Words We Use | Westside Regional Center

A

Assessment: An assessment is a review of a person's skills and needs. It helps decide eligibility and services.; WRC’s definition The process to determine whether, and to what degree, an individual has developmental deficits. An assessment identifies the individual’s strengths, abilities, needs, and developmental level.

C

CCS (California Children's Services): CCS is a state program for children with certain physical health conditions.; WRC’s definition California Children’s Services. Provides specialized medical and rehabilitation services for children with physical disabilities with certain conditions. The program is financed by federal, state, and county taxes, and supplemented by family repayments when indicated
Clients' Rights Advocate (OCRA): The Clients' Rights Advocate is a free advocate, outside WRC, who helps people protect their rights to services.; WRC’s definition The Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy is part of Disability Rights California.

D

DDS (Department of Developmental Services): DDS is the state department that funds and oversees California's 21 regional centers.; WRC’s definition The Department of Developmental Services. This state agency administers the contracts with each regional center and sets many of the regulatory standards for service. The department also operates state developmental centers.

E

Early Start: Early Start is free help for babies and toddlers under 3 who have a delay or are at risk of one.; WRC’s definition Some infants and toddlers may need additional support to help them reach their full potential. These services and supports are available via the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities.
Eligibility: Eligibility is whether a person can get WRC services. WRC decides it after an assessment.; WRC’s definition The process to determine whether, and to what degree, an individual has developmental deficits. An assessment identifies the individual’s strengths, abilities, needs, and developmental level.

F

Fair hearing: A fair hearing is a meeting with a state hearing officer when you disagree with a WRC decision.; WRC’s definition The Fair Hearing process is a process for resolving disagreements between the regional center or state developmental center and consumers or applicants who are age three or older.

G

Generic resources: Generic resources are help that is open to everyone, like health insurance, Medi-Cal or school services. WRC checks these first.; WRC’s definition Services offered or available to the general public, as distinguished from specialized services for specific groups of people. For example, training provided by the Department of Rehabilitation is a generic service available to any California resident in need of rehabilitation. In the absence of a generic service, Westside may purchase that service for its clients.

H

HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services): Home and Community-Based Services help people live and take part in their community instead of an institution.; WRC’s definition Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are long-term services & supports provided in home and community-based settings, as recognized under the federal Medicaid (Medi-Cal) Program.

I

IDEA: IDEA is the federal law about special education for children with disabilities.; WRC’s definition Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (PL105-17).
IEP (Individualized Education Program): An IEP is a school's written plan for a student who gets special education.; WRC’s definition Individual Education Plan. A written statement of objectives and plans to achieve those objectives required for every child in a special education school program.
IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan): An IFSP is the plan for a baby or toddler in Early Start. It lists your family's goals and the services for your child.; WRC’s definition Individual Family Service Plan. A written statement completed yearly which lists goals and specific objectives in areas important to the consumer. Each objective contains a target date that the objective is to be met and one or more plans designed to reach the objective.
Intake: Intake covers the first steps after you call WRC: WRC gathers information and checks whether you can get services.; WRC’s definition If you have a developmental concern about your child or a family member, the Intake Department will be your first contact at Westside Regional Center.
IPP (Individual Program Plan): An IPP is a written plan you make with WRC. It lists your goals and the services that help you reach them.; WRC’s definition Individual Program Plan/Individual Support Plan. A written statement of goals and specific objectives in areas important to the client. Each objective contains one or more plans to achieve it and a target date for completion.

L

Lanterman Act: The Lanterman Act is the California law that gives people with developmental disabilities the right to services and supports.; WRC’s definition The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, legislation that mandated the right of people with developmental disabilities to receive appropriate services.

M

Medi-Cal: Medi-Cal is California's free or low-cost health insurance program.; WRC’s definition California’s version of the federal Medicaid Program that pays medical expenses for public assistance recipients and other low-income persons.

N

Natural supports: Natural supports are help from family, friends and neighbors that is not paid for.; WRC’s definition Generic Resources, Private Resources, and/or Natural Supports must be explored prior to WRC funding.

P

Payer of last resort: WRC pays only after other sources, like insurance, have been tried.; WRC’s definition WRC, as payer of last resort, may provide funding for equipment needs as determined through consultation with WRC specialists.
Person-centered planning: Person-centered planning starts with what the person wants for their own life.; WRC’s definition An approach to planning for the future based on the client and family’s wishes and on the client’s abilities and preferences.
POS (Purchase of Service): Purchase of Service means the services that WRC pays for.; WRC’s definition Purchase of Service. Refers to client services that Westside Regional Center buys. When clients need services that are unavailable from generic resources, Westside Counselors may negotiate service contracts with vendors.

R

Respite: Respite is a short break for family caregivers while someone else gives care.; WRC’s definition Parents and caregivers can receive intermittent or regularly scheduled non-medical care and supervision to provide relief to family members.

S

SCDD (State Council on Developmental Disabilities): SCDD is an independent state agency that speaks up for people with developmental disabilities.; WRC’s definition The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is established by state and federal law as an independent state agency to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and supports they need. Formerly known as Area Boards, WRC worked closely with Area Board 10 which was one of 13 agencies in the state that oversaw plans for people with developmental disabilities. Duties include advocacy and monitoring of programs.
Self-Determination Program: The Self-Determination Program is a way to get WRC services where you choose your own providers and manage a budget.; WRC’s definition The California statewide Self-Determination Program is a voluntary alternative to the traditional way of providing regional center services.
Service coordinator: Your service coordinator is your main contact at WRC. They help plan and arrange the services in your plan.; WRC’s definition A service coordinator (SC) will be assigned to develop an Individual Program Plan (IPP) and assist with arranging appropriate services.
Special incident report (SIR): A special incident report is a report a provider must send WRC when something serious happens to a person they serve.; WRC’s definition A Special Incident Report, or SIR, is a formal report that is filed with the regional center.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): SSI is monthly money from the government for some people with disabilities and low income.; WRC’s definition Supplemental Security Income. These government funds are available to many people with a disability and limited financial resources.

V

Vendor (service provider): A vendor is a person or agency WRC has approved and pays to give services.; WRC’s definition Any community agency or professional that provides services purchased by the regional center for its clients. Also known as a Service Provider.
Vendorization: Vendorization is the process a provider goes through to be approved and paid by WRC.; WRC’s definition Any community agency or professional that provides services purchased by the regional center for its clients. Also known as a Vendor.

W

WFREC (Family Resource and Empowerment Center): WFREC is a parent-run center with support groups and trainings for families.; WRC’s definition Our parent-run center offers support groups, trainings, community resources, and referrals to generic resources.