State and Federal

Department of Developmental Services  DDS is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities.

• Lanterman Act This is the California law that says people with developmental disabilities and their families have a right to get the services and supports they need to live like people who don’t have disabilities

• Early Start Families whose infants or toddlers have a developmental delay or disability or an established risk condition with a high probability of resulting in a delay may be eligible to receive an “Early Start” in California. Read more.

Consumer Corner

• Information about publications, resources, and much much more.

Family Cost Participation Program

• Established for the purpose of assessing a cost participation to parents of children who receive three specific regional center services: day care, respite, and/or camping.

Publications & Resources

Appeals, Complaints & Comments

• Click here to access a number of formal processes that have been established for handling appeals and complaints.

Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA)

• The Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) represents the autonomous regional centers objective to support and advance the intent and mandate of the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. As an advocate for the regional center system members, ARCA promotes the continuing entitlement of individuals with developmental disabilities to all services that enable full community inclusion.

California State Council on Developmental Disabilities

• Established by state and federal law as an independent state agency to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and supports they need.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities. The ADA also establishes requirements for telecommunications relay services.

Employment

California Department of Rehabilitation

• works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living and equality for individuals with disabilities.

Employment Development Department- CalJobs

• the online resource to navigate California’s workforce services providing employment and labor market information for the state of California. The enhanced system allows users to easily search for jobs, build résumés, or access career resources

Disability Benefits 101

• tools and information on health coverage, benefits, and employment. You can plan ahead and learn how work and benefits go together