the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) is the essential link between families and individuals with developmental disabilities and the services they need to live a meaningful life of their choosing.
We are lifelong partners with a vision that all persons with developmental disabilities will live productive and satisfying lives as valued members of their communities.
SDRC is one of 21 regional centers throughout California and currently serves more than 42,000 individuals. We are a private, non-profit 501 c (3) organization that contracts with California to provide the services outlined in the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act.
What We Offer
SDRC offers lifelong support and services to the following individuals residing in San Diego or Imperial County:
- People of all ages with developmental disabilities and their families
- Infants with a significant developmental delay, high risk, or established risk for developmental disability
- Pregnant women who are at risk for having a child with this type of disability
Development disabilities include intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and other conditions that require treatments similar to what persons with an intellectual disability receive.
we provide:
ASSESSMENTS
assessments are provided to help determine if a person is eligible for services.
INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM PLAN(IPP) OR INDIVIDUAL FAMILY SERVICE PLAN (IFSP)
for people eligible for services, a written plan is created that outlines goals and objectives designed to meet client/family needs.
CLIENT SERVICES
service coordinators help to secure services from community partners, or through referrals,
purchases, or all of the above.
PURCHASE OF SERVICES
the IPP/IFSP planning team reviews all available community supports and may purchase services that are necessary and not available through other organizations.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
resource coordinators provide public information and community education, and develops needed resources to support the individual.
we are dedicated to
Focusing on activities that people like and are interested in to make their daily lives better.
Growing the number of clients employed in competitive jobs where they can work alongside everyone else, grow professionally, and gain more independence.
Improving access to affordable housing and safe living arrangements that meet the individual’s needs.
Reducing the gap in services purchased among different ethnic groups to make certain that all individuals have equal access to resources and support.
Collaborating with providers, the Department of Developmental Services, legislators, and other community partners to strengthen our foundation of programs and services.
our guiding values:
- We understand and respect that each person is unique and important.
- We listen to what our clients and families want, making sure their decisions shape the help we give.
- Our services reflect and are sensitive to, the cultural and ethnic diversity of the community.
- We actively engage with the community to find out what people need and develop new ways to help.
- We realize that providing the best possible support builds trust and confidence within the community.
- Our community, government agencies, and individuals are well-informed about issues and services surrounding persons with developmental disabilities.
Meet the Executive Leadership Team
board of directors
SDRC Board of Directors lives within the San Diego and Imperial County regions and reflects the ethnic diversity of the people we serve.
Among our board are people with developmental disabilities and family members of those with developmental disabilities making up 50% of our membership.
The committee also includes 25% of clients who receive our services.
Our board members are individuals who possess an interest and/or expertise in developmental disabilities, including legal, management, board governance, financial, or developmental disability program knowledge.
BOARD OFFICERS
- David Hadacek, Chair
- Tessie Bradshaw, Vice-Chair
- Shirley Nakawatase, Secretary
- Matthew Storey, Treasurer
- Terri Colachis, ARCA Representative
- Norma Ramos, Immediate Past Chair
- Chris Hodge, Member at Large
BOARD DIRECTORS
- Virginia Bayer
- Elmo Dill
- Wendy Forkas
- James Gonzalez
- Laura Oakes
- Julie Randolph
- Erik Rascon
- Timothy Riemann
- Kimberly Rucker
- Mark Uyeda
- Angela Yates
client advisory committee (cac)
The San Diego Regional Center Client Advisory Committee provides advice, guidance, recommendations, and technical assistance to the Board of Directors to assist the Corporation in carrying out its mandated functions relative to persons with developmental disabilities.
history
The San Diego Regional Center opened its doors in February 1969 with the support of the local community. Initially launched as a program contracted to the Children’s Health Center of San Diego in 1968, it officially began operations with Dr. Raymond Peterson as the Medical Director in June 1969.
Starting with a small team, the center grew to 10 staff members within the first year. Upon opening the center, 15 people were enrolled in services, and by the end of June of that year, 196 people were being served with 300 more on the waitlist.
Operating on a modest budget from the State, the center spent $122,015 of its $150,000 allocation on equipment, staff, and other setup expenses. By July 1, 1970, the center received a budget increase to $792,492, serving 586 individuals, the majority being under 16 or over 30 years old.
Reflecting on the first year of providing services, Dr.Peterson wrote, “During this period many lessons were learned. Operating procedures and techniques were developed and an appreciation of the magnitude of the need was established.”
This message still holds today as we continue to build upon our services and address the ongoing needs in our communities.
Learn more about our history and the regional center system at the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA).
lanterman act
In 1969, an important piece of legislation was passed in California – the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, known as the “Lanterman Act.” This is the California law that says people with developmental disabilities and their families have a right to get the services and support they need to live like people without disabilities.
In 1969, an important piece of legislation was passed in California – the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, known as the “Lanterman Act.” This is the California law that says people with developmental disabilities and their families have a right to get the services and support they need to live like people without disabilities.
In 1969, an important piece of legislation was passed in California – the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, known as the “Lanterman Act.” This is the California law that says people with developmental disabilities and their families have a right to get the services and support they need to live like people without disabilities.
Persons with developmental disabilities will live productive and satisfying lives as valued members of their communities
