Regional Centers
DDS was required to make $334 million in cuts to regional center services. Consequently, changes to the Lanterman Act have been made and may affect your services. Here is a presentation
(English &
Spanish) of the changes and new appeals strategies you may need to maintain
your services.
Area Board 10 staff are available to meet with self-advocacy and parent support groups to explain the changes that are going into effect and how they will impact your services.
Have you received a letter from the regional center informing you that they will be reducing your services? Or did you just get a phone call telling you your services are going to be cut? Do you disagree with that cut? If so, tell the person you wish to appeal the
decision (this is called a fair hearing) and that you will be expecting them to mail you a
notice of proposed action.
The law requires the regional center to notify you in writing 30 days before they actually make any cuts in services. As soon as you are told, whether in writing or by phone, write a letter to the regional center that you wish to appeal the decision, and then mail it via certified mail. Why? Responding within 10 days will provide you with “aid paid pending”. This means that while this disagreement is being resolved, regional center must continue to provide you with the service. If you respond between 11 and 30 days, the service will be discontinued while the disagreement is being resolved. If you respond in more than 30 days, the service will be discontinued, you must request an IPP meeting, request the service again, get denied again, and then file the appeal within 30 days. If you have any questions, you may contact Area Board 10.
