San Mateo County/Commission on Disabilities/Families and Youth with Disabilities Survey

In 2007, the Commission on Disabilities formed an ad hoc Youth with Disabilities Committee to improve services for individuals with a disability under the age of 25 in San Mateo County. Shortly thereafter, an online survey was distributed to refine the services. There was a total of 130 respondents and the following is the key survey feedback:

- Autism was far and away the most noted disability.
- The most important service categories are life and social skills training, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
- 67% of the respondents rate recreational activities as ‘not so good’ or ‘poor’.
- 2% of the respondents rate the availability of safe, affordable, and accessible housing for individuals as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’.
- 75% of the respondents rate the services offered at their school as ‘good’, ‘very good’, or ‘excellent’.
- 42% of the respondents rate health care services as ‘good’.
- A good majority of respondents rate advocacy, counseling, leveraging existing services, and early intervention as ‘extremely important’. -The 19-25 age range lack services compared to the 0-18 age range.
- The availability of public and affordable services to individuals with multiple disabilities is limited.
- Public transportation to services and multiple language services is limited.