • Arrange for tours of Abilities United. Contact our Fund Development Director

Can parents volunteer at Abilities United?

• Volunteers are incredibly important at Abilities United! We welcome and need parental involvement in our programs, administration, and fundraising events. There are many way parents can become involved.
• Volunteer at our Corporate Challenge Aquathon
• Volunteer at our Authors' Luncheon
• Volunteer in one of our programs or in our Support Center.