Briefing Today in Sacramento on State's Developmental Disabilities Service System

Senator Jim Beall Jr. (Democrat – San Jose) is hosting a briefing today in Sacramento for legislators, staff and interested members of the public on California’s unique developmental disabilities service system. The session is scheduled from from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the State Capitol in Room 112, and is especially for legislators newly elected this past November.

Representatives from various advocacy organizations and groups will present information about their organizations and their role in developmental disabilities service system. The event is sponsored by the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA), the California Disability Services Association and The Arc and UCP of California.

California is the only state in the nation to have a sweeping landmark civil rights law – called the “Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act” – that provides protections and rights for children and adults with developmental disabilities. That landmark act was authored by Republican Assemblymember Frank Lanterman and signed into law by then Governor Ronald Reagan in 1969.

That act eventually established a unique system of 21 non-profit regional centers, under contract with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to determine eligibility, provide assessments and to coordinate funding of an array of community-based services for about 260,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities provided by community-based organizations and individuals across the State.

In addition, DDS operates several large health facilities called “developmental centers” where about 1,600 adults with developmental disabilities reside. One of the facilities, Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona, is slated for closure. Residents of Lanterman and their families and state workers are currently involved in a long transition process.

AGENDA FOR JANUARY 23rd CAPITOL BRIEFING

Welcome and Introduction

• Senator Jim Beall, Jr. (Democrat - San Jose)
• Rick Rollens, program moderator, parent advocate, and Legislative Advisor to the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA)

Speakers

• Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA): Santi Rogers, Executive Director, San Andreas Regional Center [covering Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties]
• The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy of California: Tony Anderson, Executive Director
• California Disabilities Services Association: Chris Rice, Executive Director
• People First of California: Joe Meadours, Advocacy Trainer/Consultant
• State Council on Developmental Disabilities: Roberta Newton, Acting Executive Director
• Disability Rights California (DRC): Catherine Blakemore, Executive Director
• California Disability Community Action Network (CDCAN): Marty Omoto, Executive Director

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This information was provided by the California Community Action Network (CDCAN).