Family Support Services

Koch-Young Resource Center. The Koch-Young Resource Center is dedicated to the provision of information and support to clients and families and to the professionals who support them. The Center maintains a HelpLine that responds to more than 250 inquiries each month. It contains a multimedia lending library filled with thousands of educational materials available to clients, families, service providers, and members of the larger community. By the end of 2002, nearly 2,500 individuals were registered users of the library. Staff of the KYRC publish the Viewpoint newsletter and support the Lanterman Web site, both critical informational and communication tools used by the Lanterman community. In 2002, the web site had 22,000 unique visitors and logged 130,000 hits. The KYRC also maintains a Community Resource Directory.

The Resource Center coordinates nearly 30 family support groups providing mutual support, education, information sharing, advocacy, and client support and self-advocacy groups. It also maintains the Peer Support Program where more than 60 experienced parents are available to offer one-to-one emotional support and information to families who are new to the Center or who request help or support with specific issues.

The KYRC coordinates the Regional Center’s volunteer program. In 2002, approximately 20 volunteers completed over 2,000 hours of volunteer effort. Through the KYRC, the Regional Center has also developed internship opportunities intended to bring young people with non-traditional backgrounds, such as business and the sciences, into the Regional Center to apply their knowledge and skills while learning about developmental services. The capstone of that effort is the Roberta Happe Memorial Internship, established in 2001.

The KYRC has been instrumental in developing and maintaining partnerships with community based organizations like LAUSD Adult Education Division for the adult computer classes, USC Occupational Therapy Department for an OT internship, and the Pasadena Public Library for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the public libraries.

Assistive Technology Project. Another valued component of the KYRC is the Assistive Technology Project that provides consultations, information and advice to clients and families of clients who might benefit from the use of technology to learn, communicate, or complete other activities of daily living. Last year alone the project provided more than 80 Assistive Technology (AT) consultations, 19 AT workshops, 20 AT presentations to client, family and community groups, and over 350 hours of telephone information, support and referrals with clients and families. In partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District, Lanterman hosts eight computer training classes for clients, family members, and caregivers each year. Approximately 150 students graduated from these classes with beginner and intermediate computer skills. Today and into the future, technology is reshaping a wide range of supports and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, including early language, cognitive, social, and vocational development. The Assistive Technology Project represents a significant and ongoing contribution to the direct support provided to many Lanterman clients and families.

Touchpoints™. Touchpoints™ is a special project developed under the auspices of the Family Support program, Training and Development Department, and Clinical Services. This project is an adaptation of an educational program designed to teach medical and allied health practitioners about the physical, emotional and behavioral development of infants and young children and improve their ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with parents about these issues. Supported by a $750,000 grant from the LA County Children and Families First Proposition 10 Commission, the Regional
Center’s project is aimed at adapting the original Touchpoints™ model to the population of children with special needs.

Customer Value: Personal-Professional Relationships. People providing services and supports are caring and respectful of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, they understand their needs, and they act as true partners in helping people achieve their desired outcomes.