Understanding the Lanterman Act Rights

Aug 11, 2024

Lecture on the Lanterman Act

Introduction

  • Presenter: Rebecca Gonzalez, Senior Librarian at San Jose Public Library
  • Topic: Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act
  • Guests: Self-advocates and Jennifer Lucas from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

  • Presenter: Jennifer Lucas, Central Coast Office
  • Purpose: Ensures people with developmental disabilities and their families receive necessary services and supports
  • Goals: Advocate, promote, and implement policies for self-determination, independence, productivity, and community inclusion
  • Activities: Working with self-advocates to become peer trainers and community leaders

Central Coast Advocates

  • Presenter: Beth Styles
  • Group: Self-advocates from Central Coast Area
  • Mission: Educate others about topics important to people with developmental disabilities

Introduction of Self-Advocates

  • Members: John Robinson, Maya Bracket, Chris, Trisha
  • Topic: Rights under the Lanterman Act

Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act

  • Enactment: California law since 1969
  • Purpose: Provide services in the community instead of institutions
  • Rights: Entitlement to services and supports to meet individualized needs
  • Regional Center Role: Coordinate services for independent, productive, inclusive lives
  • Individual Program Plan (IPP): States needs, preferences, goals, services, and providers
  • Eligibility: Contact local Regional Center

Personal Experiences

  • Business Development: Helped start and develop businesses
  • Travel: Learned how to travel and vacation
  • Employment and Finance: Obtained job and managed finances
  • Independent Living: Enabled living alone
  • Family Life: Supported being a good wife and mother

Key Rights Under the Lanterman Act

  1. Least Restrictive Environment: Services/supports should be close to home, community-based, and minimally restrictive
  2. Dignity and Humane Care: Respect, safe living conditions, adequate food, and well-being
  3. Privacy: Control over personal information, solitude, and choice
  4. Education: Right to appropriate public education until age 22; continued education thereafter
  5. Prompt Medical Care: Access to doctors, hospitals, Medi-Cal, and mental health services
  6. Religious Freedom: Right to choose and practice one’s religion
  7. Social Interaction and Community Participation: Choice of companions, activities, and community involvement
  8. Physical Exercise and Recreation: Access to activities that promote physical health
  9. Safety and Dignity: Protection from harm, abuse, and hazardous procedures
  10. Life Choices: Freedom to choose living arrangements, relationships, activities, and personal goals

Consumer’s Guide to the Lanterman Act

  • Audience: Adults with developmental disabilities receiving regional center services
  • Contents: Rights, regional center services, IPP process, resolving disagreements, advocacy
  • Resources: Contact local State Council office or visit California State Council on Developmental Disabilities

San Jose Public Library Resources

  • Website: SJPL Accessibility
  • Social Media: Follow @SanJoseLibrary on Facebook
  • Newsletter: Sign up at SJPL eNewsletter
  • Survey: Complete program survey (link in video description)
  • Additional Links: Access more information on topics covered in the video

This summary is based on a pre-recorded program presented by the San Jose Public Library and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.