How Regional Center Clients and Families Can Get Help to Attend the Conference​

Can my Regional Center pay for me to attend the conference, even if it’s not a Regional Center event?

Yes, Regional Centers can sometimes pay for you to attend a conference, if it aligns with your goals for advocacy, self-determination, or acquiring skills to better support yourself or a family member with a disability. Speak with your Regional Center service coordinator to request funding for this conference as part of your plan.

How do I ask my Regional Center to pay for the conference?

You can request funding from your Regional Center by contacting your service coordinator and explaining how attending the conference will help you or your family. Provide them with details about the event, including:

  • Conference date: November 8, 2024
  • Location: The California Endowment, 1000 Alameda Street, Los Angeles
  • The benefits: Learning about equitable policies, gaining advocacy tools, and meeting others in the disability community.
  • Cost: Early bird registration is $75 (until September 30, 2024). After September 30, the cost is $100.
  • Link to conference
What should I say when requesting funding from my Regional Center?

When speaking with your service coordinator, you can say something like:

  • “I would like to attend the ‘A Matter of Race and Place’ equity conference on November 8, 2024. This event will help me gain knowledge on advocating for better policies for people with disabilities, which aligns with the goals in my IPP. I believe attending this conference will give me tools and connections to improve my self-advocacy and support my future goals.”
  • If you are a family member, mention that it is on your child’s behalf.
Can I use Self-Determination Program (SDP) funds to attend the conference?

Yes! If you are part of the Self-Determination Program (SDP), and you have a conference in your spending plan. Reach out to your Independent Facilitator or Financial Management Service (FMS) to discuss how to allocate funds for the registration fees and other related costs.

What expenses can my Regional Center cover if they approve my request?

If approved, your Regional Center may cover:

  • Conference registration fees
  • Travel and transportation costs
  • Lodging (if applicable)
  • Support staff (if you need an aide or personal care assistant to attend with you)

Speak with your service coordinator to clarify what can be covered.

Can family members have their attendance covered by the Regional Center?

Yes, the Regional Center can sometimes cover family members’ costs to attend conferences. When making the request, explain how the conference supports your family’s overall goals and how it will benefit you or your loved one. This helps show how attending the conference aligns with the objectives in your IPP/IFSP.

How do I get started?