About Us
People with disabilities and their families count on Hillside to provide quality care, promote independence, and facilitate community integration.
Hillside’s mission is grounded in a deep understanding that every person deserves to be seen, valued, and heard.
Our Mission…
Is to provide a home that supports residents’ efforts to maximize their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional abilities so that they can attain their highest level of independence in an environment where people are treated with dignity and respect.
Our History
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1930
Late 1930s: The Hillside concept is created with the help of George Cukor, Muriel Evans and Joan Flanders.
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1943
Hillside opens its doors to cerebral palsy children on Ontare St. in Santa Barbara.
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1945
Hillside is incorporated as a non-profit.
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1955
Hillside’s new facility is completed and soon filled to capacity.
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1969
Assemblyman Frank D. Lanterman introduces the Lanterman Mental Retardation Services. Act, extending regional center services through California.
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1978
Hillside transitions from serving children with cerebral palsy to adults with varying intellectual and developmental disabilities.
California creates the Department of Developmental Services.
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1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is signed into law.
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1995
The creation of the American Association of People with Disabilities.
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2006
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted. This was the first human rights treaty of the 21st century focused on disability rights.
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2014
Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) prioritizing competitive ad integrated employment for people with disabilities was passed.
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2025
Hillside celebrates its 80th anniversary.
