NEUROCOACH CURATED · VERIFIED 2026-10-06

California

California's developmental-disability system is organized around 21 nonprofit Regional Centers contracted by the Department of Developmental Services. Regional Centers determine eligibility, assign service coordination and develop the Individual Program Plan.

Important: Start with your Regional Center. California also expects Regional Centers to use other responsible 'generic resources' such as schools, insurance, county mental health and IHSS before purchasing overlapping services.

I/DD navigation

Find your Regional Center

DDS directory/lookup for the 21 Regional Centers serving every California county.

Official resource →
Eligibility

Regional Center eligibility & services

Eligibility assessment, service coordination and examples of available supports.

Official resource →
Medicaid / waiver

HCBS waiver

California developmental-disability HCBS waiver information.

Official resource →
Daily life / respite

Support services

Official DDS overview covering IHSS, respite, transportation, day programs, independent living and employment supports.

Official resource →
Employment / VR

California Department of Rehabilitation

Vocational rehabilitation and employment services for Californians with disabilities.

Official resource →
Assistive technology

Ability Tools

California assistive-technology access, reuse and device-lending resources.

Official resource →
Mental health / family

NAMI California

State and local NAMI affiliates, education and peer/family support.

Official resource →

Programs, eligibility, waitlists and covered services can change. NeuroCoach links to the administering agency wherever possible and uses these pages as navigation—not as a determination of eligibility or benefits.