Finding intellectual and developmental disability services can sometimes feel overwhelming. This can be especially true for families facing language, cultural, or community barriers.
The Tools for Transformation conference hosted by Special Needs Network (SNN) brought together providers, advocates, families, and community leaders to discuss ways to strengthen services for people with autism and developmental disability.
One focus of the conference was C.O.R.E., which stands for Creating Opportunities and Resources for Equity in Early Intervention. C.O.R.E. recruits and trains professionals from underserved communities for careers in behavioral health and developmental services.
C.O.R.E. fellows are college students or professionals in fields like psychology, speech therapy, and other related areas. They receive paid training, mentorship, and hands-on experience. The goal is for children and families to receive quality care from professionals who understand their unique culture and language needs.
Conference speakers shared several C.O.R.E. milestones:
- More than 2,000 applications received
- Five completed cohorts
- More than 430 graduates
- 376 graduates now working in the field
- An 83% retention rate
SNN leads the program in partnership with the USC Race and Equity Center and regional centers across Southern California, including:
- Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center
- Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center
- Harbor Regional Center
- Inland Regional Center
- Kern Regional Center
- North Los Angeles County Regional Center
- Regional Center of Orange County
- San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center
- South Central Los Angeles Regional Center
- Tri Counties Regional Center
- Westside Regional Center
Are you or someone you know interested in the C.O.R.E. fellowship program? Start here!