To achieve that vision, we offer a broad range of programs and services to help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities realize their full potential throughout their lives, including employment, recreational and socialization programs. We also operate 12 accessible housing complexes. You can view our agency brochure, here, in PDF format.

Our Beginnings

AbilityFirst was established in 1926 as the Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California (CCS) at the Rotary International Convention. Lawrence L. Frank and Paul Dietrich, both Rotarians, were two of the original founders of the organization and they continued their loyal support throughout their lives.

Becoming AbilityFirst

When our organization was founded, the name reflected the thinking and norms of the time. The ensuing decades, however, brought dramatic change. We expanded to provide programs for adults, as well as children. We also broadened our mission in order to meet the needs of those with developmental disabilities, as well as those with physical disabilities. Development disabilities include autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and epilepsy.

In 1999, the organization adopted the name AbilityFirst to better reflect our mission, our vision for the future, and our commitment to celebrating the unique abilities of every individual.