What Started As a Small Gathering in a Parking Lot Exploded Into a Sold-Out Convention Center
On Saturday, October 4, thousands of San Diego and Imperial County families came together at San Diego Regional Center’s 3rd Annual Family-Vendor Resource Fair held at the San Diego Convention Center. The event was launched in 2022 at SDRC’s main parking lot to help connect individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families with valuable resources, service providers, and opportunities that foster inclusion and belonging. 300 people attended.
This year was exceptional, with over 2,500 people in attendance, 250 service providers who support SDRC families, community partners like the Department of Developmental Services, CALAble, SDG&E, and individuals in the regional center programs who launched micro businesses as authors, artisans, appliance repair specialists, illustrators, and much more.
“Our goal is to bring the community together and make it easier for everyone to access the services and supports they need,” Mark Klaus, Executive Director of San Diego Regional Center shared with GB Magazine. “We believe that by building strong connections, we can help every person with a developmental disability live productive and satisfying lives as valued members of their communities.”
The resource fair has become San Diego’s largest one-stop hub for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Attendees enjoyed breakout sessions, had access to essential resources and program information, and hands-on opportunities to connect with experts to ensure that families left feeling empowered and supported. The event reflects SDRC’s ongoing dedication to supporting over 46,000 children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties.
As one of 21 nonprofit regional centers in California operating under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act, SDRC plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and intellectual disabilities. Their person-centered services range from early intervention and educational support to employment assistance and residential care, all designed to empower clients toward independence and inclusion.
For more information about SDRC, visit their website at www.sdrc.org.
