The Lanterman Act: What California Families Need to Know

What Is the Lanterman Act?

The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, commonly known as the Lanterman Act, is a California law that protects the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities and helps ensure they have access to the services and supports they need to live as independently as possible.

Signed into law in 1969, the Lanterman Act shifted California away from relying primarily on large institutional settings and toward community-based services that allow individuals to live, work, and participate in their local communities.

The law also established California's network of Regional Centers, which coordinate services for eligible children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout the state.

Today, the Lanterman Act serves as the foundation of California's developmental disability support system, helping individuals and families access services that promote independence, inclusion, and a higher quality of life.

Why Was the Lanterman Act Created?

Before the Lanterman Act, many individuals with developmental disabilities had few options outside of large state institutions. Families often had limited access to community services, and many people were separated from their homes, schools, and neighborhoods for long periods of time.

The Lanterman Act changed that approach by recognizing that people with developmental disabilities have the same rights as everyone else to live fulfilling lives within their communities.

Instead of focusing solely on where a person lives, the law emphasizes helping individuals:

• Live as independently as possible

• Participate in community life

• Develop life and social skills

• Receive services based on their individual needs

• Make choices about their own lives whenever possible

This person-centered philosophy continues to guide California's developmental disability services today.

Who Qualifies Under the Lanterman Act?

Not every disability automatically qualifies someone for services under the Lanterman Act.

To be eligible, an individual must generally have a developmental disability that:

• Originated before the age of 18

• Is expected to continue indefinitely

• Results in a substantial disability affecting everyday life

California recognizes several qualifying developmental disabilities under the Lanterman Act.

Intellectual Disability

An intellectual disability affects a person's ability to learn, solve problems, reason, and perform everyday activities independently. Individuals may need varying levels of support depending on the severity of their disability.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, behavior, and sensory processing. Some individuals with autism qualify for Regional Center services if they meet the eligibility requirements established under the Lanterman Act.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects movement, muscle coordination, balance, and posture. The level of support needed varies widely from person to person.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures. In some cases, epilepsy may qualify under the Lanterman Act when it results in substantial developmental disabilities that require ongoing support.

Other Qualifying Developmental Disabilities

California law also allows eligibility for other conditions that are closely related to intellectual disabilities or require similar levels of treatment and support. Eligibility is determined through an evaluation conducted by a California Regional Center.

What Services Does the Lanterman Act Cover?

The Lanterman Act doesn't provide services directly. Instead, it establishes an individual's right to receive services and supports that are tailored to their unique needs through California's Regional Center system.

Depending on eligibility and an individual's Individual Program Plan (IPP), services may include:

Supported Living Services (SLS)

Supported Living Services help adults live as independently as possible while receiving assistance with daily living, budgeting, transportation, employment, and other essential skills.

Residential Care and Group Homes

Some individuals may benefit from licensed Adult Residential Care Homes or group homes that provide 24-hour supervision, structured support, medication assistance, and daily living services in a community setting.

Behavioral Services

Behavioral services help individuals develop coping strategies, improve communication, and address behaviors that may interfere with daily life or independence.

Employment Services

Employment programs help individuals prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment through job coaching, vocational training, and workplace support.

Day Programs

Day programs provide opportunities for skill development, education, recreation, volunteer work, and community participation while encouraging greater independence.

Respite Services

Respite services provide temporary relief for family caregivers by arranging short-term care for an individual with developmental disabilities.

Transportation Assistance

Transportation services help eligible individuals travel safely to work, school, medical appointments, day programs, and community activities.

Because every person's needs are different, not everyone receives the same services. Supports are determined through each individual's planning process.

What Is a California Regional Center?

California's 21 nonprofit Regional Centers help coordinate services for eligible individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the state.

Rather than providing every service themselves, Regional Centers assess an individual's needs, develop service plans, coordinate resources, and connect families with qualified providers.

Depending on an individual's eligibility, a California Regional Center may help families:

Assess Support Needs

Assessing support needs involves evaluating an individual's daily living skills, health, communication, behavior, and level of independence to determine the services and supports that may be most appropriate.

Develop an Individual Program Plan (IPP)

An Individual Program Plan (IPP) is a personalized plan developed with the individual, their family, and the Regional Center. It outlines the person's goals, support needs, and the services available to help them live as independently and successfully as possible.

Coordinate Services

Coordinating services means helping individuals and families access programs such as healthcare, behavioral therapy, employment services, transportation, residential care, and other community supports while ensuring those services work together effectively.

Connect With Qualified Service Providers

Regional Centers help connect eligible individuals with qualified providers that offer services such as Supported Living, Shared Living, Adult Residential Care Homes, behavioral programs, employment supports, and other community-based services.

Review Services Over Time

An individual's needs often change throughout life. Regional Centers regularly review the Individual Program Plan (IPP) to determine whether services should be adjusted as goals, abilities, or circumstances change.

What Is an Individual Program Plan (IPP)?

The Individual Program Plan (IPP) is one of the most important parts of the Regional Center process.

Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, the IPP is developed around the individual's personal goals, strengths, challenges, and support needs.

The plan may address areas such as:

• Housing

• Employment

• Education

• Independent living skills

• Behavioral supports

• Healthcare

• Community participation

• Transportation

The IPP is reviewed regularly and updated whenever an individual's needs or goals change.

Does the Lanterman Act Guarantee Housing?

No. One of the most common misconceptions is that qualifying under the Lanterman Act automatically guarantees housing.

While the law provides eligible individuals with access to services and supports, it does not guarantee immediate placement in a group home, Adult Residential Care Home, Shared Living arrangement, or Supported Living program.

Housing availability depends on several factors, including:

• Individual support needs

• Provider availability

• Licensing capacity

• Staffing levels

• Regional resources

• Compatibility with current residents

Some providers maintain waiting lists, while others may have openings throughout the year. Planning ahead and working closely with your Regional Center can help families explore available housing options before an urgent need arises.

How Does the Lanterman Act Help Families Plan for the Future?

Many families first learn about the Lanterman Act while thinking about the future.

Parents often wonder:

• What happens when I'm no longer able to provide care?

• Where will my loved one live?

• What services are available?

• How do we begin planning?

The Lanterman Act provides a framework for answering those questions by giving eligible individuals access to coordinated services, person-centered planning, and long-term supports designed to promote independence and community inclusion.

Beginning the planning process early often gives families more opportunities to explore housing, employment, educational, and support services before they become immediately necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Lanterman Act?

The Lanterman Act protects the rights of Californians with developmental disabilities and helps ensure they have access to services and supports that promote independence, inclusion, and community participation.

Is the Lanterman Act only in California?

Yes. The Lanterman Act is a California law and applies only within the state. Other states have their own laws and developmental disability service systems.

Does everyone with autism qualify under the Lanterman Act?

Not necessarily. Eligibility depends on whether an individual meets California's criteria for developmental disability and completes the Regional Center evaluation process.

Does the Lanterman Act pay for housing?

The Lanterman Act itself does not pay for housing. However, eligible individuals may receive services and supports that help them access appropriate community-based living arrangements through California's Regional Center system.

What is the difference between the Lanterman Act and the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in areas such as employment, education, transportation, and public accommodations.

The Lanterman Act is a California law that establishes eligibility for developmental disability services and supports through the state's Regional Center system.

Making Sense of the Lanterman Act Is the First Step

For many California families, learning about the Lanterman Act marks the beginning of planning for the future. A look at how the law works, who qualifies, and what services are available can make it easier to navigate California's developmental disability support system with confidence.

From there, families can begin exploring Regional Center services, Individual Program Plans (IPPs), Supported Living Services, Shared Living, Adult Residential Care Homes, and other community-based programs that help individuals with developmental disabilities live as independently and successfully as possible.