Regional centers are required by law to provide services in the most cost-effective way possible. A generic resource is a service provided by an agency which has a legal responsibility to provide services to the general public and receives public funds for providing those services. Some generic agencies you might be referred to are the local school district, county social services department, Medi-Cal, Social Security Administration, Department of Rehabilitation and others. Other resources may include natural supports. This is help that you may get from family, friends or others at little or no cost.
Regional centers help coordinate the services that are needed because of a developmental disability.
This is called case management or service coordination. A case manager or service coordinator will be assigned to help you. He or she will help develop a plan for services, tell you where services are available, and help you get the services. It lists who will provide the service and who will pay for it. To obtain more information about services available for individuals with developmental disabilities, visit our Information About Programs and Services page or contact your local regional center.