Thanks for all your feedback, everyone! This first official issue of the Forum will focus on a very popular topic -- Regional Center.

Navigating Regional Center Services, Part I: The IPP (Individual Program Plan)

An IPP is a manifesto of the way a person with disabilities wants to live their life.

The person with disabilities must tell Regional Center what they want; Regional Center will not “diagnose it” for them. People think that Regional Center will TELL them what they need. No. YOU must tell them, and then they will help you find SERVICES to accomplish that.

Types of things to ask for:

• Help getting a job or getting into a school or training program
• Help starting a small business
• Transportation to various things and/or training in how to use transportation systems
• Independent living support
• Assistance with serving on a Board of Directors or similar agency
• Help getting special equipment like wheelchairs or computers
• For more, see the “IPP Meeting Planner” below – it’ll help walk you through examples of the choices available.

Good to Know:

• IPPs must be done every 3 years and may be done every year – if you want one every single year, just ask! Clear you calendar first, though. You’ll have to do the IPP within 30 days of your request. I think it is generally done yearly, but must be done at least every 3 years.
• An IPP meeting is the only time changing services should be discussed. If Regional Center calls you about adjustments to services, tell them you only want to discuss it at an IPP meeting.
• YOU are allowed to decide where the meeting should take place.
• If you only agree to part of your IPP, then ask your Service Coordinator to write that out: I agree to these parts of my IPP [then list them], and I want to start/continue services I agree to right away. I do not agree to these parts of my IPP [then list them]. That way, at least you can start getting the services you do want.
• If the Regional Center says “No” to services or supports you want, they must send a letter within 5 days telling you why they said “No,” and how you can appeal.
• If the person who can approve services in your IPP is not at your meeting, the Regional Center must set up another IPP meeting within 15 days. The Regional Center staff member who approves services must attend.

A PLACE TO LIVE

Where do you want to live?

¨ Stay where I am

¨ My parent’s place

¨ My own place

¨ A group home

¨ Supported living

¨ Independent Living

¨ My own place with roommates

¨ Other ______________________________________

What services do you need to help you live where
you want?

¨ More training

¨ Help with managing my money

¨ An attendant or roommate

¨ Help finding a place to live

¨ Someone to give me regular support and help

¨ Being safe

¨ Other: ___________________________________

A PLACE TO WORK OR ATTEND SCHOOL

Where do you want to work or go to school?

¨ Stay where I am working now

¨ In the community

¨ In a workshop or center

What kind of work do you want to do? __________________________________________

Do you want to do volunteer work?

What kind: __________________________________

¨ College

¨ Adult education classes

¨ Other: ________________________________________

What services do you need to help with working or going to school?

¨ A job coach or aide at the job

¨ A tutor or note taker

¨ Training in a workshop

¨ Other training

¨ Access to work place or class (like a ramp)

¨ Transportation

¨ Other:_____________________

HAVING FUN

What do you want to do in your free time?

¨ Visit friends

¨ Shop

¨ Go to movies or plays

¨ Volunteer work

¨ Play sports

¨ Listen to music / watch TV

¨ Hobby

¨ Dating

¨ Join People First

¨ Help advocate for other people

¨ Other:________________________

What services do you need to help you do the things you want to do?

¨ Training

¨ Attendant

¨ Facilitator

¨ Transportation

¨ Circle of friends

¨ Other ______________________________________

OTHER THINGS

What other things do you want help with?

¨ Cooking

¨ Shopping

¨ Cleaning my place

¨ Meeting more people/making friends or dating

¨ Learning about sexual relationships and safe sex

¨ Getting along better with people

¨ Self-advocacy and knowing my rights

¨ Problems with Social Security, SSI, or other benefits

¨ Self-defense

¨ Being on committees or a boards of director

¨ Other: _____________________________

What other services do you need to help?

¨ Training

¨ Attendant

¨ Someone to ask questions

¨ Help setting up a circle of friends

¨ An advocate or lawyer

¨ Mentor

¨ Facilitator

¨ Other _______________________________________

MEDICAL

What medical services do you need?

¨ Doctor services

¨ Counseling

¨ Dentist services

¨ Sex education (safe sex; birth control)

¨ Staying in shape, exercise or diet

¨ Other _______________________________________

What other support do you need to help get
medical services?

¨ Training

¨ Attendant

¨ Someone to ask questions

¨ An advocate or lawyer

¨ Facilitator

¨ Other _______________________________________