At ABA LA, we understand that navigating services for developmental disabilities can be challenging and costly. That’s why we want to introduce you to the California Regional Centers—a valuable resource for families seeking support for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

What Are California Regional Centers?

California Regional Centers are community-based, private non-profit agencies that provide essential services to individuals with developmental disabilities across the state. There are 21 regional centers, each governed by its own Board of Directors and funded by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Collectively, these centers serve approximately 250,000 individuals and their families, offering:

• Service Coordination
• Advocacy
• Information and Support
• Referrals to Service Providers

These services cater to:

• Young children with developmental disabilities
• Adolescents with developmental disabilities
• Adults with developmental disabilities
• Parents and caregivers

While all regional centers operate under the guidelines of the Lanterman Act and Title 17, they function independently, meaning services may vary from one center to another.

Eligibility for Regional Center Services

To access services, families must apply to their local regional center, which will conduct an intake evaluation to determine eligibility. A person must meet the following criteria:

• Have a disability that began before age 18
• Be expected to continue indefinitely
• Present a substantial disability, defined by significant functional limitations in three or more of these areas:

1. Self-care
2. Receptive and expressive language
3. Learning
4. Mobility
5. Self-direction
6. Capacity for independent living
7. Economic self-sufficiency

Additionally, infants and toddlers (ages 0-36 months) at risk of developmental disabilities or with developmental delays may qualify for services if they exhibit delays in one or more of these areas:

1. Cognitive development
2. Physical and motor development (including vision and hearing)
3. Communication development
4. Social or emotional development
5. Adaptive development

Regional Center Eligibility and Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

The first step in the process is for the family to apply for regional center services. The regional center will conduct an intake evaluation process to determine if the identified family member is eligible for services. According to the DDS website, to be eligible for services, a person must have a disability that begins before the person’s 18th birthday, be expected to continue indefinitely and present a substantial disability. A substantial disability is defined by the existence of significant functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of life activity, as determined by a regional center, and as appropriate to the age of the person: 1. Self-care 2. Receptive and expressive language 3. Learning 4. Mobility 5. Self-direction 6. Capacity for independent living 7. Economic self-sufficiency Additionally, infants and toddlers (age 0 to 36 months) who are at risk of having developmental disabilities or who have a developmental delay may also qualify for services. They must have a developmental delay in one or more of these five areas: 1. Cognitive development 2. Physical and motor development, including vision and hearing 3. Communication development 4. Social or emotional development, or 5. Adaptive development