Developmental disabilities originate before the age of 18, continues or is expected to continue indefinitely, and is a substantially handicapping condition. Developmental disabilities includes one of the following:

• Mental Retardation
• Cerebral Palsy
• Autism
• Epilepsy

The law further states that developmental disabilities shall not include conditions that are solely psychiatric, physical or learning disabilities.

For more information on developmental disabilities, please visit the Department of Developmental Services website.

Inland Regional Center designs programs according to age, specialization, and geographic location. Categories include Early Start/Prevention 0-3; School Age 3-15; Transition 16-22; Adult 23-59; and Senior 60+. Other specialized teams include Intermediate Care Facility, Master Trust, and Developmental Center Consumers.

Intake Process Ages 3 and Older

To determine eligibility, applicants must complete a comprehensive intake process where the disability status will be determined. The steps outlined below detail the intake process for applicants ages 3 and older.

Social Assessment: Meeting with an IRC Intake Counselor; Discussion of family, health and developmental histories, and evaluation of current levels of abilities or problems; Planning steps of action and discussing available services may also be completed at this time, if the applicant is found eligible.

Psychological Assessment: With a staff psychologist or consultant; Testing to determine mental retardation, autism, or related condition; Recent school or other psychological assessments may be used instead of new evaluations but must be approved by an IRC psychologist.

Medical Assessment: With a medical consultant or other IRC physician; Determine problems with seizure disorder, cerebral palsy, or related health problems and disabilities; Occasionally recent medical evaluations from other physicians can be used if approved by the IRC Chief of Medical Services.

Team Conference: Discussion of assessment process and results; Includes applicant, family members/advocates, intake counselor, psychologist and physician; Confirmation of qualification for services. If found eligible, person-centered Individual Program Plan (IPP) is developed to outline areas of services and needs.

IRC Orientation: Designed to give applicants and their families the knowledge they need in order to understand Inland Regional Center and its service delivery.

For inquiries regarding the intake process, please email WElias@inlandrc.org for San Bernardino County residents and Edelatorre@inlandrc.org for Riverside County residents.

Early Start/Prevention Intake Process Ages 3 and Younger: