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Under the regional center system, assistive technology is generally referred to as "services and supports." "Services and supports" are defined as specialized services and supports, or special adaptations of generic services and supports, directed toward the alleviation of a developmental disability or toward the social, personal, physical, or economic habilitation or rehabilitation of an individual with a developmental disability, or toward the achievement and maintenance of independent, productive, normal lives. Services and supports include adaptive equipment and supplies. Regional centers provide, procure, and/or coordinate services and supports for eligible individuals.
Individuals who are diagnosed with a developmental disability are eligible for regional center services. Developmental disability means a disability that is attributable to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, and any other neurologically handicapping condition requiring services similar to that required by a person with mental retardation. The developmental disability must: (1) originate before age eighteen, (2) be likely to continue indefinitely, and (3) constitute a substantial handicap. Developmental disability does not include handicapping conditions that are solely physical in nature.
Contact the regional center in your area. Any person believed to have a developmental disability, and any person believed to have a high risk of parenting a developmentally disabled infant is eligible for initial intake. Initial intake will occur within 15 working days following request for assistance. If assessment is needed, it will be performed within 120 days following initial intake.
Upon completion of a diagnostic evaluation and eligibility determination, individual service and support needs are identified through the individual program planning process. Regional centers may purchase a wide array of services and/or equipment to meet the needs of the individual as reflected on their individual program plan (IPP). By statute, regional centers may not purchase a service or equipment that is the responsibility of another publicly-funded agency or third-party payer. The regional center can ask for denials from other publicly funded agencies, such as the school districts, before agreeing to pay for an item or service.
If the regional center makes a service decision without the mutual consent of the consumer or authorized representative, or determines an individual to be ineligible for agency services, the regional center must provide notice to the consumer or authorized representative prior to such actions. Any applicant for, or recipient of, services, or authorized representative of the applicant or recipient, who is dissatisfied with any decision or action of the regional center which he or she believes to be illegal, discriminatory, or not in the recipients or applicants best interests, shall, upon filing a request within 30 days after notification of the decision or action complained of, be afforded an opportunity for a fair hearing [Welf. & Inst. Code, § 4710, subd. (a) and § 4710.5, subd. (a)].
California Regional Center list of offices: http://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/rclist.cfm 
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The AT Network is dedicated to protecting the rights of our consumers and allowing them to remain independent in the community. If you have a question, concern, or a story to share with us then please don't hesitate to contact us:
Toll-Free: 800-390-2699
TTY: 800-900-0706
E-mail: info@atnet.org
Jim is part of a small minority of actors with disabilities who continue to challenge the discriminatory barriers found in the entertainment industry." 
