A receptionist or intake staff should respond to your call, and they must allow you to apply. You will receive an appointment for your first meeting, which is called an “initial intake”. Visit the following website link and enter your zip code in “Search” to find your local center’s number: dds.ca.gov/rc/lookup-rcs-by-county.
After you receive a response from the center, ask for the intake department. You may be asked to fill out an intake form. This form may be physically mailed to you and required to be physically mailed back. You will be asked for who referred you. Usually, this will be a doctors’ note with an assessment or a school who completed an Individualized Education Plan or a transcript that demonstrates concerns. Keep in mind, you can be self-referred! If you have concerns, you can absolutely still reach out.
Congratulations! After Step 3, you will be paired with a service coordinator, whose job is to help you find and receive the services you need. To make sure everyone understands and agrees on the services, you will work together to make a document called an Individual Program Plan. This document should NOT feel like a “one size fits all” document. It should be customized to your loved ones’ strengths, capabilities, preferences, and background. It should factor in their input on where to live, people whom they would like to socialize with, and what activities they enjoy.
