which included behavioral therapy and occupational therapy . At age three , Harley graduated from the program . She continues to qualify for services under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act .
Season has her Master ’ s in Psychology and had worked as a Tribal Social Services Director for nearly four years , but it was not until she found herself struggling to meet the special needs of her daughter , that she learned about regional centers and their programs . Season realized there were many service access and equity barriers that exist for tribal families with special needs , primarily due to a lack of awareness and a disconnect between many regional centers and tribal communities .
Season contacted the California Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Developmental Services ( DDS ) to share Harley ’ s story and advocate for better outreach efforts to tribal communities . Harley ’ s story was compelling and the departments agreed that something needed to be done . After researching the data on tribal families , a new initiative called the “ Early Start Outreach to Tribal Communities ” was introduced . The San Diego Regional Center is now working closely with Acorns to Oak Trees and others on ways to build a bridge between the regional centers and the tribal families that need support .
Harley
Season ’ s passion has always been to serve tribal
communities and through their journey with Harley and navigating the regional center system , Season launched the non-profit , Acorns to Oak Trees . Acorns to Oak Trees helps families successfully navigate the system of their regional center and school district to ensure access to resources and quality services .
The non-profit was recently awarded a grant from DDS for Harley ’ s Hope Project which utilizes storytelling by sharing Harley ’ s story and those of other tribal families to increase awareness in tribal communities about intellectual and developmental disabilities and works to build relationships between regional centers and tribal families .
For James , his journey with Harley has proven to be one of the most transformative experiences in his life and has redefined much of his life ’ s purpose and passion . His involvement in Acorns is an integral part of why he and Season are able to connect with so many tribal families . James talks of his journey in working with his daughter and learning about her disability in a way that is extraordinarily approachable .
Harley is just one little Native , but her story will have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of Native children across California .
To learn more about Acorns to Oak Trees , visit www . acorns2oak . com
For information about the San Diego Regional Center , visit www . sdrc . org
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