Understanding Your Rights When Working with Regional Centers

Introduction

When you receive services through a California regional center, it’s important to know that you and your child have specific rights protected under state and federal law. These rights ensure that people with developmental disabilities receive the services and support they need while being treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

This article outlines your rights as a client or parent working with a regional center, including how to advocate effectively, respond if something goes wrong, and get help when needed.

1. What Rights Do You Have Under the Lanterman Act?

The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act is a California law that guarantees services and protections for individuals with developmental disabilities. Key rights under this act include:

• The right to services that support independence and inclusion in the community
  
• The right to individualized planning and choice in services
  
• The right to be treated with dignity and respect
  
• The right to confidentiality and privacy
  
• The right to timely and effective services
  
• The right to disagree and appeal decisions
  
  

These rights apply to all eligible individuals age 3 and older who receive regional center services.

2. What About Families in Early Start?

Children under 3 are served under the Early Start program, which follows federal law (IDEA Part C). Families in Early Start have rights including:

• The right to participate in all meetings and decisions
  
• The right to consent to or decline services
  
• The right to timely evaluations and services
  
• The right to review records
  
• The right to file a complaint or request mediation
  
  

Early Start and Lanterman services may differ in how they are funded or delivered, but both systems guarantee basic protections and procedural safeguards.

3. What Should You Expect from Your Regional Center?

Regional centers are responsible for:

• Conducting thorough, timely assessments
  
• Collaborating with you to develop an IFSP (for Early Start) or IPP (for Lanterman)
  
• Explaining all available services clearly
  
• Helping you access those services without unnecessary delays
  
• Providing interpreters, translated materials, and accommodations if needed
  
  

You have the right to ask questions, request changes, or bring someone with you to meetings.

4. What Can You Do If You Disagree with a Decision?

You can:

• Request a meeting to resolve the issue informally
  
• Submit a written complaint to the regional center
  
• File a fair hearing request (Lanterman Act clients)
  
• Request mediation or a complaint investigation (Early Start families)
  
  

Timelines vary depending on the type of disagreement, so ask your service coordinator or contact Disability Rights California for help with next steps.

5. How Do You Get Support If You Feel Your Rights Are Being Violated?

Several resources are available:

• Disability Rights California offers free legal advice and representation
  
• Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy (OCRA) provides regional center clients with advocacy support
  
• Family Resource Centers (FRCs) assist families in Early Start
  
• Peer self-advocacy organizations can help teens and adults speak up for themselves
  
  

These groups can help you understand your rights and assist you in taking action.

6. Conclusion

Understanding your rights is the foundation of effective advocacy. Whether you are a parent of a toddler or a teen transitioning to adulthood, you deserve to be an equal partner in your child’s services and planning.

By staying informed, asking questions, and speaking up when something feels wrong, you help protect not only your child’s future—but the rights of others in the system as well.