Areas of expertise — Down syndrome support in California

A gentle structured way to support people
with Down syndrome.

If someone you love has Down syndrome you already know how much patience, time, and heart it takes. bttr gives families a clear partner for home based and community based support so you do not have to carry everything alone.

Down syndrome ILS · CFS · TDS · SLS · IHR Regional Center and Self Determination Bay Area and statewide through SDP Gentle skill building for real life
Refer to bttr Talk with our team

Understanding Down syndrome

What families often want to know.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that happens when a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. It can affect learning, health, and development in different ways — but does not change a person's value or potential.

How it can affect daily life

Learning new skills can take more time and repetition People may need support with memory, planning, and routines Some have health conditions that require careful coordination Clear communication and visual supports often help significantly

What never changes

Every person with Down syndrome has their own personality, interests, and dreams Families deserve respect and clear support — not judgment With the right team, people can build real independence at many stages of life Dignity and person centered care belong in every session

Why bttr

Support that honors the person and protects the family.

We know that caring for someone with Down syndrome is both beautiful and demanding. bttr was built so families do not have to choose between quality support and their own wellbeing.

Clear process

One referral, one organized pathway

You send one referral with basic information and goals. Our team handles intake, scheduling, and communication so you are not making ten phone calls to start one service.

Gentle pace

Support that matches the person

Coaches follow a steady pace that respects how the person learns. Skills are practiced in real settings with repetition, encouragement, and clear steps.

Family centered

Respect for the home and culture

Support is designed with the family, not around them. We consider routines, language, culture, safety, and what is realistic for your household.

bttr services for Down syndrome

Services that build real life skills.

Available through Regional Center and the Self Determination Program depending on the service and the person's plan.

ILS

RC · SDP

Independent Living Services

Coaching for daily living routines, housekeeping, money skills, transportation, and self advocacy for adults with Down syndrome.

CFS

RCEB · GGRC

Coordinated Family Support

For adults living with family. Keeps care organized, communication clear, and the whole team moving in the same direction.

TDS

SDP · Statewide

Tailored Day Services

Community based day program for people who thrive in smaller settings. Hobbies, volunteering, pre employment, and meaningful daytime goals. Billed in 4 hour units, minimum one per week.

SLS

SDP · Statewide

Supported Living Services

For adults living or planning to live independently. Health routines, medication support, personal care, safety, and community connection.

IHR

SDP · Statewide

In Home Respite

Reliable caregiver relief with supervised in home care. Minimum 4 hours per day, at least one day per week.

Additional Down syndrome supports at bttr

Transition planning from school services into adult life Self Determination Program planning and service delivery Visual schedules, reminders, and communication supports Coordination with IEP teams, doctors, and therapists Support with health appointments and medical follow up Community integration and social connection goals Teaching routines that work for the whole household Skill tracks adapted to the person's pace and learning style IPP and SDP meeting preparation and advocacy Pre employment and vocational exploration coaching

Focus areas

What bttr focuses on with people who have Down syndrome.

Supports are organized through bttr Skill Tracks in Life, Money, Tech, Connect, Express, and Health so goals are clear and progress is measurable in everyday life.

Life track

Daily living and home routines

Morning and evening routines that fit the person and the familyCooking simple meals, cleaning, and caring for personal spaceUsing visual schedules, reminders, and checklists

Health track

Health and safety

Preparing for medical appointments and understanding instructionsBuilding safe habits at home, in the community, and onlinePracticing what to do in emergencies and who to contact

Connect track

Community and belonging

Riding the bus, shopping, and using community spacesClubs, sports, faith communities, and recreation that matter to the personVolunteering and exploring work related skills when appropriate

Express track

Communication and self advocacy

Practicing how to share preferences, needs, and boundariesSupporting AAC devices, visuals, or other communication toolsHelping families and providers listen to what the person actually wants

Where we serve

Down syndrome support across the Bay Area and statewide.

ILS and CFS through RCEB and GGRC. TDS, SLS, and IHR available statewide through the Self Determination Program.

RCEB — Regional Center of the East Bay

Alameda County

OaklandFremontHaywardBerkeleyAlamedaSan LeandroNewarkUnion CityCastro ValleyDublinPleasantonLivermoreAlbanyEmeryvillePiedmont

Contra Costa County

Walnut CreekConcordRichmondEl CerritoHerculesPinoleMartinezLafayetteOrindaDanvilleSan RamonAntiochPittsburgPleasant Hill

GGRC — Golden Gate Regional Center

San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo

San FranciscoDaly CitySan RafaelNovatoMill ValleySan MateoRedwood CityBurlingameFoster CityBelmont

Statewide through SDP — all 21 Regional Centers

Los AngelesSan DiegoSacramentoSan JoseRiversideFresnoBakersfieldSanta BarbaraAll of California

From the founder

"Many families who support a person with Down syndrome are carrying love and exhaustion at the same time. At bttr we believe support should protect that love and reduce the exhaustion. We build gentle, realistic plans that fit the person and the family. If you feel like you are doing everything alone, you are not. Reach out and let us walk the next steps with you."

Giovanny Sarabia

Founder and CEO, bttr Living

Common questions

Questions families ask about Down syndrome support.

Always happy to answer more at info@bttrliving.com or (510) 709-5809.

Can bttr help if my family member needs a lot of hands on support?

In many cases yes. Our team will talk with you and the Regional Center about needs, safety, and funding to see what is realistic and how we can help.

Do you only support adults with Down syndrome?

bttr primarily serves adults 18 and older. For transition age youth approaching adulthood we can begin planning early to ensure a smooth and well supported start.

Can bttr work with our school or medical team?

Yes. With consent we coordinate with IEP teams, doctors, and therapists so everyone is moving in the same direction toward the same goals.

What if we are new to the Self Determination Program?

We can help you understand how SDP works and how bttr services may fit your plan. Families still make all final choices with their independent facilitator and FMS.

Does bttr support people with Down syndrome who use AAC or visual supports?

Yes. We work with all communication styles and coordinate with speech therapists and communication support providers when the person and family request it.

How quickly can services start after a referral?

Most participants begin within 5 to 14 days after Regional Center or SDP approval. Our team guides families through every step of the intake process.

Ready to explore Down syndrome support with bttr?

One clear referral starts a gentler, more organized path for your family across the Bay Area and statewide through the Self Determination Program.

Refer to bttr Talk with our team