{"id":460,"date":"2020-09-23T16:28:17","date_gmt":"2020-09-23T23:28:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disabilityvoicesunited.org\/interchange\/communication\/?page_id=460"},"modified":"2020-09-23T16:28:17","modified_gmt":"2020-09-23T23:28:17","slug":"funding-assistive-technology-through-the-regional-center","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/disabilityvoicesunited.org\/interchange\/communication\/funding-assistive-technology-through-the-regional-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Funding Assistive Technology Through the Regional Center"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This information was taken from Disability Rights California (DRC) publication #5579.01. It was last updated October 1, 2019. For more information, visit DRC’s Self-Advocacy Publication Hub<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer: <\/em><\/strong>These materials are based on the law at the time we write them. We try to update our materials; however, laws are regularly changing. If you want to make sure the law has not changed, contact DRC or another legal source.
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1. What are regional centers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regional centers are responsible for giving or arranging services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. To ask for assistive technology through the regional centers, you must first apply for their services and be found eligible. People with disabilities who are found\u00a0eligible for services from the regional center are called \u201cconsumers\u201d.\u00a0For more information on who is eligible for regional center services and how to apply, visit the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) website\u2019s\u00a0section on regional center eligibility<\/a>.\u00a0Assistive technology is one of the services the regional centers provide. Other places such as school districts, Medi-Cal and Department of Rehabilitation also provide assistive technology to individuals with disabilities, but this fact sheet will focus on getting assistive technology through the regional centers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.\u00a0 What is assistive technology under the Lanterman Act?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DOR can pay for \u201crehabilitation technology\u201d that is necessary for you to access DOR services and to achieve your employment goal. The DOR can provide you<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lanterman Act is the California law that gives people with developmental disabilities the right to the services and supports they need to live a more independent and normal life. The Lanterman Act uses the term\u00a0\u201cspecial adaptive equipment\u201d\u00a0to describe assistive technology.\u00a0Welf. & Inst. \u00a74685(c)(1).\u00a0The Lanterman Act does not give a complete list of the types of special adaptive equipment\/assistive technology you can ask your regional center to provide, but it says that\u00a0\u201cspecial adaptive equipment such\u00a0as wheelchairs, hospital beds,\u00a0communication devices, and other necessary appliances and supplies\u201dmust be available when necessary.\u00a0Welf. & Inst. \u00a74685(c)(1). The DDS\u00a0website says, \u201cAssistive Technology (AT) describes devices used by children and adults with developmental and other disabilities to participate in everyday life experiences.\u201d DDS lists some types of AT and gives\u00a0examples, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n