ABILITY FIRST

AbilityFirst, formerly Crippled Children Society provides programs and services to help children and adults with disabilities reach their full potential

Established as the Crippled Children's Society in 1926 and operating in the greater Los Angeles area, AbilityFirst supports individuals with special needs through after school enrichment programs, job training, community employment, accessible camping, and affordable and accessible housing. AbilityFirst is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the American Camping Association (ACA). All facilities are licensed by the California Department of Social Services and the Department of Developmental Services. Through 24 locations across Southern California, AbilityFirst provides programs and services to help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities reach their full potential throughout their lives. We offer a broad range of employment, recreational and socialization programs and operate 12 accessible residential housing complexes. When our organization was founded, the name reflected the thinking and norms of the time. The ensuing decades, however, brought dramatic change. We expanded to provide programs for adults, as well as children. We also broadened our mission in order to meet the needs of those with developmental disabilities, as well as those with physical disabilities. Development disabilities include autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and epilepsy. We are aware that many campers are away from parents and home for the first time. Our staff responds with understanding and support to help make this very important transition a success. The rewards are great. Families gain a much-needed respite from the rigors and challenges of caring for their disabled loved ones. Campers have the opportunity to explore activities that promote health, fitness and independence in a nurturing atmosphere of friendship and possibility.