How the Lanterman Act Protects You

California has one of the nation’s most robust systems for providing care and services to those with developmental disabilities. Specifically, California is one of the few states that actually guarantees individuals with developmental disabilities the right to services and support, as a matter of state law. The Lanterman Act, a piece of legislation passed in 1969, is the legal basis for these rights. For developmentally disabled individuals and their families, it is vital to understand how the Lanterman Act protects you. Similarly, it’s just as important to understand how the Lanterman Act makes empowers the California DDS to provide comprehensive care, services, and resources to individuals with developmental disabilities.

California DDS and the Lanterman Act

The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, generally referred to simply as the Lanterman Act, provides the legal foundation undergirding the range of services provided by the California DDS. Here are some of the most important provisions of the Lanterman Act:

• The Lanterman Act gives everyone in California with a developmental disability an affirmative right to receive care and support.
• The Act also established the DDS’s network of regional centers. These centers make eligibility determination, provide services, and help pair folks with the home and community services they need.
• Importantly, the Lanterman Act also provides a clear legal definition of “developmental disability.” Meeting this definition is the key requirement to be eligible for DDS services.
• Also under the Act, individuals with developmental disabilities have the right to develop and execute an Individiaul Program Plan (“IPP”). This ensures everyone receives individualized care specially tailored to their unique needs, goals, and life circumstances.
• Pursuant to the Act, eligibility for DDS services is not based on income.
• The Lanterman Act also provides a number of individual rights including a right to dignity and care, privacy, interpretive services, reasonable accommodations, and much more.
• Finally, the Lanterman Act enshrines into law the DDS’s commitment to empowering developmentally disabled individuals to pursue lives of dignity, respect, agency, and independence, all while remaining with their families and communities.

All in all, the Lanterman Act protects everyone with developmental disabilities by granting them a right to receive dignified, personalized, professional care throughout their lives. This key piece of legislation makes California unique in its commitment to serving developmentally disabled residents.