Government Related Links

Helpful Online Resources

Federal Funding

The Federal government largely funds several California advocacy agencies: the State Council on Developmental Services and Area Boards.

Governor

The citizens of California elect a governor every four years. For more information on the Governor visit: http://www.ca.gov

Legislature

The California Legislature is comprised of 40 senators (one from each of 40 district) and 80 assembly members (one from each of 80 districts). Senators are elected every four years; assembly members, every two years.

For more information on official California legistlation visit: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov

For more information on the California Senate visit: http://www.sen.ca.gov

For more information on the California State Assembly visit: http://www.assembly.ca.gov

Developmental Services

Each year, the Department of Developmental Disabilities contracts with the 21 regional centers to provide services to children and adults with developmental disabilities living in their areas. The Department of Developmental Services is also responsible for running the large residential facilities called state developmental centers. For more information on Developmental Services visit: http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov

Developmental Centers

Developmental Centers are state institutions housing children and adults with developmental disabilities. The state developmental center population is gradually declining as California transfers residents to smaller community living arrangements.

Disability Rights California

Disability Rights California is a private, nonprofit organization that protects the civil and service rights of Californians who have developmental or mental disabilities. Disability Rights California offers a variety of advocacy services including information and referral, technical assistance, and direct representation. For more information on Disability Rights California visit: http://www.disabilityrightsca.org

Area Boards

Each Area Board includes members appointed by the Governor and local governing bodies. Responsibilities involve protecting the rights of citizens with developmental disabilities, providing public information and education, and monitoring the policies and practices of publicly funded agencies.

OAB - The Office of Area Boards

The Office of Area Boards (OAB) coordinates and supports the activities of the local Area Boards.

PDF - Program Development Funds

Program Development Funds (PDF) help start up new local direct services.

Social Services

Several programs in the Department of Social Services are important to persons with developmental disabilities. In-Home Support Services (IHSS), administered through the counties, provide homemaker and personal care services for people who cannot remain safely in their homes without assistance. Community Care Licensing Division offices throughout the state license and monitor group homes and other non-medical living arrangements for children and adults with developmental disabilities. For more information on Social Services visit: http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/default.htm

Health Services

The Department of Health Services administers the Medi-Cal program. Medi-Cal pays for health care for low-income persons. Through county offices, California Children Services (CCS) funds diagnostic and treatment services for children with handicaps whose families are unable to afford such services. The Department of Health Licensing and Certification licenses and monitors living arrangements for children and adults with developmental disabilities who require some level of nursing care. For more information on Health Services visit: http://www.dhs.cahwnet.gov

Mental Health

The Department of Mental Health oversees county mental health services for adults and children with severe mental illness and emotional disturbance. The Department also administers State Hospital programs for people with mental illness. For more information on Mental Health programs visit: http://www.dmh.cahwnet.gov

Rehabilitation

The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities reach social and economic independence. Work Activity Programs (WAP) include work adjustment and support services in a sheltered employment setting. Supported employment furnishes job coaches to help persons with disabilities to succeed at real jobs in the community. For more information on Rehabilitation visit: http://www.rehab.ca.gov

Superintendent of Public Instruction

California voters elect the Superintendent of Public Instruction who administers the Department of Education. For more information about the California Superintendent of Public Instruction visit: http://www.cde.ca.gov/index.asp

State Department of Education

The Department of Education manages special education programs in California's public education system for the education of students from pre-school to adulthood. The intent of the law is met through a network of districts, Special Education Local Planning Areas (SELPAs) and other agencies. For more information on the State Department of Education visit: http://www.cde.ca.gov/index.asp

SELPA's - Special Education Local Planning Agencies

Special Education Local Planning Agencies SELPA's determine their own structures locally through county agencies and organizations to provide programs to students.

Local School Districts

Local school districts provide classes and training to children with disabilities. For information about the Fresno County Unified School District: http://www.fresno.k12.ca.us