UESL Monthly Guide: August ‘26 IDD-Friendly Events + Activities
A new month brings new opportunities to step outside familiar routines, discover local resources and spend time with people who understand the importance of belonging.
Throughout August 2026, organizations across San Diego County are hosting inclusive recreational activities, sensory-friendly museum experiences, autism-focused social gatherings and community events for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Some of this month’s events are specifically created for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while others provide accommodations or environments that may be more welcoming for individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities or other support needs.
Whether your family is searching for a quieter museum visit, an opportunity to meet other parents, a social event for an autistic adult or a place to enjoy recreation alongside the disability community, these 10 August events offer several ways to get involved.
Event information can change, and some programs require advance registration, assessments or admission. Follow the official event link and confirm availability directly with the organizer before attending.
1. South County Special Education Resource Fair
The South County Special Education Resource Fair invites families to meet organizations that provide services, information and support to children and individuals receiving special education services.
More than 40 community organizations are expected to participate, creating an opportunity for families to ask questions, explore local programs and learn more about the resources available throughout South San Diego County.
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: South County Regional Education Center, 800 National City Boulevard, National City, CA 91950
Event link:Visit the South County SELPA event page
2. Family Pool + Pizza Party
Autism Society San Diego’s Family Pool + Pizza Party offers local autistic individuals and their families a chance to enjoy an afternoon of swimming, food and community connection.
Recreational gatherings like this can give families an opportunity to meet others within the autism community in a setting centered on shared enjoyment rather than appointments, assessments or formal services.
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: Aqua Pros Swim School, 4635 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92117
Event link:View the Autism Society San Diego calendar
3. City Heights Community Clean-Up
Hosted through the City of San Diego’s Therapeutic Recreation Services program, the City Heights Community Clean-Up gives participants an opportunity to volunteer while helping beautify the neighborhood surrounding Park de la Cruz.
Clean-up supplies are provided, and the activity is open to all ages. Direct supervision is not provided, so families and support teams should consider the participant’s individual supervision and accessibility needs before registering.
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Location: Park de la Cruz Community Center, 3901 Landis Street, San Diego, CA 92105
Event link:View the City Heights Community Clean-Up listing
4. Spectrum Social
Spectrum Social is an online social group for autistic adults hosted through Autism Society San Diego.
Virtual events can offer a more comfortable entry point for individuals who want to meet peers but may experience barriers related to transportation, crowded venues, unfamiliar environments or sensory demands.
Because this is an online event, participants should follow the official event page for eligibility information, registration instructions and access details.
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Event link:View the Spectrum Social event page
5. Sensory-Friendly Hours at the Museum of Us
Every Sunday beginning August 9, the Museum of Us will hold sensory-friendly quiet hours from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
During this hour, selected audio and visual features in the museum’s main building are turned off or reduced to create a calmer visitor experience. Noise-blocking headphones are also available to check out at the admissions desk.
The museum remains open to the public during sensory-friendly hours, and regular admission applies. Visitors may remain in the museum after 11:00 a.m., although the exhibits will return to their normal sound and lighting settings at that time.
Dates: Sundays, August 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2026
Time: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: Museum of Us, 1350 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Event link:View Sensory-Friendly Hours at the Museum of Us
6. Therapeutic Recreation Sports Festival
The City of San Diego Therapeutic Recreation Services Sports Festival is scheduled for Saturday, August 15.
The program is for participants ages six and older and is offered through the city department responsible for recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Therapeutic Recreation Services programming is designed to encourage social and recreational skill development, leisure education and participation in inclusive settings.
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Location: 3911 Landis St., 92105
Event link:View the Therapeutic Recreation Sports Festival
7. Accessibility Morning at the Fleet Science Center
The Fleet Science Center’s Accessibility Morning provides a sensory-friendly opportunity to experience the museum before it opens to the general public.
Doors open one hour early, allowing guests to explore in a quieter environment with fewer visitors. The program also includes a documentary screening at 10:00 a.m. with the house lights on and the soundtrack volume lowered. Admission is free for one visitor and one accompanying guest during the accessibility program.
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Location: Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Event link:View Accessibility Mornings at the Fleet
8. Therapeutic Recreation Family + Friends BBQ
The Family + Friends BBQ is designed to bring participants, friends and family members together in a recreational environment at Park de la Cruz Community Center. The program is a therapeutic recreation activity for children and adults with disabilities. The listed registration price is $10. Families should review the current registration page for the event time, food information, participant requirements and availability.
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Location: Park de la Cruz Community Center, 3901 Landis Street, San Diego, CA 92105
Event link:View the Family + Friends BBQ listing
9. AWARE Dance Party
AWARE, or Adults With Autism Recreation Experience, hosts recurring dance parties for autistic adults through Autism Society San Diego.
These events offer adults an opportunity to enjoy music, movement and community in a social setting created with the autism community in mind. For individuals who may have limited access to inclusive nightlife or adult social gatherings, the dance party can provide a valuable opportunity to spend time with peers.
Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
Location: Dance Headquarters, 5035 Shawline Street, San Diego, CA 92111
Event link:View Autism Society San Diego events
10. Free ASL-Enhanced Tour at the Timken Museum of Art
The Timken Museum of Art offers a free ASL-enhanced tour on the first Saturday of each month.
The August tour is designed to provide a more inclusive museum experience for members of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. ASL student interpreters help visitors engage with the museum’s art collection during the guided experience.
While this event is not specifically limited to people with IDD, it reflects the wider importance of communication access and inclusive public programming within San Diego’s disability community. We recommend contacting the museum directly with accessibility questions.
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: Timken Museum of Art, 1500 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Event link:Visit the Timken Museum of Art
Find Your Place in the Community This August
Community connection can begin with something small: attending a quiet museum hour, joining an online social group, sharing a meal, trying a new activity or simply spending time in a place where different needs are understood and welcomed.
As August begins, we encourage individuals with IDD, parents, caregivers and support professionals to explore the events that feel most comfortable and meaningful to them.
You do not need to attend everything. Choose one opportunity that matches your interests, access needs and goals. Bring a friend, invite another family or share this list with someone who may be looking for a more inclusive way to connect.
Help Another Family Discover UNIFIED Esports League
You can also support the IDD community by telling friends and family about UNIFIED Esports League.
UESL provides gaming and technology education programs designed to support social, emotional and technological growth for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through structured gaming, individualized technology exploration and guidance from IDD-trained coaches, participants can build friendships, practice communication and discover new interests as part of a team.
UESL is an approved San Diego Regional Center vendor, allowing eligible participants to access authorized programming at no cost to their families.
Through the UESL Refer-a-Friend Program, current UESL families and parents can receive a $100 Amazon gift card when a family they refer completes enrollment.
Referral incentives are available to eligible participating families and parents. San Diego Regional Center service coordinators are not eligible to receive referral rewards.
Tell another family about UESL, invite them to explore an enrolling UNIFIED Technology Center and help more individuals find a place where gaming, technology, growth and belonging come together.
