The following are services and supports provided by Westside Regional Center (WRC). Clients may be eligible for services based upon need related to the nature of the qualifying developmental disability as identified and agreed to by the interdisciplinary planning team. This is not a complete listing. Other needs identified by assessment may identify other services. Services must be requested through the Individual Program Plan (IPP) process. Please contact your service coordinator to discuss access to services.

Generic resources, private resources and/or natural supports must be explored prior to WRC funding.

You or your 18-22 year-old adult family member are entering a new phase in your lives. Many young adults remain in school until they are 22 years old. When clients exit school with a certificate of completion or diploma, they can access employment or, in some cases, day programs (when an individual requires more supervision). For all young adults future planning is a must. WRC also hosts a yearly Transition Fair that you and your caregiver should attend to get more information and meet service providers. WRC provides services that assist our young adults with their future plans. Young Adult services are listed below with a brief explanation of each support.

Case Management

A Service Coordinator (SC) will be assigned to develop an Individual Program Plan (IPP) and assist with arranging appropriate services.

Crisis Support Services

WRC has 2 crisis response teams that provide support when individuals and families are in crisis due to emotional or serious behavioral concerns. We recommend signing up with a team for on-going support and wellness checks before concerns escalate.

Respite Services

Parents and caregivers can receive periodic assistance with the constant care and supervision of a client to relieve family stress or cope with family emergencies.

Day Care Supports (sometimes referred to as Specialized Supervision)

Parents who are working or in school full-time may be eligible for assistance to provide supervision primarily during after-school hours and/or during school breaks.

Behavior Classes

Mentor Family Behavioral Services offers training classes for parents to learn techniques for developing and implementing positive behavior strategies. Classes are held at WRC and participation is required for families seeking further behavior services.

Behavior Intervention (funded if family is exempt from SB 946 insurance requirement or Medi-Cal funding requirement) ***

Behavior intervention services are provided by specialists who offer training and instruction to assist families, clients, and caregivers in developing positive strategies and techniques to manage behaviors. Parent/caregiver participation is required!

Behavior Intervention Co-Pay, Co-Insurance, and Deductibles

If you or your family member receives behavior intervention funded by insurance, WRC is able to assist with insurance Co-Payments, Co-Insurance, and Deductibles should your family meet income requirements (Welfare & Institutions Code 4659.1).

Social Skills

Social skills classes are time-limited classes intended to improve interpersonal skills, social interactions and pragmatic language. Classes use a detailed curriculum with measurable outcomes. Parent/caregiver participation is required!

Westside Family Resource and Empowerment Center (WFREC)

Our parent run center offers a variety of support groups, trainings, community resources and referrals to valuable generic resources. For more information, please call 310-258-4063 or visit http://wfrec.org/

Support Groups and Training Opportunities

WRC has a variety of support groups and training opportunities for individuals and families that are offered at our center. Please contact WFREC at 310-258-4063 or visit our website https://www.westsiderc.org/

Conferences

WRC encourages clients and family members to be empowered and informed through participation in trainings and conferences offered within the special needs community.

For that reason, WRC may fund for tuition or conference registration fees up to a maximum of $300 for ONE training or conference opportunity only ONCE per year. For adult clients, funding may include lodging and/or transportation costs when warranted.

For parents or care givers of clients, funding for tuition and conference registration fees (as referenced above (up to a maximum of $300 for ONE training or conference opportunity ONCE per year) may also be obtained, but funding will not cover the cost of hotels, transportation, or late fees. Check with your SC or WFREC to inquire about training and conference opportunities.

WRC Educational Support Team

A referral to our educational support team can be made for families who may need assistance with the IEP process and/or accessing appropriate services through the school districts.

Day Services

WRC offers a variety of traditional adult day service options that include site-based licensed or community-based day programs and services. Individuals can participate in a variety of programs suited to their individual needs and preferences, such as improving individual skills, vocational training, volunteering, performing arts and technology.

Employment

Clients may be referred to a variety of programs to support competitive integrated employment. Agency vendors assist with job development through traditional supported employment, discovery, customized employment and development of micro-enterprise. Job coaching hours can be funded through Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and/or WRC based on the individual’s needs. Employment is a priority for WRC!

Internship & Apprenticeship Programs

WRC has several internship programs that provide on-the job training and education in regular work settings. This is an excellent way to explore different careers and build a resume, while working on employment readiness and workplace social skills. Paid internships and apprenticeships are available.

Tailored & Individualized Services

Tailored Services offer individuals the ability to work on skills, leading to integrated lives through personalized day support. The intent is to facilitate development and maintenance of employment, volunteer and post-secondary education activities, towards leading an inclusive life and maximizing self-direction. Tailored & Individualized Services are typically provided between 7 to 12 hours per week with a maximum of 20 hours weekly (above 20 hours provided on a case by case basis). Individualized Services offer options for those with pervasive support needs, requiring enhanced behavioral or medical/personal assistance.

Post-Secondary Education & Employment Readiness

WRC offers various post-secondary programs and support options to assist with continuing education, employment readiness and career matching. This may include individual support and assistance in obtaining vocational certification, a degree or specialized training in a job field.

Independent Living Services (ILS)

Adults can receive training in areas such as, shopping, cooking, budgeting, housekeeping, and self-care skills with the goal to become more independent in daily living. ILS is typically provided to individuals already living outside of the family home. However, WRC can also fund ILS services for clients living with family members when there are specific and time-measured IPP goals to live independently.

Supported Living Services (SLS)

Individuals who live on their own may need on-going supports. SLS is an individualized service that provides staff to assist and train individuals in all aspects of their life. SLS is required to provide 24 hour a day emergency assistance in addition to on-going supports. Regardless of an individual’s disability, they are eligible for SLS as long as they have the funds for rent, food and utilities. WRC provides SLS up to 24 hours per day, 7 days per week depending on the individual supports needed.

Residential Services

WRC has options for licensed residential homes that provide specialized care and staffing depending on the individual’s needs.

Family Home Agencies (FHAs)

Many adults want the option to live with a family. Family Home Agencies (FHA) provides that option. Adults can move into the home of a certified family with supports. Certified families receive ongoing training as well as supports to assist an individual to become a member of their “family.”

Personal Assistance Service

Some individuals require assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. WRC can offer these supports through Personal Assistance Services.

Healthy Lifestyles

In an effort to assist individuals to improve their health and wellness, the Healthy Lifestyles Program is available. Groups meet 3 times per week at WRC to promote healthy diet and lifestyle changes and also provide a social outlet for adults.

Peer Mentor Services

WRC is fortunate to offer adults “peer-to-peer” training through the Peer Mentor Agency. The Peer Mentors offer mobility training and independent living support through peers (WRC Clients) that are trained and employed by the Peer Mentor Agency.

Lotus Project

The Lotus Project is a trauma and recovery program that was launched with the mission of serving women with developmental disabilities who are victims of abuse and violence. Groups are now being offered to men with developmental disabilities who have also experienced trauma.

Transportation

WRC offers various transportation choices:

• For adults who wish to travel independently within the community, mobility training may be available to help clients learn to navigate safely and independently as riders of public transportation.
• Adult clients who are able to use public transportation may request funding for the cost of bus passes. Bus passes vary slightly in cost depending on the distance of the route.
• In addition, WRC may fund commercial transportation to and from the primary, regularly scheduled daytime activity for adult clients who have exited the school system. Prior to funding commercial transportation it must be determined that there is no other source of transportation via generic public services or via natural resource systems, paid or unpaid.
• Driver’s training may also be an option for clients who exhibit the potential to learn the required information and pass a written driving test. Once it is determined that the client has passed a written driving test and has access to an insured vehicle, funding for the first 25 hours of classes will be the responsibility of the client or client’s family. WRC may assist with funding for the cost of drivers training after the first 25 hours (average amount for a non-disabled individual).

Self-Advocacy Groups

WRC has a very active Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) that hosts a number of self-advocacy groups located throughout WRC’s service area. For dates and locations, please contact your Service Coordinator.

Parenting Skills and Support

Many WRC adults are parents or interested in having children. WRC is here to offer guidance and support thorough specialized parenting skills training and support. Our Specialized Parenting Skills agencies offer trained staff to provide support and on-going training for new parents or parents-to-be with pregnancy, delivery and care for a baby.

Incontinence Supplies

Referrals can be made to assist individuals with securing supplies available through Medi-Cal, private insurance or through WRC funding when no other generic source is available.

Medical Equipment

Referrals can be made to assist families in accessing medically necessary equipment through Medi-Cal, Medicare, private insurance, or other generic sources. WRC, as payer of last resort, may also provide funding for equipment needs as determined through consultation with WRC’s Health and Medical staff and/or consultants.

Written Translations and Interpretations

Written translation services for IPPs can be available for clients, parents, and caregivers whose primary language is not English. WRC also offers interpretation services for IPP or service planning/review meetings.

Additional Referral and Resource Agencies

211 Services: Provides help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more. Visit http://www.211.org/ or just dial 2-1-1. They provide information throughout the United States.

Legal Advocacy through Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy (OCRA): Clients and their families can receive free legal information, advice, and representation through the Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy (OCRA). OCRA is part of Disability Rights of California. A Clients’ Rights Advocate (CRA) is designated to each regional center to help with legal problems, conduct trainings, and investigate denials of rights. Call (310) 846-4949 and leave a detailed message for assistance.

State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD): The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is an independent state agency that provides advocacy and other assistance to ensure individuals with developmental disabilities receive the services and supports they need. SCDD regional offices provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families including, but not limited to, advocacy assistance, training, monitoring and public information. By providing these services, regional offices ensure that appropriate laws, regulations and policies pertaining to the rights of individuals are observed and protected. Feel free to contact SCDD with any questions at (866) 802-0514 or send an email to council@scdd.ca.gov.

Westside Council for Independent Living (WCIL): Provides information, supports, and opportunities for adults to enhance their independence. Call 310-851-9245 or visit http://www.wcil.org/ for more information.

Referrals to community agencies, events and other generic resources are also available through your Service Coordinator and the Westside Family Resource and Empowerment Center.

***Please note that current legislation and regulation may require families to access their private insurance or managed care plan within Medi-Cal to obtain funding for these services. Your service coordinator will inform you about this process and will provide support as needed to obtain these insurance/managed care benefits.