Who Are We?

Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center is a private, non-profit corporation that operates under contract with the State of California. The Center serves persons who have a developmental disability, are experiencing or at risk for developmental delay/disability, and are at high-risk of parenting an infant with a disability.

A developmental disability is defined by state law as a disability that originates before an individual attains age 18, continues or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and constitutes a substantial handicap for that individual. This includes mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and closely related disabling conditions.

One of 21 regional centers throughout the state, Lanterman provides services and supports to over 6,000 children and adults of all ages who live in the geographic areas of Hollywood-Wilshire, Central Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Eagle Rock, La Cañada-Flintridge, and La Crescenta.

Established in 1966 at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, the Center was renamed in the 1970s after Assembly Member Frank D. Lanterman, who helped to pass landmark legislation for individuals with developmental disabilities in California.

Lanterman Regional Center is part of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The Department provides services and supports for nearly 200,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, through five state-operated developmental centers and the regional centers, which are backed by federal and state funding.

Lanterman is governed by a board of directors comprised of community-based members and includes individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, and local leaders.

The Center works in partnership with our clients, families, service providers, local communities, and government to coordinate quality services and supports that address individual strengths and needs to assist each client to meet his or her specific goals. The focus is on choice, independence, and active participation in the mainstream life of the community. The center is available lifelong – whether for vocational planning, special kinds of therapy and training, conservatorship assistance, or help with various living options in the community.