Kindway

Know Your Rights

As a person with a developmental disability (or their family member) in California, you have strong legal rights under the Lanterman Act. Here's what you need to know.

This page provides general information about your rights under California law. It is not legal advice. For help with a specific situation, contact Disability Rights California at (800) 776-5746 or RULA (Rights Under the Lanterman Act).

Your Core Rights

Choose your own services and providers

You have the right to choose who provides your services. If a provider isn't working out, you can request a change through your service coordinator.

Participate in your IPP

Your Individual Program Plan must be created with you, not for you. You decide your goals. You can bring anyone you want to your IPP meeting.

Request a new service coordinator

If your service coordinator isn't returning calls, isn't helpful, or you feel isn't advocating for you — you can ask for a different one. This is your right.

Appeal any decision you disagree with

If the Regional Center denies, reduces, or changes your services, you can appeal through an informal meeting or a formal fair hearing. Services continue during your appeal.

Receive services in the least restrictive setting

You have the right to live, work, and receive services in settings that are as close to a typical community environment as possible.

Get a copy of your file

You have the right to see and get copies of your Regional Center records, including your IPP, assessments, and correspondence.

What to Do When...

A service was denied or reduced

  1. 1You should receive a written notice (called a "Notice of Proposed Action" or NOPA) explaining the decision.
  2. 2You have 30 days from the date of the notice to request a fair hearing.
  3. 3While you appeal, your current services must continue at the same level — this is called "aid paid pending."
  4. 4Contact OCRA at (800) 390-7032 for free help preparing your appeal.

Your case manager isn't responsive

  1. 1Document your attempts to reach them — dates, times, and what you asked for.
  2. 2Send an email or letter so you have a written record of your request.
  3. 3If no response after a reasonable time (1-2 weeks), ask to speak with their supervisor.
  4. 4You can also request a different service coordinator — this is your right under the Lanterman Act.
  5. 5If the problem continues, contact OCRA at (800) 390-7032.

A provider or vendor isn't working out

  1. 1You are not stuck with a provider you're unhappy with. You have the right to choose.
  2. 2Talk to your service coordinator about switching to a different vendored provider.
  3. 3Ask for a list of alternative vendored providers in your area.
  4. 4If your coordinator won't help you switch, you can escalate to their supervisor or contact OCRA.
  5. 5Consider sharing your experience on the Kindway community page to help others.

How to Request a Fair Hearing

  1. 1Get the decision in writing. The Regional Center must send you a written Notice of Proposed Action (NOPA) before they deny, reduce, or change your services.
  2. 2Request the hearing within 30 days. Write to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) or ask OCRA to help you file. The NOPA should include instructions.
  3. 3Your services continue while you appeal. This is called "aid paid pending." The Regional Center cannot stop your services while the appeal is being decided.
  4. 4Get free help. OCRA provides free advocacy support including help preparing for fair hearings. Call (800) 390-7032.

Free Help & Advocacy

Office of Clients' Rights Advocacy (OCRA)

Free advocacy for Regional Center consumers. Help with service denials, fair hearings, and rights issues.

(800) 390-7032

Disability Rights California

California's protection and advocacy organization. Help with disability rights across all systems.

(800) 776-5746

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