UESL Guide: January ‘26 IDD-Friendly Events + Activities
New year, new energy, new chances to get out of the house and into spaces where our community feels seen, supported, and welcomed.
If you’re a parent, caregiver, self-advocate, sibling, or friend of someone with an intellectual + developmental disability (IDD), January can be the perfect month to reset routines—and build new connections.
1) Thirsty Thursdays Virtual Support Group
The Autism Society San Diego invites you to join Thirsty Thursdays, a monthly online support group for parents, autistic adults, and members of the community. Grab a drink and join a talk about services, supports, accommodations, behavior and down right horrible days - you are not alone.
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026 (6:30 PM–8:30 PM PT)
Location: Online (Zoom)
Organizer: Meetup
2) Girl Power Support Group
This is a safe space for autistic women 18 and over to come together to share their experiences, receive support and make connections.
Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026 (starts 11:00 AM PT)
Location: Online (Zoom this month)
Organizer: Meetup
3) FAMILY POOL + PIZZA PARTY!!!!
Bring the entire family to enjoy a swim in an indoor, heated pool with free pizza and drinks. Lifeguards are provided. For safety purposes, no flotation devices or "floaties" are permitted. A responsible adult must be in the water with participants who do not know how to swim.
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026 (2:00 PM–4:00 PM)
Location: Aqua Pros Swim School, 4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA
Organizer: Meetup
4) Sensory-Friendly Quiet Mornings at the Museum
The Museum's sensory-friendly quiet hours are held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This time is dedicated to creating a calmer, quieter museum experience.
Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026 (10:00 AM–11:00 AM)
Location: Museum of Us (Balboa Park)
Organizer: A Space For All Of Us
5) Sensory Friendly Mornings
Join the Children’s Museum of Discovery every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. for early mornings geared for families with children on the spectrum or with sensory sensitivities. Enjoy the Museum in a quiet and accepting setting and make connections and share resources with other families.
Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026 (9:00 AM–10:30 AM)
Location: Children’s Museum of Discovery, 320 N Broadway, Escondido, CA
Organizer: Children's Museum of Discovery
6) Monday Funday!
Join the Vista Branch-San Diego County Library every first and third Monday of the month, from 10:00am - 11:30am for unstructured leisure activities for adults with IDD and special needs. 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.
Date: Monday, January 5th, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: San Diego County Library, Vista Branch, 700 Eucalyptus Avenue
Vista CA 92084
Organizer: San Diego County Library
7) Craft, Crochet, and Knitting Meet Up
Join the Descano Branch of the San Diego County Library every Tuesday evening for crafting, crochet, and knitting. Socialize with fellow IDD and special needs adults and have fun!
Date: Tuesday, January 6th, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: San Diego County Library – Descano, 9545 River Drive
Descanso CA 91916
Organizer: San Diego County Library
8) Morning Friends
The El Cajon Public Library welcomes adults with disabilities and their caregivers to make crafts, play games, and explore the library!
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026 (10:00 AM–12:00 PM)
Location: El Cajon San Diego County Library, 201 E. Douglas
El Cajon CA 92020
Organizer: San Diego Public Library
9) Assistive Technology for Sensory Difficulties (WEBINAR)
Students with sensory difficulties, like those with autism, ADHD and other diagnoses, may have trouble filtering out background noise, sitting under bright lights, showing tactile defensiveness, and much more. This workshop will include information about resources such as fidgets, alternative seating, reading tools, auditory devices, items for sensory stimulation, and sensory apps.
Date: Friday, January 9, 2026 (10:00 AM–11:30 AM)
Location: Virtual via Zoom (online)
Organizer: TASK
10) Adjoin Arte Social Recreation
This event is exclusively for authorized clients of the San Diego Regional Center. For more information,please contact vanessa.flores@adjoin
Adjoin activities include painting, drawing, and more. Let your imagination run wild and create something amazing with your community. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unwind, socialize, and tap into your artistic side.
Date: Thursday, January 8the, 4:00PM
Location: Adjoin, 633 W State St, El Centro, CA
Organizer: Eventbrite
Make January a “yes” month for community
If there’s one thing we’ve learned over and over again: skills grow faster when people feel safe, included, and connected. Pick one event from this list to start—then build from there. Invite a sibling. Ask another parent to meet you there. Bring your favorite comfort item. Do it in a way that works for your family.
And if you know another family who’s looking for an IDD-friendly space to belong, please tell them about UESL (Unified Esports League)—our in-person gaming + technology program built for individuals with IDD across San Diego + Imperial Counties.
Share UESL + earn referral rewards
We're excited to be continuing our Refer a Friend Incentive Program, designed to reward families and parents who refer new clients to UESL. If your referral results in a new client successfully enrolling in one of our programs, you’ll receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card as a token of our appreciation.
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—simple as that!
There’s no limit—refer multiple families and a reward for each client enrolled.
Please Note: This program is intended for families and parents only. SDRC Service Coordinators are not eligible to participate in this incentive.
Let’s start 2026 by showing up for each other—out in the world, side-by-side with our community.
