Guide: August ‘25 IDD-Friendly Events+Activities
Summer days are in full swing and some clients are prepping to go back to school — so why not make the most of these sunny days and check out one of these exciting local events? San Diego and Imperial Valley offer a great lineup of inclusive events designed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Whether you’re looking for social gatherings, creative outlets, or supportive resources, these events happening throughout August provide opportunities for connection, learning, and fun.
1. SELPA Special Education Resource Fair
Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: South County Regional Education Center, National City, CA
More Info: SDCOE
The Unified Esports League will be hosting a vendor booth at the fair! Come meet our coaching team and explore our inclusive gaming and technology programs! We can’t wait to meet you! Learn more here…
Join us for an informative and supportive Resource Fair tailored for families with children in special education within the South County SELPA geographical area (Chula Vista Elementary School, Coronado Unified, National School District, San Ysidro School District, South Bay School District, Sweetwater Union High School District, and students enrolled in SDCOE programs). This event will provide valuable resources, connect you with community organizations, and offer opportunities to learn more about the services available to support your child's educational journey.
2. San Diego Regional Youth Leadership Forum • SCDD San Diego‑Imperial
Date: August 4–6, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily
Location: San Diego State University
More Information: Regional YLF Events
In collaboration with local regional partnerships, the California Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (YLF) has started the development and implementation of regional YLF events hosted throughout the calendar year to continue support of high school students and young adults with disabilities across California! Youth with disabilities will develop advocacy and leadership skills in a peer setting, meet with professionals with disabilities, set goals for education, employment and independent living, and discover the rich history, culture and community of disability.
3. Autism Surf Camp (Week 6)
Date: August 4-7th, 2025
Time: Approx. 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily
Location: La Jolla Shores
More Information: Autism Society
A four-day, sensory‑aware surf camp designed exclusively for autistic participants, with one-on-one support, water-based activities, crafts, and beach games.
4. Adaptive Sailing Weekends • Challenged Sailors San Diego
Date: All Fridays and Saturdays in August 2025
Time: Typically 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Harbor Island, San Diego Bay
More Information: Challenged Sailors - You can apply here!
Free adaptive sailing on Martin 16 boats with joystick or sip‑and‑puff controls for individuals with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities. No prior experience needed.
5. Vista Public Library “Monday Funday” for Adults with Disabilities
Date: August 4 + 18, 2025 (first and third Monday)
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Vista Public Library
More Information: Library event listing
A low-sensory, inclusive social gathering for adults with disabilities and their caregivers offering art, games, and conversation in a relaxed setting. Join us for unstructured leisure activities. Sign out a coloring kit or table-top game from the reference desk, and feel free to participate individually, or with friends. Materials are intentionally chosen to keep a spectrum of both gross and fine motor skill abilities in mind.
6. Stand for Autism Walk
Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Village Green Park, San Diego
More Information: Autism Society Event Post
Join Autism Society San Diego and Tutors4Stars at Stand For Autism! This event will feature entertainment, light refreshments, and a walk around the park to raise awareness for the local San Diego autism community.
7. Bridge to the Beach Family Beach Day
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025 (final date pending final schedule)
Time: Morning–afternoon beach event
Location: Mission Beach
More Information: Autism Tree
A sensory-friendly beach day for families with autistic children, offering paddleboarding, kayaking, arts and crafts, swim support, and peer socialization.
8. Camp Able One‑Day Adaptive Outdoor Adventure
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Coronado area, San Diego County
More Information: Camp Able program
A specially designed outdoor activity day for youth with disabilities, including sailing, swimming, canoeing, and hiking—with staff trained in adaptive support.
These experiences provide more than just fun—they build community connection, practical skills, and support networks that lift individuals with disabilities and their families. Whether it's gaining leadership tools at the Youth Leadership Forum, enjoying a calming day at the adaptive swimming and beach camps, or tapping into vital community resources at SELPA’s fair and library gatherings, every event has intentional focus on inclusion.
We’re especially proud that Unified Esports League (UESL) will be part of the story, with our vendor booth at the South County SELPA Resource Fair on August 7. We’ll be welcoming families to meet our dedicated coaching team, showcase our inclusive gaming and technology-based programs, and share how accessible esports can become a pathway for skill-building and fun for youth and adults with IDD.
If you believe inclusion strengthens communities, these events—and the organizations behind them—stand as beacons for accessible recreation, learning, and support.
Want to stay ahead of the curve?
Subscribe to The Portal to be the first to know about upcoming inclusive events, gaming + technology programs, and special‑needs community resources across San Diego and Imperial Counties. Plus, get all the news from Unified Esports League—your destination for inclusive gaming, tech-based coaching, and empowerment for individuals with IDD.
Let us know if you'd like further details about any particular event or help connecting with these incredible community programs!
