Historical Perspective

Since the early 1950's, the developmental services system has come a long way in the state of California.

Whereas persons with developmental disabilities previously faced isolation, segregation and lack of individual freedoms, today there are many more possibilities for these individuals and their families.

The historical timeline called "Reaffirming the Commitment...Realizing the Vision - 40th Anniversary Edition of the History of the Regional Centers in California" and a documentary on the development of regional centers entitled "We're Here to Speak for Justice," chart the course of the developmental services system through the last 50 or so years.

We invite you to use these tools to learn more about how legislation has evolved in the United States and in California, and track the development of the service system as we know it. The journey, propelled by parent-professional partnerships, is a fascinating one and leaves us thinking towards the future and the exciting possibilities it holds for our community.