Welcome to ECF

In 1946, a group of parents, driven by a vision and love for their children who were born with developmental disabilities, created the Exceptional Children's Foundation (ECF). Since then, ECF has helped tens of thousands of children and adults with special needs live with dignity, self-respect and happiness.

ECF's mission is to provide the highest quality services for children and adults who are challenged with developmental, learning and emotional disabilities - empowering them to reach their greatest potential.

ECF provides programs and services to over 2,600 infants, youths, adults and their families each year. Clients served include people with learning and emotional disabilities, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. ECF has 15 program sites located throughout Los Angeles County.

 

ECF is proud to display seals of approval and accreditation from the following agencies:

GuideStar publishes information on nonprofit organizations that advances transparency, enables donors to make better decisions and encourages charitable giving.

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), a health and human services accreditor, promotes the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services that center on enhancing the lives of the persons served.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) recognizes schools that meet an acceptable level of quality in accordance with established, research-based criteria.

ECF News+Events

ECF's CEO Scott Bowling was interviewed by the Culver City News for an article on the city's new universally accessible playground. You can read the article here.

Spring 2013 Newsletter online now! Click here to read.

ECF’s Art Center Program was recently featured in the German language journal Behinderte Menschen. The article includes images of ECF client artwork and an analysis of the benefits of our program. Click here to read the article.

ECF’s CEO Scott Bowling was recently interviewed by KPCC Public Radio about the Obama Administration’s requirement that schools include students with disabilities in traditional sports programs. You can read the article and listen to the interview here.

FY 2011-2012 Annual Report - Read it here.

Proposition 30 - Read about the funding impact at the Department of Developmental Services.

ECF Client in the News! Click here to read a front-page article about Henry, an ECF Supported Employment participant working at Petco.

Gala 2011 Photos: ECF's 65th Anniversary Gala - Co-Chaired by Suzanne Kayne & Nancy Abell, this event raised over $1.2 million to support services for children & adults with disabilities. To see photos of the Gala, please click here.

ECF Mission/Client Video:  See how three clients' lives were transformed with the help of ECF. To view, click here.

ECF on My Buzz TV!  Click here to watch the 1.5-minute ECF segment on YouTube.

Support Our Cause - Join ECF on Facebook Watch The ECF Channel