Key Takeaways: Navigating the Regional Center System
For families of autistic adults in California, the regional center system is the primary gateway to services and supports. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of autism regional center services, from determining eligibility and navigating the Individual Program Plan (IPP) process to understanding funding and advocating effectively for your young adult’s needs. The system can be complex, but with knowledge and preparation, you can partner with your regional center to build a life of independence and purpose for your loved one.
What is the Regional Center System?
California’s regional center system is a network of 21 private, non-profit corporations that contract with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to provide and coordinate services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Established by the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, the regional centers are the entry point for services for both children and adults. Each regional center serves a specific geographic area, and you will work with the center that serves the county where you live.
The philosophy of the Lanterman Act is to provide individuals with developmental disabilities the services and supports they need to live a more independent and normal life. The regional centers are responsible for helping individuals and their families access these services. They are your partner in planning for and achieving your young adult’s goals.
Eligibility for Adult Services
To be eligible for regional center services as an adult, an individual must have a developmental disability that began before their 18th birthday, is expected to continue indefinitely, and presents a “substantial disability.” For an autistic individual, this means that their autism must cause significant functional limitations in three or more of the following areas:
- Self-care
- Receptive and expressive language
- Learning
- Mobility
- Self-direction
- Capacity for independent living
- Economic self-sufficiency
It is important to note that simply having a diagnosis of autism is not enough to guarantee eligibility. The regional center will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if the individual meets the substantial disability criteria. This assessment may include a review of records, interviews with the individual and their family, and direct observation.
The Transition from Children’s Services to Adult Services
For individuals who have been receiving regional center services as children, the transition to the adult system should be a seamless process. The service coordinator should begin discussing the transition with the family when the individual is a teenager. However, the focus of services may change. While the children’s system is often focused on education and therapy, the adult system is more focused on vocational training, employment, and independent living.
For individuals who were not regional center clients as children, the first step is to apply for services. This can be a lengthy process, so it is important to start well before the individual turns 22 and loses their entitlement to school-based services. You will need to provide documentation of your young adult’s disability, including diagnostic reports and school records.
Available Services: A Wide Range of Supports
Regional centers can fund a wide variety of services to help autistic adults live more independently. The specific services an individual receives will depend on their unique needs and goals, as outlined in their Individual Program Plan (IPP). Some of the most common services include:
| Service Category | Examples of Services |
|---|---|
| Day Services | Day programs, vocational training, supported employment. |
| Living Arrangements | Supported living services, independent living skills training, group homes. |
| Health & Well-being | Behavioral supports, specialized medical and dental care, mental health services. |
This is not an exhaustive list. The regional center can fund any service that is necessary to help an individual achieve their IPP goals, as long as it is not available through another public agency (this is known as the “payer of last resort” rule).
How Services are Determined: The IPP (Individual Program Plan) Process
The Individual Program Plan (IPP) is the cornerstone of the regional center system. It is a written document that outlines the individual’s goals, the services and supports they will receive to achieve those goals, and who is responsible for providing those services. The IPP is developed through a person-centered planning process, which means the individual and their family are at the center of the planning team.
The IPP meeting is the most important meeting you will have with the regional center. It is your opportunity to share your young adult’s dreams and aspirations, and to advocate for the services they need to achieve them. The IPP team typically includes:
- The individual
- The individual’s parents or legal guardian
- The regional center service coordinator
- Anyone else the individual or family wants to invite (e.g., a teacher, a therapist, an advocate)
During the IPP meeting, the team will discuss the individual’s strengths, needs, and goals in all areas of their life. Based on this discussion, the team will agree on a set of goals and the services and supports that will be put in place to help the individual achieve them. The IPP is a dynamic document that should be reviewed and updated at least once a year, or more often if the individual’s needs change. For a detailed guide on the IPP process, Disability Rights California offers an excellent resource.
Understanding Purchase of Service (POS) Authorizations
Once the IPP team has agreed on the services an individual will receive, the regional center will issue a Purchase of Service (POS) authorization. This is the document that allows a service provider (known as a “vendor”) to bill the regional center for the services they provide. The POS will specify the type of service, the number of hours or units authorized, and the rate of pay.
It is important to review the POS carefully to ensure that it accurately reflects the services that were agreed upon in the IPP. If you see any discrepancies, you should contact your service coordinator immediately. You have the right to appeal any decision the regional center makes about your services, including the contents of the POS.
Vendor Approval and Choosing Service Providers
Regional centers do not directly provide most services. Instead, they contract with a network of approved service providers, known as vendors. To become a vendor, a provider must go through a rigorous approval process to ensure that they meet the state’s standards for quality and safety.
As a regional center client, you have the right to choose which vendor you want to provide your services, as long as they are an approved vendor. Your service coordinator can provide you with a list of vendors in your area. It is a good idea to interview several vendors before making a decision. You can also ask for references from other families.
READ MORE >> Autism Transition Planning: Preparing Your Young Adult for Life After High School
How to Advocate Effectively in IPP Meetings
Your voice is the most important one in the IPP meeting. It is essential to come to the meeting prepared to advocate for your young adult’s needs. Here are some tips for effective advocacy:
| Advocacy Strategy | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Be Prepared | Review your young adult’s records, make a list of their strengths and needs, and write down your goals for the meeting. |
| Bring a Team | You don’t have to go it alone. Bring a friend, a family member, or a professional advocate with you for support. |
| Stay Focused on Goals | Frame your requests for services in terms of how they will help your young adult achieve their IPP goals. |
| Know Your Rights | Familiarize yourself with the Lanterman Act and your rights as a regional center client. The Lanterman Act is your most powerful tool. |
What to Do if Services are Denied or Reduced
If the regional center denies or reduces a service you believe your young adult needs, you have the right to appeal the decision. The first step is to try to resolve the issue informally with your service coordinator and their supervisor. If that is not successful, you can file for a fair hearing. This is a legal proceeding where a judge will hear both sides of the issue and make a decision. Disability Rights California provides a hearing packet to help you prepare.
The Role of Service Coordinators
Your service coordinator is your primary point of contact at the regional center. They are responsible for helping you navigate the system, coordinating your services, and ensuring that your IPP is implemented correctly. A good service coordinator can be your most valuable ally. It is important to build a strong, collaborative relationship with them. However, it is also important to remember that the service coordinator works for the regional center. Ultimately, you are the one who is responsible for advocating for your young adult’s needs.
How Programs Like Meristem Work with Regional Centers
Many comprehensive transition programs, like Meristem, are approved vendors with multiple regional centers. This means that if your young adult is a regional center client, you may be able to use your regional center funding to pay for all or part of the program. The first step is to talk to your service coordinator about your interest in the program. If the program is a good fit for your young adult’s IPP goals, the service coordinator can help you with the referral and funding process.
Funding Limitations and Waitlists
While the Lanterman Act guarantees the right to services, the reality is that the regional center system is often underfunded. This can lead to funding limitations and waitlists for some services. For example, the Self-Determination Program, which gives individuals more control over their budgets and services, has been very popular and has experienced some implementation delays. It is important to be aware of these potential challenges and to advocate for the funding your young adult needs.
Supplementing Regional Center Services with Private Pay
Given the potential for funding limitations, many families choose to supplement their regional center services with private pay. This can allow you to access services that may not be funded by the regional center, or to get more hours of a service than the regional center is willing to authorize. While this is not an option for everyone, it is something to consider if you have the financial resources.
Resources and Advocacy Organizations
There are many organizations in California that can help you navigate the regional center system and advocate for your young adult’s rights. These include:
- Disability Rights California: The federally mandated protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in California.
- The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD): A state agency that advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
- Local advocacy organizations: There are many smaller, local organizations that can provide information, support, and advocacy services.
Conclusion: Your Partner in the Transition Journey
The regional center system can be a powerful partner in your young adult’s transition to adulthood. It can provide access to a wide range of services and supports that can help them live a more independent and fulfilling life. However, the system is complex and can be difficult to navigate. By understanding your rights, preparing for your IPP meetings, and advocating effectively, you can ensure that your young adult receives the services they need to achieve their dreams.
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