UESL Monthly Guide: September ‘26 IDD-Friendly Events + Activities
September is here — bringing a new month of opportunities to get out, try something different, meet new people + build stronger connections within San Diego County’s disability and IDD community.
For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, caregivers and families, finding welcoming places to connect can make a meaningful difference. Fortunately, September 2026 is filled with opportunities ranging from social groups and sensory-friendly museum experiences to adaptive sports, family activities and one of San Diego’s largest disability resource fairs.
1. The Social Hour 21+: Speed Friending
Date: Friday, September 4, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Autism Tree HQ, 4747 Morena Blvd., Suite 355, San Diego, CA 92117
Making friends as an adult can be difficult — and finding social spaces where neurodivergent adults feel understood can be even harder. Autism Tree’s Social Hour 21+: Speed Friending is specifically designed for neurodiverse adults ages 21 and older. The event offers a comfortable, low-pressure environment for participants to meet new people through structured conversations and connection activities. The evening is intended to help participants expand their social circles, practice conversation skills and build friendships while being able to show up as themselves.
Event link: The Social Hour 21+: Speed Friending registration + details
2. Friendship Circle Sunday Circle + Yoga
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Chabad University City, 3813 Governor Drive, San Diego, CA
Friendship Circle San Diego begins its 2026–2027 programming season this September, with several opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in recreation and community activities. Friendship Circle lists the program among its currently available 2026–2027 offerings and provides registration for participating children and adults. Families should review Friendship Circle’s registration information for current program eligibility, pricing or funding details before attending.
Event link: Friendship Circle Sunday Circle
3. Ben’s Bowling League
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | 4:30–6:00 PM
Location: Mira Mesa Lanes, 8210 Mira Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA
Bowling provides a naturally social environment where participants can spend time alongside peers while enjoying an activity with clear turns, shared goals and plenty of opportunities to celebrate one another. Friendship Circle San Diego’s Ben’s Bowling League returns on September 8 at Mira Mesa Lanes as part of the organization’s 2026–2027 program calendar. Registration is offered through Friendship Circle, which also notes that Regional Center funding may be available for its programming. Families should contact the organization directly regarding eligibility, funding or private-pay options.
Event link: Register for Friendship Circle programs
4. U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships
Dates: Thursday, September 10–Sunday, September 13, 2026
Location: Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA
One of September’s biggest celebrations of adaptive sports is happening in North County. The U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships return to Oceanside Pier September 10–13, bringing adaptive surfers together for four days of competition. Organized through the Stoke for Life Foundation and U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships, the event is part of a broader mission to increase awareness of adaptive water sports, disability beach access and adaptive surfing equipment. The organization also works to introduce people to the rehabilitative possibilities of adaptive surfing and paddle sports. Whether someone is an athlete, surfing fan or family looking to experience an exciting disability-centered sporting event, this is an opportunity to see adaptive athletes taking center stage.
Event link: 2026 U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships
5. Storytime for Adults with ASD
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026 | 1:30–2:30 PM
Location: College-Rolando Library, San Diego, CA
The San Diego Public Library is offering a welcoming, structured Storytime for Adults with ASD in partnership with Casa de Mosaic on September 18. Unlike a traditional children’s storytime, this program is specifically designed for adults on the autism spectrum and combines themed storytelling with sensory materials and an art activity. The program also supports total communication and AAC tools, including Proloquo2Go and TouchChat, helping make participation more accessible for individuals who communicate in different ways. Participants are welcome to attend with an aide or other support person if needed.
Event link: Storytime for Adults with ASD — San Diego Public Library
6. Autism Society San Diego Family Camp
Dates: September 18–20, 2026
Location: YMCA Camp Marston, 4761 Pine Hills Road, Julian, CA 92036
For families looking for more than a single afternoon activity, Autism Society San Diego’s Family Camp offers an opportunity to experience a weekend in the mountains alongside other members of the autism community. The 2026 camp is being held at YMCA Camp Marston in Julian. YMCA staff facilitate activities including a climbing tower, archery, arts + crafts and field games, while Autism Society San Diego staff and volunteers facilitate community-specific activities and conversations. Because availability can change quickly, families interested in attending should check the registration page before making travel plans. Financial-aid requests are also available through the camp-registration process.
Event link: Autism Society San Diego Family Camp information + registration
7. FREE Accessibility Morning at the Fleet Science Center
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 9:00–10:00 AM
Location: Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Exploring a museum can be exciting — but crowds, noise and sensory stimulation can make the experience difficult for some visitors. The Fleet Science Center’s Accessibility Morning creates an alternative. On September 19, the Fleet opens one hour before regular public admission for a sensory-friendly museum experience. Visitors can explore exhibits in a quieter environment, and the morning includes a documentary screening with the house lights on and soundtrack volume reduced. The venue is also listed as wheelchair accessible.
Event link: September Accessibility Morning at the Fleet
8. Autism Tree Family Movie Night
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Autism Tree, 4747 Morena Blvd., Suite 355, San Diego, CA 92117
Autism Tree is creating another opportunity for families to slow down and spend time together. The organization’s Family Movie Night invites Autism Tree families to watch Cheaper by the Dozen in an inclusive community environment while enjoying snacks, spending time together and meeting other families. This is an opportunity for families to relax, make new friends and enjoy a movie together in a welcoming space. Parents and caregivers are also expected to remain present and supervise their children during Autism Tree community events.
Event link: Autism Tree Family Movie Night registration + details
9. San Diego Regional Center’s 4th Annual Resource Fair
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
For IDD individuals and families navigating services, programs and community resources, this may be one of the most valuable events of the entire month.
The San Diego Regional Center’s 4th Annual Resource Fair takes place September 26 at the San Diego Convention Center. The event is a day for families to meet local organizations, explore resources and learn about supports available to individuals and families. The fair creates an opportunity to connect with multiple organizations in one place — particularly helpful for families who may be new to Regional Center services, exploring additional community programs or simply trying to better understand what support is available throughout San Diego County.
Event link: San Diego Regional Center events + Resource Fair information
10. FREE TERI Fest
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 2:00–6:00 PM
Location: TERI Campus of Life, 555 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos, CA 92069
September closes with a celebration built around something we believe deeply in: community belongs to everyone. TERI Fest is a free public festival at the TERI Campus of Life featuring live music, food available for purchase, interactive art, family activities + community resources. The event is intentionally designed for all ages and abilities, while also giving community members an opportunity to experience TERI’s work supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For families who have never visited the TERI Campus of Life, this is an especially welcoming opportunity to explore the campus, meet others and celebrate the IDD community alongside neighbors, families and supporters.
Event link: TERI Fest information + registration
SEPTEMBER IS THE MONTH TO CONNECT
Community is more than having somewhere to go. It is having somewhere you are welcomed. It is meeting someone who shares an interest with you. Trying something unfamiliar. Seeing people with disabilities represented as athletes, creators, gamers, friends + leaders. Finding another parent who understands. Discovering a resource you didn't know existed. Or simply walking into a room and realizing you don't have to explain why you belong there.
That is why opportunities like these matter.
We encourage families throughout San Diego County + Imperial Valley to choose an event that feels right, invite someone along and keep building connections with the people and organizations supporting our IDD community. And if gaming + technology are where your loved one feels most at home, we would love to welcome them into the UNIFIED Esports League.
Gaming + Technology Can Be Community, Too
The UNIFIED Esports League is a San Diego Regional Center-approved vendor providing structured, in-person gaming + technology programming for individuals with IDD ages 8 through adulthood Eligible SDRC clients can participate at no cost to their families. UNIFIED Technology Centers combine gaming and technology education with IDD-trained coaching, a 1:3 coach-to-client ratio, team participation and opportunities to practice communication, collaboration and real-world life skills.
Our Technology Centers serve communities throughout San Diego + Imperial Counties. Explore UESL locations below.
Know Another Family Who Would Love UESL? Refer a Friend!
Some of the strongest communities grow one introduction at a time.
If you are a current UESL parent or family and know someone who could benefit from UNIFIED, our Refer-a-Friend Program gives you another reason to spread the word.
Eligible families and parents can receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card for each referred family that successfully enrolls in UESL. The incentive is available to participating families and parents; San Diego Regional Center Service Coordinators are not eligible to receive referral rewards.
Tell a friend. Send this article to another family. Invite someone to explore their closest UNIFIED Technology Center.
Because when more individuals with IDD find places where their interests are understood, friendships are encouraged and they are welcomed exactly as they are, our entire community becomes stronger.
