What We ProvideWestside Regional Center provides a variety of services including case management, assessment and consultation. In addition to developing and/or identifying services, regional centers may purchase certain services that are not available through other sources. It would be impossible to name every service that might be available, and this list describes only the major service categories.
Once the intake process is completed and the individual is found eligible for regional center services, the client and family are assigned to a Counselor who specializes in their particular age group or service need. In consultation with the client and/or family, the counselor will assist with arranging appropriate services. The first step in case management is usually meeting with a Counselor to develop an Individual Program Plan (IPP). The IPP outlines your needs and determines ways in which those needs can be met. Clients can take advantage of a variety of programs suited to their individual circumstances. They can learn self-help and socialization skills. They can improve daily living skills, get training in a vocation, find a job, succeed at that job, and improve daily living skills. These programs also offer vocational training, employment and support on the job as needed. Assistance is available when clients and their families face challenging behaviors. Behavior intervention services are programs to help families, clients and caregivers in developing positive strategies and techniques to manage behaviors. Your Counselor can guide and support clients as they deal with the challenges of a developmental disability. When more help is needed, the counselor can make a referral to mental health professionals in the community. These programs are covered by insurance, Medi-Cal, and some also provide sliding-scale fees. Westside's Health and Medical Team are available for consultation and can provide referrals to community professionals who specialize in the medical needs of people with developmental disabilities. Adult clients may receive training to become more independent in daily living. These programs often help adults reach their goal of living on their own or with a roommate, such as in a shared apartment. Program participants receive training in shopping, cooking, budgeting, housekeeping and self-care skills. Westside encourages adult clients to learn mobility skills for public transportation. Special mobility training programs train clients to travel safely and independently to their daily jobs, special programs and social activities. When a family is unable to continue care for a family member at home, Westside can help locate the least restrictive residential care setting available. Westside, Children's Services, Social Security (SSI), and Medi-Cal can help fund these placements. Parents and other family members can get periodic assistance with the constant care and supervision of a client to relieve family stress or in emergencies. These programs provide recreational opportunities, develop social interaction and leisure skills, and increase community involvement. Such programs offer the added benefit of respite for the family or, when offered during after-school hours, extended day care for working parents. Many of our clients receive a variety of therapy services through programs in the community, such as California Children's Services, the public school, or other agencies. Westside usually provides only those therapy services not available through one of these generic resources and only to the extent of clinically determined need. Westside will provide transportation for adults or infants to attend a primary day program when clients cannot use public transportation for a critically needed service. Assistance will vary according to a number of factors, such as distance traveled. The local school district is responsible for providing this service to students in public education programs. Generally, parents or caregivers are responsible for transportation to social and recreational activities, as well as medical or therapy appointments. As clients move from school to the workplace, Counselors join them, their families, and school staff in planning for job training or more education. |
