Our Stories About Community Empowerment

Coach’s Corner – Paloma Rodriguez

February 17, 2026

D.E.S.I: How did you come to work for D.E.S.I? Paloma: I was looking for a job after I graduated from Cal State LA in 2016. I graduated with my bachelor’s in public health, so I was trying to do something…

Popcorn With Purpose: Movies That See Ability Differently

February 9, 2026

Here at D.E.S.I., we thought it would be fun to share a few movie recommendations to enjoy throughout the year. All of these films explore themes we think about often in our community. They’re kind, uplifting stories about people with…

Coach Giovanni sitting with a client

Coach’s Corner with Giovanni Fajardo

January 30, 2026

” I’ve learned that autism can present itself in many different ways, and you have to tailor the way we work with our clients differently for each one. They’re all great people and willing to work with you, but I’ve learned that they’re all just very different individuals.”

Coach’s Corner with Crystal Limon

January 16, 2026

“You have to have a lot of patience and understanding of each individual because they’re all completely different. So you can’t work with each individual the same exact way. You have to see the needs of each one.”

CalABLE – Summing it Up!

January 16, 2026

How to Open an ABLE Account Good news – you can handle the whole thing online. No in-person appointments or long lines. You’ll just need your basic info and a bank account for your first deposit. That deposit only has…

CAL-ABLE Accounts: Overview

January 14, 2026

D.E.S.I. wants to make sure our community knows about a great opportunity to save money and not lose benefits. D.E.S.I. recommends setting up an ABLE account because we understand the needs of our clients.

Clients of the Month!

March 30, 2022

Wow – Happy March everyone! It’s been a few months since we last spoke and well this time we have some exciting items to share with you! 

DESI Friendship Day 2022

March 1, 2022

Love was definitely in the air! At the end of February, the DESI team gathered at our headquarters in East LA to welcome over 50 family members and clients for an afternoon of fun games, food, and dancing! Facilitated by…

Outreach and Advocacy

November 1, 2021

At D.E.S.I., our role in the community does not stop at providing direct services for our clients with intellectual disabilities. As we work to integrate our clients, we are committed to making the community a better place for everyone. D.E.S.I.…

Client of the Month – Miguel

October 6, 2021

We’re halfway through June but we couldn’t go on and not mention our client of the month, Miguel Lugo! A comedian, entrepreneur, and a go-getter, Miguel is working hard at starting up his very own non-profit. Through this nonprofit, he plans…