UESL Guide: February ‘26 IDD-Friendly Events + Activities
A new month means a fresh chance to get out of the house, try something new, and feel that we belong—together.
If you’re a parent, caregiver, self-advocate, sibling, or friend of someone with intellectual + developmental disabilities (IDD), you already know how meaningful it is to find spaces that feel safe, welcoming, and truly inclusive. February is packed with opportunities to connect with resources, enjoy sensory-friendly experiences, and build community across San Diego County.
1) NCCSE Community Resource Fair for Children with Special Needs (UESL will be there!)
What it is: A free community resource fair connecting families to local programs + agencies serving children with special needs (birth through young adult). Kids are welcome.
Date + Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: North County Regional Education Center, 255 Pico Ave., San Marcos, CA 92069
Event link: Tap here!
The UNIFIED team will be there ready to meet families, answer questions, and share how our UNIFIED Technology Centers support belonging, friendships, + growth through gaming + technology.
2) Autism Society San Diego: Autism Social + Mental Health Conference (UESL will be there!)
What it is: A full-day conference designed for autistic individuals, parents/caregivers, and community members—focused on social connection + mental health, plus a resource fair with local vendors.
Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Location: Sharp Prebys Innovation + Education Center (SPIEC), 8695 Spectrum Center Blvd, San Diego, CA 92123
Event link: Tap here!
Come find the UNIFIED team—this is a perfect place to learn, connect, and discover support options across San Diego.
3) UNIFIED Super Smash Grand Championship
(World-first + FREE to attend)
What it is: A world-first esports championship centered on inclusion—UESL’s Super Smash Grand Championship for individuals with special needs, hosted at TERI Campus of Life.
Date + Time: Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: The Bornemann Theatre, 555 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos, CA 92069
Event link: Tap here!
Why it matters: This isn’t just competition—it’s visibility, confidence, team pride, and a community moment where IDD gamers are celebrated on a professional stage.
4) Family Resource Fair (hosted by UESL)
What it is: Generations Day Care, in collaboration with Unified Esports League and the Poway Unified School District (PUSD) Ambassadors, is hosting a Special Needs Family Resource Fair designed to connect families with trusted local services and community support.
This inclusive resource fair is intended for special needs families with loved ones of all ages — from infants and children to teens, adults, and seniors. Families and caregivers will have the opportunity to meet a wide variety of vendors, businesses, and organizations that provide education, recreation, therapy, and life-enrichment services in Poway and surrounding areas.
Date + Time: February 28th, 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Location: Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd, Poway 92064
5) Sensory Friendly Mornings at Children’s Museum of Discovery
What it is: Early-entry sensory-friendly time designed for families with children on the spectrum or with sensory sensitivities—calmer environment + a chance to connect with other families.
Date + Time: Every Sunday in February 2026 | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Children’s Museum of Discovery, 320 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025
Event link: Tap here!
6) “A Space for All of Us” Sensory-Friendly Quiet Mornings
What it is: Weekly sensory-friendly quiet hours designed for a calmer museum experience (reduced sensory intensity + a more comfortable visit).
Date + Time: Every Sunday in February 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Museum of Us, 1350 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Event link: Tap here!
7) Fleet Science Center: Accessibility Mornings
What it is: The Fleet opens early for a sensory-friendly experience, plus a documentary screening with house lights on + lower soundtrack volume.
Date + Time: Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA
Event link: Tap here!
8) Hope on the Hard Road: Date Night (Caregiver-friendly night out)
What it is: A dedicated date night designed for caregiving parents to reconnect and enjoy an evening together.
Date + Time: Friday, February 20, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Forgotten Barrel Winery, 11120 W. 15th St., Suite 104, North Santee, CA 92071
Event link: Tap here!
9) Birch Aquarium at Scripps: “Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base”
What it is: An immersive, multi-sensory art + science installation designed as a meditation space inspired by life beneath the ocean.
Dates: Ongoing daily through February 22, 2026
Location: Birch Aquarium at Scripps (UC San Diego), La Jolla
Event link: Tap here!
10) Autism Tree Project Foundation: USD Women’s Basketball Game
What it is: A community outing invitation for Autism Tree families to attend a USD women’s basketball home game.
Date + Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Location: Jenny Craig Pavilion, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110
Event link: Tap here!
11) Autism Tree Project Foundation: USD Men’s Basketball Game
What it is: Another Autism Tree community outing—USD men’s basketball home game invitation.
Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
Location: Jenny Craig Pavilion, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110
Event link: Tap here!
A February reminder: community is built one outing at a time
If February has felt heavy or isolating, let this be your nudge: pick one event and show up. Even one hour in a welcoming space can change the whole month—new friendships, new resources, a new routine, a new sense of we’re not alone.
These events exist because families, advocates, and community partners believe in creating spaces where individuals with intellectual + developmental disabilities can feel safe, supported, and celebrated. Whether you attend a sensory-friendly museum morning, a resource fair, or cheer on gamers at the UNIFIED Super Smash Grand Championship, every outing strengthens the IDD community.
And if you meet a family who’s still searching for their place—tell them about Unified Esports League.
Our UNIFIED Technology Centers give IDD individuals the chance to build friendships, confidence, and skills through gaming + technology in a structured, coach-supported environment. Our programs are free for San Diego Regional Center families, and designed to support social connection, communication, and belonging.
Refer a friend + receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card!
Know a family who would thrive at UESL? Share your experience and help them find their community.
Through our Refer a Friend Incentive Program, families and parents who refer a new client to UESL can receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card when their referral successfully enrolls.
Here’s how it works:
• Share your UESL experience with a friend, family member, or community contact
• When they enroll and complete their intake, you’ll receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card
• There’s no limit — refer multiple families and earn a reward for each client enrolled
Please note: This program is intended for families and parents only. San Diego Regional Center Service Coordinators are not eligible to participate in this incentive.
If you have questions about enrollment or the referral program, our client services team is happy to help:
📧 services@unifiedesl.com or visit our contact page!
February is full of chances to connect, explore, and belong. Get out into the community, meet other IDD families, and help spread the word about UESL so even more individuals can find a team that feels like home.
