Applying and Qualifying for Regional Center services - The Basics

Oh….the Regional Center, that wonderful conduit of funding for goods and services for clients with a qualifying developmental disability. But what does qualify someone to be a client of the Regional Center? And what’s the process for applying for these services.

It is a complex system, and there are many factors that can affect being granted eligibility. But here are the main points to remember. Unfortunately, because it is complete, many folks have an understandable lack of understand of the eligibility criteria and the application/eligibility process, which can create stress and frustration. So here are the basics. And some resources to help you learn more.

Application

Each Regional Center has its own application process, and which regional center you apply to depends on your home address.

There is an application form.

Usually another form that is in effect a “Functional Assessment”. This form will ask questions about the areas of functioning such as feeding, dressing, communication, mobility, etc….

Qualifying Criteria

The Regional Centers serve those with “developmental disabilities”.

There are 5 qualifying categories:

1.    Intellectual Disability

2.    Cerebral Palsy

3.    Epilepsy/Seizure disorder

4.    Autism

5.    Conditions that are closely related to an intellectual disability or would require treatment similar to that required to that for individuals with an intellectual disability. This includes the tings like Downs Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, TBI (sustained in childhood), and other similar conditions. But this does not include other conditions that are solely physical or mental health.

Impact

The developmental disability:

-       Must originate prior to the age of 18.

-       Be expected to continue indefinitely

-       Constitutes a “substantial disability” in a minimum of 3 of the following functional areas*

“Substantial disability” means the person has major problems in the area.

·         Communication skills (receptive and expressive language)

·         Learning [this one is tricky not to lean toward education based learning disorders]

·         Self-care

·         Mobility

·         Self-direction

·         Independent living (for those over 18)

·         Economic self-sufficiency (for those over 18)

*For children under the age of 18 they must have 3 out of the first 5, for those over 18 they must have 3 of the 7.

Intake meeting

Your case will be assigned to an intake service coordinator. They will (usually) come to the home to meet the client (called a “consumer” at the Regional Center). They will ask you and possibly the consumer more questions and gather information.

Documents

You should have documents available to give the Regional Center service coordinator if you have not provided them already. These can include:

-      School records – Triennial assessments, IEP, 504, behavior intervention plan, etc…

-      Medical records – general medical, psychiatrist/mental health,

-      Work history (if applicable)

-       Any other evaluations, assessments, or other information that describes the disability and its impact on functional skills.

-       Also, any provider can write a stand alone letter for the purpose of describing the individual’s limitations.

You should also be able to sign releases of information (ROIs) for places like your child’s school, doctor, psychiatrist, behaviorist, etc…If the individual is over 18 years of age, they should sign these if they are able.

Make sure the functional deficits are documented clearly in medical, school and other records. Ask for additional letters or other documentation if necessary.

Assessment

The Regional Center will review all the information that’s gathered as part of the intake process to determine if the individual meets the qualification criteria.

They may require the individual to see a doctor or psychologist for some testing. 

Timeline

Generally, the Regional Center has 120 days after the initial intake meeting date (when you sign the ROIs and provide information for them to assess) to decide if a client meets eligibility requirement. If there are extenuating circumstances they can sometimes do this sooner.

Confirm this date with the Regional Center and the date by which you should expect a determination.

More information

Here are a couple resources you might find useful and informative:

For more information see this page on the Disability Rights California website.

This video by Jim Huyck may also help you understand more.