UESL Monthly Guide: May ‘26 IDD-Friendly Events + Activities
May is here, and with it comes a fresh opportunity to step into community, discover new resources, meet other families, and create meaningful moments of connection. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, caregivers, and supporters, local events can offer more than just something fun to do — they can help build confidence, belonging, friendships, and access to support.
As always, please check each event link before attending, as event details can change.
1. Hope on the Hard Road Moms Day Out Conference
Date: May 1–3, 2026
UESL Vendor Table: May 2, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location: Courtyard Marriott Liberty Station, 2592 Laning Rd., San Diego, CA
A restorative conference designed for moms of children with special needs and the women who support them. The event centers encouragement, connection, caregiving support, and the reminder that families are not alone. UESL will be attending with a vendor table on Saturday, May 2.
Event Link: https://hopeonthehardroad.regfox.com/moms-day-out-conference-may-2026
2. Torrey Pines Adaptive Golf Championship
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Location: Torrey Pines Golf Course – North, La Jolla, CA
An adaptive golf championship hosted at one of San Diego’s most recognized golf courses. This event highlights athletes with disabilities and creates visibility around inclusive recreation, adaptive sports, and community participation.
Event Link: (bluegolf.com)
3. Social Recreation Services Through Regional Centers
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–11:30 AM Pacific Time
Location: Online
A Disability Rights California workshop focused on social recreation services through regional centers. This is a helpful resource opportunity for families who want to better understand access to recreational supports and services. A Spanish-language version is also listed for May 7.
Event Link: (Disability Rights California)
4. Alice in Wonderland by The TERI Players
Date: May 7–8 and May 14–15, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: The Bornemann Theatre, TERI Campus of Life, 555 Deer Springs Rd., San Marcos, CA
Follow Alice through a whimsical journey performed by The TERI Players, a dynamic ensemble of adults with special needs enrolled in TERI’s Center for the Arts program. This is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists with developmental disabilities.
Event Link: https://events.humanitix.com/teri-players-present-alice-in-wonderland
5. Autism Society San Diego Family Pool + Pizza Party
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Location: Aqua Pros Swim School, San Diego area
A monthly family swim gathering for individuals with autism and their families. This is an indoor heated pool party with pizza and drinks provided by Autism Society San Diego.
Event Link: (autismsocietysandiego.org)
6. Museum of Us Sensory-Friendly Hours
Dates: May 3, 10, 17, 24 + 31, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–11:00 AM
Location: Museum of Us, 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
A weekly, quieter museum experience designed to reduce audio and visual stimulation. The Museum of Us notes that select exhibit features are turned off during this hour and noise-blocking headphones are available for checkout.
Event Link: (San Diego)
7. FREE Accessibility Mornings at the Fleet
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Location: Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
A sensory-friendly museum experience with early gallery access before the Fleet opens to the public. The program includes a documentary screening at 10:00 AM with house lights on and lower soundtrack volume.
Event Link: (fleetscience.org)
8. 42nd Annual Involved Exceptional Parents Day Conference
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
UESL Vendor Table: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley, 7450 Hazard Center Dr., San Diego, CA
A one-day conference and resource fair for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, educators, and service providers. Workshops cover early childhood supports, school-age supports, social and emotional wellness, and adult transition services. UESL will be attending with a vendor table.
Event Link: (Eventbrite)
9. TRS Dynamic Inclusive Dance
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: San Diego Parks + Recreation / Therapeutic Recreation Services
A City of San Diego Therapeutic Recreation Services adaptive dance class. Open to standing and seated people of all abilities, with dance styles such as Cha Cha, Rumba, Foxtrot, and line dancing when time allows.
Event Link: (anc.apm.activecommunities.com)
10. Autism Society San Diego Girl Power Support Group
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location: Online / Zoom
A support group hosted by Autism Society San Diego. This is a safe space for autistic women 18 and over to come together to share their experiences, receive support and make connections. Girl Power meets monthly on the 1st Saturday of the month from 11 AM - 1 PM, and alternates between meeting in person and meeting on zoom.
Event Link: https://www.autismsocietysandiego.org/calendar
Get Out, Connect + Share the Community
Whether you attend a resource fair, visit a sensory-friendly museum hour, cheer on adaptive athletes, or meet other families walking a similar road, May is full of opportunities to build community.
If you know a family looking for IDD support, structured social connection, or a San Diego Regional Center-approved technology + life skills program, tell them about the UNIFIED Esports League. UESL helps SDRC clients build confidence, friendships, communication skills, and real-world life skills through compassionate coaching, accessible technology, and a place to belong.
Families can contact our concierge Client Services team at services@unifiedesl.com to learn more, schedule a one-on-one tour, or ask about UESL’s current referral program. When sharing UESL with a friend or family member, remind them to mention who referred them so our team can be sure to send you your Amazon gift card reward. Thank you for your support!
