Getting the help that you need

There are many ways to advocate for yourself for services that you need.

Read more about your rights and how you can advocate for yourself.

You have these rights:

to talk over your concerns with regional center staff about your choice of service providers and about services and supports that are flexible and individually tailored to meet your needs.
to file for a fair hearing
to choose a voluntary informal meeting and/or mediation for a problem issue.
to receive the same types and levels of supports and services, if available, or develop a new IPP within 30 days when transferring from one regional center to another
to resolve conflicts with the agency providing your direct services through that agency's fair hearing procedure

The Fair Hearing Procedure

If you disagree with a regional center decision about services or eligibility or other action, you may file for a fair hearing. Ask your service coordinator for a form and instructions.

Your Clients' Rights Advocate

If you believe that the regional center has wrongly or unfairly denied your rights, you may file a complaint with the Clients’ Rights Advocate. This process resolves complaints other than disputes about eligibility or the nature, scope, or amount of services—which are resolved by filing for a fair hearing.

In either case, you may contact TCRC’s Clients' Rights Advocate, Katherine Mottarella, at (805) 884-7218 or e-mail Katherine@pai-ca.org

Find detailed information about complaints and fair hearings, including forms, at the Department of Developmental Services web site:

www.dds.ca.gov/Complaints/Home.cfm

This web site includes a phone number for answering applicant questions as required by Assembly Bill 1402.

TCRC Town Hall Meetings

Staff and stakeholders are welcome, click here for the 2008 schedule.

Tri-Counties Regional Center

Advocacy - How you can help

Getting the help that you need

The Fair Hearing Procedure

Your Clients' Rights Advocate

TCRC Town Hall Meetings