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