If you are interested in learning more about how services and supports are offered for people who have developmental and intellectual disabilities in the State of California, here are some resources we recommend reading about. These are not endorsements, but provided for your education. Some have email lists for newsletters, meetings, and advisory boards you can join.
Department of Developmental Services – A state agency that is "Dedicated to providing services and supports for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to live the life of their choosing in their communities.”
Information on service types – Whether you’re receiving services, or are a service provider, family or community member who cares about someone receiving services, or a prospective services provider, we encourage you to learn about that types of services that are available in California. Every state has its own system for providing services. Since we are located in California, this is the system we are most familiar with. If you live in another state, we encourage you to research what’s available near you.
https://www.dds.ca.gov/services/
The Lanterman Act –
This legislation provides the legal basis for rights for people who live in California and have developmental or intellectual disabilities to receive services and supports in their communities. There are various ways to read about the legislation. This guide from Disability Rights California is a good place to start:
https://rula.disabilityrightsca.org/rula-book/chapter-1-the-lanterman-act/what-is-the-lanterman-act/
Here are additional ways to access copies of the legislation:
https://www.dds.ca.gov/transparency/laws-regulations/lanterman-act-and-related-laws/
State Council on Developmental Disabilities - "The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is established by state and federal law as an independent state agency to ensure that people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families receive the services and supports they need."
Regional Centers - "DDS oversees the coordination and delivery of services for Californians with developmental disabilities 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 the regional center in your area and learn more about services and opportunities.
California Department of Rehabilitation - "(DOR) works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities."
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Resources:
Financial Planning:
Financial planning for people who have special needs is complex. The information provided here is not meant as a substitute for consulting with professionals, but is provided for your information so that you can learn about some of the instruments that are available. We recommend consulting with a financial services professional who has special training in these areas.
Special Needs Trust – this financial instrument can be set up for a person who has a disability so that they may have financial assets without jeopardizing their ability to qualify for public benefits such as Social Security and Medicaid. The rules are complex and have to be done correctly. We recommend that you consult with an attorney or financial professional if you are interested in setting up a Special Needs Trust.
Look up information specific to your state. Here’s information for California:
https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/special-needs-trust/
529A ABLE Accounts – these accounts allow for savings for a person who has a disability, without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits like Social Security and Medicaid, similar to a 529 savings accounts for education. We recommend that you consult with a financial professional if you are interested in setting up a 529A ABLE account.
Social Security Benefits – there are a range of Social Security Benefits available for people who have disabilities.
https://www.ssa.gov/disability
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html
Medicaid, Medicare, and state Medical benefits – All states have different delivery systems for providing healthcare and other services to people who have disabilities. We encourage you to read up about your state’s process. Medicaid and the Medicaid Waiver program are often part of the funding for medical insurance and other types of services.
Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Dementia – Many people who have Down Syndrome will likely develop Alzheimer’s Dementia. The link is not yet fully understood, and ongoing medical research is being conducted. If you have Down Syndrome or have a relative or person you support who has it, it’s important to know more about it. Here are some resources:
https://www.agingwithdownsyndrome.com/podcast
Emergency Preparedness:
People who have disabilities may need extra help preparing for and responding to emergencies. Thinking ahead is important. Here are some resources and ideas that we hope will be helpful. We encourage you to get help from professionals in this field, and to get involved in planning efforts in your community.
Some suggestions:
Attend public meetings.
Ask local elected officials if there are plans in place to assist people who have disabilities with evacuation in case of emergency and if local shelters have adequate accessibility features.
Request that people who have disabilities and their families and service providers be included in emergency planning processes.
Get some training – find out if your community has a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training program, or if the local Red Cross chapter has classes.
Sign up to receive emergency alert messages from your local municipality.
Here’s an example:
https://www.readynapacounty.gov
Learn more about preparedness and accessibility here:
https://www.ready.gov/people-disabilities
https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/get-services/
https://www.cdc.gov/disability-emergency-preparedness/about/index.html
Many power companies offer programs to help customers in their areas. Check for resources in your area.
Here is some information for parts of California where Pacific Gas & Electric is the power provider. On this page, you can sign up for outage/safety alerts by submitting your address and contact information and learn more about financial assistance programs for people who have medical needs and rely on power, or who qualify for reduced rates based on income.