The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, (Welfare and Institutions Code) was passed in California in 1969. This significant state law outlines the rights and responsibilities of persons with developmental disabilities as well as created the Regional Centers as central points of contact for persons with developmental disabilities and their families.
The Lanterman Act establishes an entitlement to services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities. This entitlement means that individuals with developmental disabilities have the right to receive services and supports which enable them to make decisions and choices about how, and with whom, they want to live their lives; achieve the highest self-sufficiency possible; and lead productive, independent and satisfying lives.
The Lanterman Act declares that persons with developmental disabilities have the same legal rights and responsibilities guaranteed all other persons by federal and state constitutions and laws, and charges the Regional Center with advocacy for, and protection of, these rights.
For more information, please refer to the following links:
Title 17
The Title 17 Regulations are promulgated under the divisions of the Welfare and Institutions Code cited as the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act and the California Government Code cited as the California Early Intervention Services Act. View the Title 17 regulations on the DDS website. Please note: The information provided on the DDS website should not be considered the official version of the regulations. To see the official version of these and other regulations, please view the California Code of Regulations (CCR) on the Office of Administrative Law website. Certified copies of regulations are available at the State Archives in the Office of the Secretary of State (916.653.7715). The California Code of Regulations is also available at the offices of County Clerks or County Law Libraries and 100 state depository libraries
Title 22
Early Start
View the California Early Intervention Services Act
