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Coordinated Family Support

Common Services

Self-Determination

Requesting Records

Provider Directory

Appeals

Welcome IRC Clients and Families! This page was designed to help you learn about how Regional Centers operate, how IRC provides services, and the roles Service Coordinators play in your service plan. You will also find definitions for frequently used terms, information about IRC documents/forms, and what to do if you disagree with a decision made by the Regional Center. If you have any questions about the information presented here, please contact IRC’s Community Engagement team.

Looking for printable IRC Fact Sheets? Click or tap here!

A child wearing Spiderman face paint sitting at a table coloring a sheet of paper

A Client is a child or adult with developmental disabilities who receives Regional Center services.

Frequently Used Terms

Inland Regional Center, along with 20 other Regional Centers in the state of California, was established by the Lanterman Act, a law passed in 1969. The Lanterman Act ensures that people with developmental disabilities receive supports and services to live the most independent and productive lives possible. The Lanterman Act defines which diagnoses make someone eligible for Regional Center services, what types of supports/programs will be provided, how program plans are developed, and much more. Also, frequently used terms like Client, Consumer, CSC, and IPP, come directly from the Lanterman Act.

The publication, “A Consumer’s Guide to the Lanterman Act,” is a booklet for adults with developmental disabilities and was written with the help of consumers.

If you would like a free copy of A Consumer's Guide to the Lanterman Act mailed to you, please send an email to [email protected] including your name,  organization, address, and phone number, along with the number of copies you would like to receive. These copies are available in English and Spanish.

The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act is codified in the California Welfare and Institutions Code. The compilation, prepared by the Legislative Counsel, shows all sections as they were in effect on and after January 1, 2024. The official and most current versions of the Lanterman Act and other California law, is available online at the California Legislative Information website. The Lanterman Act includes Divisions 4.1, 4.5, and 4.7 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and Title 14 of the Government Code. If you have questions, please email [email protected].  – DDS Website, Lanterman and Related Laws.

Appeals

IRC is committed to establishing collaborative relationships with Clients and families. Our primary focus is creating service plans that address the individual needs of each Client. Though, there may be occasions where the Regional Center and a Client/family disagree about eligibility or services. If you disagree with a Regional Center decision you can ask your Service Coordinator, and if appropriate their Program Manager, to meet with you and discuss the decision. This allows everyone involved to make sure that all essential information was considered. If things cannot be resolved during this meeting, Clients/families have the right to appeal the decision.

Below are links to the Appeals process and forms found on the Department of Developmental Services website. If you would like to speak to an IRC Representative about the Appeals process you can contact our Fair Hearings & Legal Affairs Department.

Note: Appeals deal specifically with disagreements regarding eligibility or the type/amount of services in a Client’s service plan. If you have a concern or complaint that is not related specifically to a service or eligibility you can contact our Community Engagement team or use the Consumer Complaint Process.

Immigration

At Inland Regional Center, we recognize that immigration concerns can significantly impact the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. It is essential that those we serve feel safe, supported, and informed. By understanding the unique challenges faced by immigrant families, we can better connect them to trusted resources, clarify common misconceptions, and ensure access to services without fear or confusion. Our goal is to empower staff with the tools and knowledge to provide compassionate, person-centered support in the face of uncertainty.

IRC Immigration Training - October 2025

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Interested parties should seek guidance from qualified legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.

Provisional Eligibility

A child who is birth to four years of age may qualify for provisional eligibility for regional center services, without needing a diagnosis of developmental disability as specified in W&I Code section 4512(a)(1). Provisional eligibility for regional center services is for a child who demonstrates significant functional limitations in at least two major life activities outlined in W&I Code section 4512(a)(2). A disability solely physical in nature does not meet the eligibility criteria. It is not a requirement of provisional eligibility for a three or four-year-old child to have been served in Early Start. Similar to individuals who are eligible pursuant to W&I Code section 4512(a)(1), a child who is determined to be provisionally eligible will have an Individual Program Plan. For information about eligibility criteria, see Lanterman Act Provisional Eligibility.

Provisional Eligibility For Regional Center Services (DDS) | Enclosure - Eligibility Criteria

IRC Provisional Eligibility Fact Sheet
English  |  Spanish  |  Vietnamese  |  Arabic  |  Chinese  |  Tagalog

DDS Provisional Eligibility Resources

Visit the DDS Provisional Eligibility Page at: www.dds.ca.gov/general/eligibility

Learn the signs - https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html

Common Services

Person-centered planning is used when developing a Client’s Individual Program Plan (IPP). The IPP outlines the goals developed by the Client and their support team, as well as the services and supports they will receive to help those goals. Many of the services/supports listed in the IPP are funded by Inland Regional Center. However, services and supports may also be provided by other agencies such as the Social Security Administration, school districts, county agencies, etc.

All services funded by IRC must be linked to an IPP goal and the Client must meet the qualification criteria for that service, as established by the Lanterman Act.

Below you will find a list of the most common services provided by IRC. This list a reference and resource to IRC Clients and their families. Any service not addressed here may be discussed with an IRC Service Coordinator.

Common Services Listing:
English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Tagalog | Arabic | Chinese

Common Services Fact Sheets:
Day Program Options - English
Living Options - English | Spanish
Respite - English | Spanish
Transition - English | Spanish
Early Start Transition - Transition Guidebook 2023 (PDF)

Transition to Adulthood Guidebook - English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Arabic | Chinese | Tagalog

Conservatorship

A conservatorship is when a judge appoints another person to act or make decisions for the person who needs help. The person the judge appoints is called the conservator. The person who needs the help is the conservatee who is 18 years or older.  A judge can only appoint a conservator if other less restrictive options won't work.

A conservatorship must be the least restrictive type of assistance needed to help a person with a developmental disability lead a life of their choice. That requirement continues even after a conservator is appointed.

Because people need different levels and types of help there are different types of conservatorships:

  • General conservatorship: A conservatorship where the conservator has all powers and responsibilities, except ones found unnecessary
  • Limited conservatorship: A conservatorship where the conservator’s powers are strictly limited to up to 7 specific powers based on the needs of the conservatee

With either type of conservatorship, the conservator may handle just the care of the person or may also manage the person's finances.

  • If they're responsible for a person's care and protection, it's called a conservatorship of the person.
  • If they handle finances, it's called conservatorship of the estate.

For more information in San Bernardino County please visit: https://www.sb-court.org/divisions/probate/conservatorship

For more information in Riverside County please visit: https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/SelfHelp/Conservatorship/conservatorship.php

Additional Reading:

Coordinated Family Support (CFS) Services Pilot Program

 In June 2022, the State's Budget Trailer Bill for developmental services, SB 188 (Chapter 49, Statutes of 2022), added Welfare and Institutions Code section 4688.06, establishing the Coordinated Family Support (CFS) Services Pilot Program.

 The CFS Pilot Program recognizes the right of adults with disabilities to reside in the family home. Also, the CFS Pilot Program acknowledges that adults with developmental disabilities and their families may need services tailored to their unique needs while creating a respectful atmosphere mindful of the family's language, ethnicity, and culture.

Read more about the CFS Pilot Program here:

Additional Resources:

Video: Coordinated Family Support (CFS) Services Pilot Program (ASL)

Current CFS Providers:

If you are a Coordinated Family Services provider and would like to learn more about becoming an IRC Vendor, please visit our Service Provider page.

Program Manager Search Tool

Your IRC Service Coordinator is your best point of contact at the regional center since they are the person most familiar with your case. Though, there may be times where a Client, or family, may wish to also seek out the assistance of a Program Manager. This tool can help you contact your Program Manager via email.

Program Manager Search Tool

Our Community Engagement team is also available to help and can be reached at [email protected].

Provider Directory

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) created the Provider Directory to make it easier for regional centers to find and manage information about service providers across California, helping improve access to services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. While families and advocates cannot access the Directory directly, it helps regional centers identify provider options that best meet community needs. In the meantime, families can ask their service providers if they are participating in the Provider Directory and encourage them to sign up for updates about rate reform, the Quality Incentive Program (QIP), and the Provider Directory.

The Provider Directory Step-by-Step Guide and Provider Directory Step-by-Step Video Guide, and additional information about the Provider Directory can be found at on the DDS website, at: dds.ca.gov/initiatives/provider-directory

Requesting Records

Visit our Requesting Records page for more information on how to request Client/Applicant records as well as Public Record Act (PRA) requests.

Self-Determination

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has created a program to allow Regional Center Clients more control in developing their service plans and selecting service providers. The Self Determination Program (SDP) gives participants a budget to purchase services and supports from the providers of their choice. SDP participants have a larger role in their service planning and implementation while receiving assistance from a financial services management provider and an independent facilitator. For detailed information and program updates, visit the DDS Self-Determination home page.

Who is eligible for the Self-Determination Program?

Any eligible regional center client may participate in the Self-Determination program on a voluntary basis. The client must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. Has a developmental disability as defined in Welfare and Institutions Code 4512.
  2. Agrees to specific terms and conditions, which include but are not limited to participation in an orientation for the Self-Determination Program, working with a Financial Management Services entity, managing the Self-Determination Program services within an individual budget; and only purchasing services that are eligible for federal financial participation and not available from a generic agency.
  3. Does not live in a licensed long-term health care facility (i.e., a Skilled Nursing Facility or Intermediate Care Facility or State Developmental Center).
  4. If an individual living in one of these facilities expresses interest in the Self-Determination Program, through the person-centered planning process, he or she can request that the regional center begin making arrangements for their transition to the Self-Determination Program, provided that he or she is reasonably expected to transition to the community within 90 days.

For additional information, contact [email protected].

Office of the Self Determination Program (SDP) Ombudsperson:
Phone: (877) 658-9731
Email: [email protected]

SDP Network - Independent Facilitators

Additional Resources:

Click here to register online and start your SDP orientation

Social Recreation

Socialization Training Program is intended to provide socialization and recreational opportunities to consumers served by Inland Regional Center with appropriate structured socialization and recreational activities based on the consumers' needs, interests and goals identified in the IPP. Socialization programs will provide in-the-moment coaching and facilitation to promote inclusion and skill development. Activities should enhance and develop meaningful interpersonal relationships and integration opportunities by accessing public recreation and leisure facilities. Socialization Training will not supplant services available from the local school district. For individuals who have reached their established social recreation goals, a maintenance service can be provided. The service is intended to reinforce the social skills previously achieved. A monthly reimbursement can be requested to assist the families in purchasing integrated social activities. The monthly reimbursement is based on the average monthly cost of local activities and is not intended to supplant the consumer’s natural supports but allows for all consumers to have the ability to have robust social opportunities. Exceptions made to all purchases of service must be identified by the Interdisciplinary Team and documented in the client’s Individual Program Plan. If there is any disagreement about services that cannot be resolved by the planning team, written notice of fair hearing rights will be provided. (WIC §§ 4646(i) and 4710.5(a))

According to California Welfare and Institutions Code – WIC § 4648.5, the regional center’s ability to acquire social recreation and camp services had been suspended as of July 1, 2009. However, following extensive advocacy efforts, it was formally reinstated in 2021.

POS Policy Update for Camp and Non-Medical Therapies:
English | Español | Vietnamese | Tagalog | Arabic | Chinese

Social Recreational Letters
English | Español | Vietnamese | Tagalog | Arabic | Chinese

Social Recreation Allowable/Un-Allowable
Infographic - English | Español
PDF - Allowable/Un-Allowable Social Recreation Activities

Read More: Important Timelines for Social Recreation (PDF)

Social Recreation Amendment Training Videos

Tailored Day Services

Tailored Day Services (TDS) is an option for individuals who are eligible for IRC services but are interested in non-traditional day services and development of employment skills. TDS allows for flexibility in the duration and intensity of services, fewer days or hours, and flexibility in location of services to meet individual needs.

The purpose of TDS is to support individuals in the following areas: employment preparation, college/post-secondary education, volunteer opportunities and paid internships.

See Frequently Asked Questions about Tailored Day Services:
English | Spanish | Tagalog  | Vietnamese | Arabic | Mandarin Chinese

This resource is available as a video in American Sign Language:
Tailored Day Services (TDS) Facts and FAQs - ASL

Diversity Outreach

At Inland Regional Center, we have a Diversity Outreach Coordinator who designs and implements projects for underserved populations. Those populations, as identified in our Purchase of Service (POS) Data, are the Spanish speaking/Hispanic community and Clients with Autism. Our Diversity Outreach Coordinator plays a significant role in our disparity data process: facilitating community input meetings, assisting in the design and distribution of marketing materials to underserved populations, and presenting data findings in both English and Spanish. Additionally, she fosters relationships with IRC Service Coordinators to help identify trends in service spending from the case management perspective. She works diligently alongside our Community Engagement Manager to create a greater awareness of services disparities and to increase cultural competency.

To connect with our Diversity Outreach Coordinator or learn more about our disparity programs contact our Community Engagement team at [email protected].

Employment First Policy

Inland Regional Center (IRC) philosophies include promoting independence, empowering our Clients, and ensuring they are included in the everyday routines of community life. Consistent with state law and agency core values, IRC has developed an Employment First Policy. IRC’s Employment First Policy states that integrated employment will be the first option for every working age adult and fully supports the principles outlined in Assembly Bill 1041.

Register to Vote!

Inland Regional Center encourages all members of the IRC Community, including our Clients, to participate in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote. Visit the Secretary of State’s website to register today! registertovote.ca.gov

Private Insurance Co-Payments

Clients/families who are receiving copayment, coinsurance, and/or deductible assistance for therapies authorized and provided by their private insurance must submit necessary documents in a timely manner for the assistance to be continued.

Necessary documents include:

  1. Income information to determine eligibility for assistance. This is due at the time of the initial request for assistance, and yearly thereafter. To be eligible for copayment, coinsurance, and/or deductible assistance, families must be at/below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, or be granted an exemption based upon a demonstrated extraordinary event, catastrophic loss, or significant medical costs associated with the care of the consumer.
  2. A fully completed and signed “Copayment/coinsurance/deductible Assistance Request” form (ICRC 946). This is needed at the time of the initial request for assistance, any time a request is made for assistance with an additional therapy, and yearly after the IPP is completed.
  3. A new Summary of Benefits each plan year, or any time there is a change in insurance. Most, but not all, plan years start in January. Please refer to your specific Summary of Benefits to know when it should be submitted.
  4. A new insurance treatment authorization for each service when the previous one expires, unless pre-authorization is not required by the insurance.
  5. A copy of the consumer’s medical insurance card(s), including Medi-Cal, if applicable, at the time of the initial request, and any time there is a change in insurance, including obtaining a secondary insurance.
  6. An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is required for each date of service for IRC to pay the vendor. If the vendor that your child is receiving services from does not provide the Explanation of Benefits to Inland Regional Center, it is the family’s responsibility to do so so that the vendor may be paid in a timely manner. The EOBs should be sent to the Service Coordinator on a monthly basis, once all the EOBs from the prior month are available.

If you have any questions about what is needed for your child’s case, please contact the assigned Service Coordinator.

Confidentiality

Inland Regional Center is committed to preserving the privacy and confidentiality of the Clients we serve, in accordance with state and federal law. In some cases, IRC may not be able to provide information requested where confidentiality may be at risk. Please read more about Records Requests on our Accountability page.