Special Education Community Events and News

Disability Pride Month 2026
July is Disability Pride Month! Checkout resources and celebration ideas:

Disability Pride Month 2026: Theme, History, How to Celebrate

DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH - July 1, 2026 - National Day Calendar

Disability Pride and Advocating for Access

The World Works Better With Us: Celebrating Disability Pride Month 2026

Disability Pride Month – Children's Book Council
Learn more

Community Event Calendar - Check out the Many Events Happening!
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SF Therapeutic Rec & Park Fall 2026 Programming

2026 TR Day Camp Menu

For all SF Recreation and Parks Fall season programming please see the attached catalog. For specialized TR program offerings for the Fall season, see the attached Program menu as well as descriptions see below:· TR Family Day (10am-1pm, 12/12) - our one off events for people with disabilities and their families. This event is for families to recreate together, connect with our team and other families. All ages and abilities welcome. All attending must be registered for accurate headcounts and capacity reasons.

· **Access to Health and Fitness (Wednesdays, 11am-12:30pm, 9/16-12/2 at Mission Recreation Center) - Come get healthy and fit! This is a specialized Therapeutic Recreation Program, serving transition aged youth with disabilities ages 18+. We strive to develop social and life skills while fostering community integration and encouraging independence in a safe and nurturing environment. We, will work directly with the ACCESS students, to help them develop healthy lifestyle and fitness skills. We recommend bringing comfortable clothes and shoes as well as water.

·**TR Afternoon Social Club (Tuesdays, 3:00pm-5:30pm 9/15-10/13 at Mission Playground) - is a 5-week program for individuals with disabilities ages 14-25. In the past. we have alternated days we are onsite. Activities depend on the theme, but this program focuses on socialization, developing and practicing skills like: budgeting, decision making, following a recipe. etc. This program does require some level of independence. Limited built-in support

· **Teen Time (10am-1pm, 11/7 at Mission Playground) - is a 3 hour program for teens with disabilities ages 13-22. We try to plan according the participants registered, plans may include: community outing, art activities, special guests, etc.

· **Play Day (10am-1pm, 10/17 at Mission Playground) - is a 3 hour program for kids with disabilities ages 6-12. We try to plan according the participants registered, plans may include: community outing, art activities, special guests, etc.

· Access to Adventure (11am-3pm, 9/19 at Presidio Tunnel Tops) - Learn about inclusive recreation opportunities available in and around San Francisco. Connect with other families as well as staff from Support for Families, Presidio Trust, and SF Recreation and Park’s Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Services.

· Scaregrove (10/30 at Stern Grove) -More information and details to come as we get closer to the Halloween event date.

Please note that programs with ** are specialized and require a TR-approval before registering. TR-approval requires connecting with our office and having a completed assessment on file. If you have registered for any of our specialized programming such as, summer camps, Play Day, Teen Time, TR Afternoon Social Club or Access to Heath and Fitness in the past, then you are TR-approved.

And if you haven't already done so, please sign-up for our TR e-News here. Our newsletter is not sent on a weekly basis. You will automatically to added to the general e-News letter if you sign-up for our TR e-News. In addition to joining our programs/events, this is the best way to stay connected and get important information/dates.

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Monthly: FREE IEP Workshops & Clinics

Monthly on Thursday's: Individualized Education Program (IEP) Clinics

Presented by SFCD. Offered in English, Spanish and Cantonese. Learn about Special Education law, the IEP process, what to do when things aren’t working, and how to become a more active and effective team member.

To register, please call our Warmline at 415-920-5040, email info@supportforfamilies.org,
or click the registration link below.

Presented in Cantonese: 1st Thursdays; 6-7:00pm
Presented in English: 2nd Thursdays; 4-6:00pm
Presented in Spanish: 3rd Thursdays; 4-6:00pm

點擊這裡登記粵語IEP講座

Click here to register for the English IEP Clinic

Haga clic aquí para registrarse a la Clínica de IEP en español

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Monthly: 2nd Sundays with Spectrum Rock Climbers

Spectrum Rock Climbers is a group of volunteers who want to provide youth with autism who have an interest in indoor rock climbing access to the sport and the benefits. Sign-up is required and space is limited. Email David Kase at david@kasemedia.com to sign-up or with any questions. Some additional details below:

Who: Youth ages 9 to 17. Climbers must be able to effectively communicate with their belayer (all forms are accepted). Climbers must be accompanied by one parent or guardian.

Cost: Free. Gym access, climbing shoes and a harness are provided at no cost (thanks to Movement San Francisco). Sign-up is required as space is limited.

When: The second Sunday of each month from 9:30 to 11 a.m..

Where: Movement Gym San Francisco (924 Mason Street)

Please note that this opportunity has no association with our team or department. Click the link below to get an idea of what to expect.

What to expect video

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Wednesdays Sep 23 - Nov 8, 6-8pm: Advocating for Your Black Child

Presented by NAMI SF in collaboration with The Kuumba Healing Project

Learn more and register

Advocating for Your Black Child (A4YBC) is a free, 8-week psycho-education series for Black parents and caregivers of Black children & teens (elementary-high school) living with mental health and/or learning differences. Advocating for Your Black Child (A4YBC) is offered in a virtual group setting so that you can safely and confidently connect with other Black Parents.

Each A4YBC cohort provides critical information & strategies created specifically with the Black family in mind. The A4YBC curriculum provides a wealth of practical resources throughout the series. It was designed specifically to support the Black family in navigating school, political and social systems for your child.

We cover a variety of topics, which include:

Accessing the appropriate academic services & support for your child within the public school system
Systemic Racism and navigating White spaces
Learning about behavioral health and neurological differences
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Utilizing community resources
Obstacles to effective parenting
Alternative and Allopathic treatment methods

The course is taught by trained clinical & health professionals and those with lived experiences — who understand what you're going through because they've been there.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Ashley Brown-Hagan at NAMI San Francisco

ashley@namisf.org or 909-313-2512

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Thurs Oct 8, 7-9pm: Self Compassion Support Group by SF Autism Society

Presented by SF Autism Society

This series of virtual support group sessions will provide you the opportunity to:

identify and embody the three components of self-compassion: kindness, mindfulness (including mindful movement), and common humanity;
develop skills for responding in a compassionate way whenever you or your child suffers;
explore the role of tender and fierce self-compassion;
practice strategies to soothe and comfort yourself and your child in order to handle difficult emotions with greater ease, but also to draw boundaries, fight against injustice, or motivate change;
Identify and self-reflect on your journey as a caregiver and find common humanity with others.

Who: Parents and Caregivers of ASD kids and related developmental disorders
For questions: Please contact Sara Kole here

Register here

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Thurs Oct 15 @ 7:00-8:30pm: When Capable Readers Struggle: The Hidden Impact of Stealth Dyslexia

Presented by REEL 2e

Date & Time: October 15, 7:00-8:30pm
Location: Online (Zoom)
Registration

Does your child read well—but not easily? Do they take much longer than expected to complete reading assignments, avoid reading despite being highly curious, or seem exhausted after tasks that involve reading? For some gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) learners, strong intelligence and advanced vocabulary can mask underlying reading challenges. When a child’s reading skills appear “fine” on the surface but don’t match their overall abilities, there may be more going on beneath the surface.

This session will explore stealth dyslexia—a lesser-known presentation of dyslexia in which bright learners often compensate so effectively that their challenges go unnoticed. We’ll discuss what stealth dyslexia looks like, why some children are identified late, and why reading at grade level does not always mean reading is effortless or efficient.

For more information, and to register, visit our website!

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Sun Oct 4 @ 3:00-5:00pm: SF Autism on Tap

Presented by SF Autism Society

When: Sunday, October 4, 2026, 3-5pm
Where: Pier 23 Cafe, Restaurant and Bar, 23 The Embarcadero, SF. Street and lot parking available, or take ferry or transit.
What: A friendly gathering overlooking the Bay. Drinks provided, please purchase your own food. Not recommended for small children.
Cost: $5, plus donations appreciated. Please register in advance so we can plan space and orders.
For questions, please email here.

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Sun Oct 4 @ 11:30am: SF Ballet Swan Lake Sensory Friendly Workshop

Presented by SF Autism Society

SF Ballet is offering SFASA families free tickets to the Sunday, October 4 SF Ballet Swan Lake Sensory Friendly Dance-Along workshop at 11:30am. We have up to 25 comps!!!
Please RSVP directly to Pam at SF Ballet: psieck@sfballet.org
When: Sunday, October 4 11.30am-12.30pm
Where: SF Ballet, 455 Franklin Street, San Francisco. Dance-Alongs are held in the SF Ballet building across the street from the Opera House.
What: Soar into the magical world of Swan Lake. Spread your arms to dance like the Swan Queen or cast a magical spell like Rothbart. Join us in the ballet studio for a fun introduction to the story and characters of Swan Lake. Move to the choreography, discover the music, learn about costumes and pointe shoes, and enjoy hands-on arts and craft activities.
SF Ballet Dance-Alongs are designed to provide a space for everyone to explore the joy of movement together. Sensory Friendly Dance-Alongs are tailored to participants with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities who may prefer a more relaxed environment. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should wear comfortable clothes that allow for movement and are welcome to wear their favorite costume. Ballet shoes are welcome but not required. No prior dance experience is needed; all bodies and physical abilities welcome. There are no printed tickets. Your name will be on the check-in list at 455 Franklin Street.

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Sun Oct 18 @ 4:00-5:30pm: Monster Jump Trampoline Party, SF Autism Society

Presented by SF Autism Society

Monster Jump in SF!

Max 80 spots. Close registration October 15.

When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 4-5.30pm, 3.30pm arrival for registration

Where: House of Air, 926 Old Mason Street, SF

What: Celebrate Halloween with SFASA by jumping with us at the House of Air trampoline park, Crissy Field, SF. We are renting the entire place!

Cost: Sliding scale $15 (subsidized) - $30 (actual cost) per ticket, includes socks, max 4 tickets per family. Register by October 15.

Questions? Please email the Events Chair here

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Sat Oct 24 @ 2:00pm: Music for Families, SF Symphony

Presented by SF Autism Society

SF Symphony Music for Families

Max 60 tickets. Registration closes October 23rd.

When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 2pm

Where: Davies Symphony Hall, SF

What: Music for Families! Not a sensory-friendly concert but there is more latitude regarding behaviors. We have reserved a section for our families in the 2d tier. Please see sfsymphony.org for updates about the program.

Cost: $10 service fee per ticket, plus donations appreciated

SFASA will distribute its tickets by email shortly before the event date.

Questions? Please email the Events Chair here

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Sat Nov 7: Tony Dances, Sensory-Friendly Performance

Sensory Friendly Performance (all ages!) of Tiny Dances: Swan Lake on Saturday, Nov 7 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. Tickets will go on sale Sept 15.

San Francisco Ballet’s new family series created especially for children ages 2 to 8. Designed as a joyful first ballet experience, Tiny Dances features shorter performances, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and all the wonder of live ballet, thoughtfully tailored for young audiences.