Developmental Support • Resources • Community
Supporting Life Beyond Therapy
Our children need more than appointments and therapies. They also need opportunities to explore, connect, have fun, and become more independent.
California’s Regional Centers help eligible individuals with developmental disabilities and their families access services and resources that support everyday life, from childhood through adulthood.
It’s about building a meaningful life, not simply adding more services.
🤝 How Regional Centers Help
Regional Centers help coordinate services based on your child’s individual needs and goals. They work with you to assess your child’s needs and develop an Individual Program Plan (IPP)—a personalized roadmap that outlines their goals, services, and available support as they grow.
- Service Coordination: Helping families navigate services and resources.
- Respite Care: Providing caregivers with temporary relief and support.
- Recreation & Community: Supporting participation in activities such as swimming, sports, and other social programs.
- Developmental Support: Connecting individuals with services that build everyday skills and independence.
- Family Resources: Offering guidance, information, and connections to community programs.
Not every family will need the same services. Eligibility, assessed needs, and program requirements help determine available support.
🔗 Examples of Support Pathways
Depending on your child’s needs:
- Getting Started: Contact your Regional Center → Request an assessment → Review eligibility.
- Planning Services: Discuss needs and goals → Meet with your service coordinator → Develop an Individual Program Plan (IPP).
- Respite Care: Share caregiving needs → Discuss respite options → Request support.
- Recreation: Explore your child’s interests → Discuss available programs → Request participation support.
- Changing Needs: Contact your coordinator → Request an IPP meeting → Review possible adjustments.
🌱 More Than Services
Regional Center support can grow and change alongside your child.
Whether it’s joining a community activity, learning a new skill, or giving caregivers time to recharge, these supports can make everyday life more manageable and meaningful.
Our children deserve opportunities to participate in life, not just prepare for it.
📌 WHAT YOU CAN DO
Contact your local Regional Center or your child’s assigned service coordinator.
A good place to begin is asking:
- What services might meet my child’s current needs?
- How do we request additional support?
- Can we review or update our IPP?
Keep a copy of your child’s IPP and revisit it as their needs and interests change.
Note: The Hayden Rose Foundation provides general information to help families understand and navigate Regional Center services. Eligibility, available services, and funding vary based on individual needs and program requirements. Families are encouraged to contact their local Regional Center or assigned service coordinator for guidance specific to their situation.
The Hayden Rose Foundation
Families need a map, not another maze.