Though American States contract with agencies to provide services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities, States use different names, however, they primarily are the same. Some States are much better than others at providing, and enforcing, these agencies. We will review different States, but will start with California, New York, Texas, and work our way around the Country.
In California, the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act and related laws, define the obligations of the state and the California Department of Developmental Services, (DDS), to provide services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities. Individuals with autism are eligible to receive services over a person’s lifetime. Regional centers have formal complaints that one can file against the Regional Center for numerous reasons, including a §4731 complaint and a Whistle Blower complaint.
Unfortunately, we believe these investigations are completed by mostly secretaries, and not any investigative agency or persons trained in investigative procedures. It may bring additional secretarial jobs to Sacramento, but again, we believe it provides little, or no investigation, or prevention into Regional Centers’ wrongdoing. If you feel you, or your family member, have been treated unfairly; feel free to contact the U.S. Justice Department. They have competent investigators who will investigate, and not just give you paperwork to fill out, and then contact you six months later to inform you they did not have enough information to determine there was a violation of rights. In these types of agencies the parents and consumers that advocate and stand up for their family member and themselves, have a much better chance of receiving appropriate services than those who don’t.
Habilitation services funded through regional centers include Work Activity Programs (WAP) and Supported Employment Programs (SEP). WAP services are provided at work activity centers and persons are paid according to productive capacity. WAP services are intended to promote development of physical capacities, psychomotor skills, work habits, health and safety practices, and other work-related skills. SEP services are specialized services provided in an integrated work setting, such as direct supervision and training (or job coaching) and ongoing post-employment services; in order to help the person attain and retain community integrated employment.
Habilitation services funded through regional centers include Work Activity Programs (WAP) and Supported Employment Programs (SEP). WAP services are provided at work activity centers and persons are paid according to productive capacity. WAP services are intended to promote development of physical capacities, psychomotor skills, work habits, health and safety practices, and other work-related skills. SEP services are specialized services provided in an integrated work setting, such as direct supervision and training (or job coaching) and ongoing post-employment services; in order to help the person attain and retain community integrated employment.
DOR also administers an independent living program that provides technical assistance and financial support for 29 independent living centers (ILCs) and the State Independent Living Council (SILC). SILC prepares a state plan for independent living, which sets the policy and funding levels for the ILCs and services. ILCs are community-based, nonprofit agencies designed and operated by individuals with disabilities. All ILCs provide peer counseling, independent living skills training, housing assistance, information and referral, advocacy, and assistive technology. Other services may be provided by individual centers.
Californians with autism may also receive services provided by other state and local entities and programs. Some of the major services are identified below.
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