1. Regional Center Eligibility & Services
Going from “NO”
to “YES”

2. Early Start Services
If private insurance denies your requests, regional centers, as payors of last resort, may fund the following as required early intervention services:
Family training and counseling
Speech and language therapy
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Psychological services
Service coordination
Medical services for diagnostic or evaluation purposes
Early identification, screening, and assessment
Vision services
Assistive technology services and devices
*This is a non-comprehensive list of services offered under early start/early intervention.
Government Code et seq.
20 U.S.C. §1432

3. Early Start Services
Regional Center (RC), as payors of last resort, may fund the services as required early intervention IF:
You formally request the service
Provide RC copies of private insurance denial letter
The service is needed/required as an early intervention service

4. Lanterman Eligibility
On-going eligibility for ages 3 and older

5. Lanterman Eligibility
Diagnosis
Intellectual Disability
Cerebral Palsy
Epilepsy
Autism
Fifth Category - disabling conditions found to be closely related to an intellectual disability or to require treatment similar to that required for individuals with an intellectual disability
Time of Onset: Originating before age 18
Prognosis: Likely to continue indefinitely
Severity: Substantial disability in three (3) areas of major life activity
17 CCR §54000
WIC 4512(a)

6. Lanterman Eligibility – Substantial Disability
Major Life Activity
Ages at which the categories are considered
(Must have a major impairment in
at least 3 domains)
Birth to 5
6-17
18+
(diagnosed prior to age 18)
1. Learning X
2. Receptive/Expressive Language
3. Mobility
4. Self-Care
5. Self-Direction
6. Capacity for Independent Living
7. Economic Self-Sufficiency
17 CCR §54001; WIC 4512(l)

7. Lanterman Eligibility - Exclusions
Developmental disabilities shall not include “handicapping conditions” that are
Solely psychiatric disorders
Solely learning disabilities
Solely physical in nature
17 CCR §54000

8. A guideline of services available for over age 3
Lanterman Services
A guideline of services available for over age 3

9. Lanterman Services Family or individual counseling
Independent or supported living services
Licensed residential services
Medical and dental services
Parenting classes
For consumers who are parents
Adult day program
Behavior intervention services
Crisis invention services
Day care
through age 17
Durable and nondurable medical equipment
Diapers, wheelchair, orthotics/walker, van lifts, etc.
*This is a non-comprehensive list of services offered.

10. Lanterman Services Personal assistance Psychological assessments
For adults only
Respite care
Supported employment
Transportation services
Public or Private
Special education referrals for advocacy
IRC Educational Advocate & OCRA
*This is a non-comprehensive list of services offered. If deemed eligible for services, talk to your Service Coordinator about your unique needs.

11. How to Turn “No” to “Yes”
Request and Keep copies of ALL documents
Share info with your Regional Center (RC) worker
Request meetings to inform RC of changes in:
Health/Medical Conditions
Eating or Sleeping habits
Behaviors - AWOL, Aggression, Toileting, etc.
Family Dynamics
Ask RC to fund services to support these changes

12. How to Turn “No” to “Yes”
Follow up (in writing) to confirm the request
Ask, when you will get follow up from RC
Don’t accept a denial over the phone
Request a denial letter (NOA) and an appeal packet
Utilize the OCRA re: service rights and legal advice
If you feel strongly, File an Appeal (Fair Hearing)
Maintain open communication with RC in an attempt to resolve disputes at the lowest level

13. Resources on Regional Center Eligibility
Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA)
or phone (916)
California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
or phone (916)
View on-line: Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act and Related Laws
Disability Rights California
or phone (800)
View on-line: Rights Under the Lanterman Act: Regional Center Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy (909)
Inland Regional Center
or phone (909)
State Council on Developmental Disabilities, San Bernardino Regional Office
or phone (909)

14. Questions & Answers
State Council on Developmental Disabilities, San Bernardino Regional Office
685 E. Carnegie Drive, Suite #125
San Bernardino, CA
(909) or