Find My Regional Center
Californians with developmental disabilities can access services through a statewide network of 21 community-based, non-profit agencies known as Regional Centers. Regional Centers provide assessments, determine eligibility for services, and offer case management services. Regional centers also develop, purchase, and coordinate the services in each person’s Individual Program Plan. Find out which Regional Center serves your area, and contact your Regional Center to find out how they can support you. Visit Find My Regional Center Site
Self-Determination Program Orientation
If you are interested in the Self-Determination Program, the first step is to attend a mandatory Self-Determination Program orientation. You can contact your local Regional Center to find out about the orientations they offer, or you can check out the State Council for Developmental Disabilities, which offers statewide, universally accepted orientations in multiple languages. While attending a Self Determination Program orientation is mandatory to start the Self-Detemination transition process, it doesn’t mean that you have to follow through with switching to the Self-Determination Program. You can decide to stay in the traditional program after attending the orientation. Visit SDP Orientation Schedule Site
The Califonia Self-Determination Program Network
The California Self-Determination Program Network is a great resource when you are looking for providers, organizations, and independent facilitators. Visit CA SDP Network Site
The SDP Workbook
The SDP workbook gives you an overview of the SDP program and process, tools that you can use through your SDP journey, and other resources that you might find useful. Visit NLACRC SDP Workbook
Department of Developmental Services
If you want to learn more about the Self-Determination Program, read the directives, find service codes and definitions, and keep up with the changes, check out the Department of Developmental Services’ Self-Determination website. Visit DDS Site
Rights Under the Lanterman Act
The Lanterman Act is the California law that gives people with developmental disabilities the right to services and supports they need to live independent and normal lives. The Lanterman Act declares that persons with developmental disabilities have the same legal rights and responsibilities guaranteed to all other persons by federal and state constitutions and laws, and charges the Regional Center with advocacy for, and protection of, these rights. Disability Rights California has written a manual to help you understand some of your rights as a person with developmental disabilities in California. The manual focuses on your rights to supports and services under the Lanterman Act — your rights with the Regional Center and service providers. Rights Under the Lanterman Act English Rights Under the Lanterman Act Spanish
Disagreement with Regional Center
Anyone aged three or older who has applied for regional center services or who is currently receiving regional center services can appeal regional center decisions they disagree with. Find out how on the Department of Development Services’ website. Visit DDS Appeals Site