Who      What       How     Services      Staff       Help

Who We Are

C·A·R (Community Association for Rehabilitation, Inc.) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization for children and adults with developmental disabilities (mental retardation, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions causing developmental delays) who live in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Each year, our nine services are used by over 2,500 people and their families.

What We Do

C·A·R services help to reduce and prevent developmental disabilities while supporting the families and care givers of its clients. C·A·R teaches community living skills and provides job placement and support to its clients. C·A·R educates the community about the valuable contributions made by people with developmental disabilities.

C·A·R programs has been accredited by CARF.

C·A·R is constantly seeking and evaluating new services and community partnerships for individuals with developmental disabilities.

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How We Started

In the 1950s, parents of children with developmental disabilities realized the need for local services which would support their efforts to raise their children at home. In 1963, they created C·A·R, an organization to promote education and training for children with developmental disabilities, to educate the public, and to advocate for services. Through the past several decades, C·A·R has expanded its focus to include both children and adults and offer more services.

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C·A·R Services

C·A·R provides services for children and adults. Children's Development include: Infant Development and C·A·R Milestones Preshool.  Family Support includes  Creative Recreation, the Computer Cafe and Respite. Adult Services include L.E.A.R.N., Employment Services, and Independent Living Skills. Aquatic Services are available at The Betty Wright Swim Center@C·A·R.

Community education and prevention information is available to the general public.

Betty Wright Swim Center@ C·A·R an indoor, fully-accessible 92 degree heated pool; provides wellness, prevention and independence through hydrotherapy activities to the public. This center also offers swimming and aquatic exercise classes for the general community.

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C·A·R Staff

Under the direction of its Executive Director, Lynda Joyce Steele, C·A·R has a staff of 140 full and part-time employees and also draws on the time, talents, and energy of over 250 community volunteers per year. In addition, the organization’s 18-member Board of Directors include dedicated men and women whose commitment is to ensure that C·A·R’s services remain available to those with developmental disabilities.

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How You Can Help

1. Volunteer - You can share your time, talents, and energy with C·A·R in a number of ways.
2. There are numerous ways in which you can give to C·A·R. These include cash donations, honorariums/memorials, bequests, donations of a vehicle or item donations to C·A·R's wish list and corporate matching gifts.
3. Learn and teach - Even if you can’t volunteer your time or donate, you can help. Learn about people with developmental disabilities and understand that they make good friends, neighbors, and employees. Tell your friends and family and become a voice that looks past their disabilities and speaks out for their abilities.

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