2025 Self-Advocacy Conferences & Events

As we move into 2025, the landscape for self-advocacy and neurodiversity continues to expand with numerous conferences and events designed to empower individuals with disabilities and their families. These gatherings provide invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and advocating for disability rights. Here are some of the key events to look forward to this year: Upcoming […]

Celebrating National Caregivers Day

A Caucasian man and woman smiling and holding up peace signs with their hands in front of a tree.

National Caregivers Day, celebrated on the third Friday of February, is a special occasion dedicated to recognizing the incredible efforts of caregivers who provide essential support to those in need. This year, it falls on Friday, February 21st, 2025. At Jay Nolan Community Services, we take the opportunity to honor our incredible workforce of Direct […]

Resources for National Family Caregivers Month

photo of two brothers side hugging.

During the month of November, we reflect on all we have to be thankful for, and family caregivers are certainly a huge part of that. During National Family Caregivers Month this November, Jay Nolan wants to highlight their amazing dedication and provide resources to support all those who are caring for families and loved ones. […]

Navigating Special Needs Financial Planning

Three people sit around a table during a meeting, engaged in a discussion, with two of them using laptops.

Planning for the financial future of a child with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is not just a financial necessity but a crucial step in securing their well-being and happiness. This journey can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and resources, families can ensure a secure and fulfilling future for their loved ones. This article provides […]

Innovations in Supporting Neurodiverse Mental Health

conceptual image showing a white silhouette of a human head connected to a red heart by a purple tube, with the brain represented by purple coils. The background is a textured gray surface.

“This year’s Mental Health Awareness Month emphasizes the critical need to address the unique mental health requirements of neurodiverse individuals. Providing individualized support is crucial for enhancing the well-being of every community member, both mentally and emotionally. Additionally, there are various tools and technologies specifically developed to meet the mental health needs of the neurodiverse […]

What Are Adaptive Skills and How Can They Help?

Three people standing together in a park, with one making a peace sign, and all smiling.

Jay Nolan Community Services in Northern California has the privilege to help teach Adaptive Skills Training (AST) to children and young adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goal of Jay Nolan has been and always will be assisting individuals to live their own independent lives. There is no better time to […]

How AI Transforms Soft Skills Training for Individuals with Disabilities

An artistic representation of AI: A robotic hand extending out of a laptop computer to shake hands with a human.

In every job field there are the technical tasks required to fulfill that specific job. These include what you are trained on and learn day one going forward. But what many do not realize is there are additional ‘invisible’ skills  that constitute a success in the workplace. These are called “soft skills” and they include […]

5 Ways to Celebrate Autistic Pride Day

A rainbow infinity pin clipped to denim to commemorate Autistic Pride Day

Recognized on June 18th, Autistic Pride Day celebrates the unique strengths, talents, and experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. This day is celebrated as an autistic community event: it originated from and is still led by people with autism, and serves as a powerful reminder to promote acceptance, understanding, and inclusion. In this blog […]

2023 Sensory-Friendly Events in Los Angeles

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We’ve put together a handy list highlighting upcoming sensory-friendly events in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. This list includes events that are accessible and inclusive to people on the autism spectrum and individuals with other developmental and/or intellectual disabilities who have sensory needs. This list gets updated every quarter to reflect the most up-to-date events. […]

Support Animals 101 for People with Developmental Disabilities

A woman in a red shirt sitting on a couach and holding a small black dog.

Animals provide companionship, loyalty, unconditional love and affection for their owners. With September being National Service Dog Month, now is a great time to think about whether a support animal is right for you or your loved one. Here is a quick overview of everything you need to know about care animals for people with […]