SACRAMENTO, Calif. \u2014 California lawmakers and developmental disability advocates this week recognized the 60th anniversary of the state\u2019s first pilot regional centers, reaffirming the state\u2019s long-standing commitment to services and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.<\/p>\n
California state Sens. Sasha Ren\u00e9e P\u00e9rez and Scott Wiener introduced SCR 174 to recognize 2026 as the 60th anniversary of the pilot regional centers, celebrating the milestone alongside the Association of Regional Center Agencies, or ARCA.<\/p>\n
\u201cCalifornia has shown great commitment over decades to individuals with developmental disabilities,\u201d said Wiener, a joint author of SCR 174. \u201cBy recognizing the first regional centers that were established 60 years ago, we honor the progress and continued need to support and invest in programs and services for this population.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sixty years ago, two pilot regional centers were established at The Arc San Francisco and Children\u2019s Hospital Los Angeles \u2014 now known as the Golden Gate Regional Center and the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center \u2014 through Assembly Bill 691.<\/p>\n
At the time AB 691 was enacted, pediatricians often recommended out-of-home institutionalization, and approximately 13,000 Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities were separated from their families and placed in state developmental centers. Support systems designed to help families remain together were limited.<\/p>\n
The first two pilot regional centers created the foundation for California\u2019s modern community-based services and support systems for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With the later addition of 19 more regional centers, the state\u2019s Regional Center System now serves nearly 500,000 Californians.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is incredible to see the growth of our regional center system over the last 60 years. We have gone from just 2 regional centers to 21 across the state, now serving half a million individuals,\u201d said Amy Westling, executive director of ARCA. \u201cOur regional center community is proud of an effective and growing system and the services and supports that are now offered. This milestone also serves as an important reminder that as the population of individuals served expands, state commitment and investments must also keep pace to meet the rapid growth of the system.\u201d<\/p>\n
Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities \u2014 approximately 1 percent of the state\u2019s population, or nearly 500,000 individuals \u2014 begin services through their local regional centers. The state\u2019s 21 regional centers are community-based nonprofit organizations funded through state and federal dollars and serve as a critical link connecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to needed services and support.<\/p>\n
Several states across the country continue to struggle with providing timely services to individuals with developmental disabilities. According to ARCA, waitlists for services can extend up to two years in Washington, six years in Texas and 13 years in Oklahoma.<\/p>\n
Three years after AB 691 was enacted, California passed the Lanterman Act, which established the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and created a statewide service system intended to meet the needs of those individuals and their families. California\u2019s system remains focused on expanding individualized and responsive services to support fuller community integration and quality of life.<\/p>\n
\u201cCalifornia\u2019s regional center system is a model for the nation. Its focus on person-centered, community responsive support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is a lasting commitment that reflects our state\u2019s progressive vision,\u201d said P\u00e9rez, author of SCR 174. \u201cI\u2019m proud to author SCR 174 that honors our state\u2019s regional centers and celebrates the two pilot centers established 60 years ago. Continuing to meet the unique needs of individuals served through the state\u2019s regional centers is of utmost importance as we celebrate this anniversary, reaffirm our commitment, and renew our investment in the system.\u201d<\/p>\n
Follow the Vanguard on Social Media \u2013 X<\/a>, Instagram <\/a>and Facebook<\/a>.\u00a0 Subscribe <\/a>the Vanguard News letters.\u00a0 To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit davisvanguard.org\/donate<\/a> or give directly through ActBlue<\/a>.\u00a0 Your support will ensure that the vital work of the Vanguard continues.<\/p>\n Categories: Breaking News<\/a> Civil Rights<\/a> State of California<\/a> Tags: ARCA<\/a> California Legislature<\/a> developmental disabilities<\/a> Lanterman Act<\/a> regional centers<\/a> SCR 174<\/a>