Families served by the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center (ELARC) can find adaptive recreation, therapy, social skills groups and job training in and near Alhambra, Monterey Park, East Los Angeles, Whittier, San Gabriel and South Pasadena. This guide lists local organizations by category, with a short overview and a link to each.
Last updated: October 2026. Always confirm services, eligibility and vendor status with each provider and your ELARC service coordinator.
Communities ELARC serves
ELARC serves all or part of Alhambra, Arcadia, Boyle Heights, City Terrace, Commerce, East Los Angeles, East Pasadena, El Sereno, Eagle Rock/Highland Park, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, Lincoln Heights, Montebello, Monterey Park, Mount Washington, Pico Rivera, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, South Pasadena, Santa Fe Springs, Temple City and Whittier (ELARC).
Some of these communities are shared with neighboring regional centers. Check yours with the DDS lookup (DDS), or see our Lanterman and San Gabriel/Pomona guides.
Community and recreation programs
| Organization | Location | What they offer |
|---|---|---|
| Echo Motion Fitness | Pasadena (3124 E Colorado Blvd, near East and South Pasadena) | Adaptive personal training, small-group classes (up to 4 athletes per coach) and virtual coaching for athletes ages 10+. An ELARC vendor (Vendor ID PP3585); accepts SDP. |
| Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled (CPAD) | San Gabriel | Saturday classes, family events, parent support and a self-advocate group, in a culturally and linguistically relevant setting for Chinese American families. |
| Special Olympics Southern California | Los Angeles County region | Year-round sports training, competition, health and leadership programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities. |
| AbilityFirst | Pasadena headquarters, centers across Greater LA | After-school program for ages 6 to 22 with developmental disabilities, and Camp Paivika, a sleepaway camp. |
| ELARC Social Recreational Activities | ELARC service area | ELARC’s own list of local social and recreational programs, play dates and community activities. |
Therapy
| Organization | Location | What they offer |
|---|---|---|
| Villa Esperanza Services | Pasadena (2116 E Villa St) | Speech and occupational therapy and the Villa School for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. |
| Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) | Multiple California locations | Evidence-based ABA therapy for autism in centers, at home and at school. |
| Intercare Therapy | California (check locations) | Family-owned ABA therapy provider, founded in 1979, serving children with autism in centers, homes and schools. |
| Children’s Hospital Los Angeles | Los Angeles, plus an Arcadia Care Center | Pediatric hospital with specialty and rehabilitation care. Ask about developmental and therapy services. |
| Pacific Clinics | Locations across LA County | Behavioral and mental health services, including a neurodevelopmental services program. |
ELARC publishes its full vendor list, updated November 2025 (ELARC).
Social skills and friendship
| Organization | Location | What they offer |
|---|---|---|
| Echo Motion Fitness social events | Pasadena | Small-group classes and community social events where athletes make friends and families connect. |
| CPAD SAGE self-advocate group | San Gabriel | A self-advocacy and social group for people with disabilities within the Chinese American community. |
| Best Buddies California | Statewide | One-to-one friendship, leadership and inclusive living programs for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. |
| UCLA PEERS Clinic | Los Angeles (Westwood) | Evidence-based social skills programs for preschoolers, teens and young adults who struggle socially. |
Employment and vocational training
| Organization | Location | What they offer |
|---|---|---|
| ELARC Employment Services | ELARC service area | ELARC’s Paid Internship Program and employment resources. Contact employment@elarc.org. |
| Lincoln Training Center | South El Monte (2643 Loma Ave) | CARF-accredited supported employment, customized employment and job placement with local employers. |
| Goodwill Southern California | Los Angeles (San Fernando Rd, near Lincoln Heights) | Career services, work experience training and disability services. |
| Best Buddies California | Statewide | Integrated employment support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. |
| California Department of Rehabilitation | Statewide | State agency that helps Californians with disabilities prepare for, find and keep jobs. |
| Echo Motion Fitness | Pasadena | Paid jobs and on-the-job training for people with disabilities at our gym, through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit. |
Echo Motion Fitness in Pasadena, minutes from South Pasadena, San Marino and Alhambra, is an ELARC vendor (Vendor ID PP3585) and accepts SDP funding under Service Code 331. Book a free consultation or call or text (626) 344-8562.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use ELARC’s Self-Determination Program for adaptive fitness?
Yes, Echo Motion Fitness accepts SDP funding under Service Code 331.
Is Echo Motion Fitness an ELARC vendor?
Yes. Echo Motion Fitness is vendored with ELARC, Lanterman and San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Centers (Vendor ID PP3585).
Does ELARC offer a paid internship program?
Yes. ELARC runs a Paid Internship Program for people it serves. Email employment@elarc.org to learn more.
More guides for families
Sources
- ELARC: Service Area Map
- ELARC: Social Recreational Activities
- ELARC: Employment for Persons Served
- ELARC: Vendor List
- DDS: Self-Determination Program FAQ
- DDS: Individual Program Plan
- DDS: SDP Service Definitions
- Organization websites linked in each table above.
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