In the News

A Letter to the Lanterman Community from Gary Pancer, President and Chair of the Board of Directors About the Paper "Toward a Sustainable Entitlement for the Developmental Services System: A Regional Center Perspective"
Five years ago, in January of 2003, the board of directors of Lanterman Regional Center adopted a position paper entitled, "Toward a Sustainable Entitlement for the Developmental Services System: A Regional Center Perspective." We developed this paper in response to the financial crisis facing the state of California at that time - a budget shortfall significantly greater than any other in the State's history. Our great concern was that the escalating rate of service growth and the cost of those services in the regional center system would not be sustainable in the long term, given the limitations of public resources. We were also concerned that the entitlement to services could be threatened. We decided, therefore, to take a proactive stance and offer our perspective on the challenges and recommend potential solutions.
Read Gary Pancer's entire letter >>
View the executive summary of the paper >>
Download the complete paper >>

The Spring 2008 "Viewpoint" Newsletter is Now Available Online
Not yet printed, the spring 2008 edition of "Viewpoint" is now available for viewing online. Inside you can read about Kurt Freidenberger achieving Eagle Scout, get an update on Inclusion Films Practical Filmmaking Workshop, and learn how to minimize your risk from MRSA. You can also read about Lanterman's efforts to address the budget challenges, including hosting a Legislative Forum, participating in Grassroots Day and releasing the paper "Toward a Sustainable Entitlement for the Developmental Services System: A Regional Center Perspective." And there are lots of other interesting stories, including one about a special trip to Disneyland, another that shares the value of getting to know your neighbors, as well as a story about Author and Creator of JeffsLife.net Jeff Stimpson and what it's like for Lanterman client Edwin Jennings to work at Starbucks. The printed newsletter will be mailed toward the end of the week of April 14.
Read the spring 2008 edition online now >> (3.1 MB)

DDS Report "Controlling Regional Center Costs" Released
AB 203, passed last August as one of several budget-related bills and signed by the Governor on August 24, 2007, required the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to submit a report to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, and the Senate and Assembly Human Services Committees listing out options "to better control" regional center costs of "operating and providing state-supported services." This 102-page report, called "Controlling Regional Center Costs," provides both prior and impending cost-containment options for regional centers. It was released to the Legislature on April 7, 2008 and is available for viewing on the DDS Web site at www.dds.ca.gov and on the California Disability Community Action Network Web site at www.cdcan.us.

Help Protect Medicaid Services
The Federal Government is proposing serious cuts to the Medicaid program that may have an effect on regional center clients and services. You are encouraged to read this alert and speak with your congressional representative – tell them how these proposed cuts will affect you or your family member. Read the alert and take action >>

Join FAA for Their 10th Annual Spring Picnic and Fun Festival on May 10
The Foothill Autism Alilance presents their 10th annual spring picnic and fun festival on Saturday, May 10, 2008 from noon to 3 p.m. at Lower Scholl Canyon Park in Glendale. Visit www.foothillautism.org for additional information. Download flyer >>

UCLA Adaptive Recreation Program Hosts Paddle Peddle
The UCLA Adaptive Recreation Program will host Paddle Peddle on Saturday, May 10 from 8 a.m. to noon at the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center in Marina del Rey. This is a special event where participants of all abilities are welcome to join in a bike ride and kayaking. Limited adaptive cycling equipment is available. Visit www.recreation.ucla.edu/adaptiverec for more information. Download flyer >>

In His Image Ministries Dad's Retreat 2008
In His Image Ministries is a ministry of the First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena and is hosting a weekend adventure for dads of special needs kids from Friday to Sunday, May 30 to June 1, 2008 at Thousand Pines Christian Conference Center in Crestline, CA. Please note: the registration deadline has been extended from Friday, April 25, 2008 to Sunday, May 18, 2008. For questions, contact Pastor Julie Keith at 626.351.2485. Download flyer >>

Southern California Abilities Expo Coming in May
Abilities Expo is the one show dedicated to educating and improving the lives of people with disabilities, senior citizens, their families and caregivers, as well as healthcare and education professionals. Abilities Expo/Southern California is coming from Friday to Sunday, May 30 to June 1, 2008 at the Anaheim Convention Center. For information about the Abilities Expo event visit www.abilitiesexpo.com or call 800.388.8146.

Harbor Regional Center Presents "Tell Me a Story" on Saturday, May 31
Harbor Regional Center presents a special event for families and friends called "Tell Me a Story" on Saturday, May 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature stories, dance, music and other activities. Download flyer >>

Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles Teen Retreat
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles will be hosting their Epilepsy Teen Retreat from Sunday to Saturday, June 22 to 28, 2008 at Arrowhead Ranch Campground in Lake Arrowhead. It's the eighth annual retreat and it will offer many activities and adventures, including swimming, games, skits, crafts and parties. For more information and to request an application packet e-mail pleyva@epilepsy-socalif.org or call Patty at 800.564.0445.

Pasadena Summer Day Camp 2008
The City of Pasadena Human Services and Recreation Department's Adaptive Recreation program is hosting a four-week summer day camp for children with disabilties ages 8 to 12 from August 4 to 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Center. Pre-registrartion is required for this program. The camp will feature arts and crafts, music, swimming, dance, sports, learning games and field trips. A limited number of scholarships are available. Contact Adaptive Recreation Specialist Jackie Scott at 626.744.7257 or jackiescott@cityofpasadena.net for more information.

UCLA CART Recruiting for Study on Infant Development in Younger Siblings of Children with Autism
The University of California, Los Angeles, Center for Autism Research and Treatment (UCLA CART) recently received a second round of funding from the federal government to study infant development in younger siblings of children with autism, and to look at the early development of children who are later diagnosed with autism to get a clearer picture of the precursors of autism and what signs can be seen that indicate a greater level of risk than merely the genetic link. The study will enroll approximately 100 additional infants from now through the end of 2009. The initial developmental assessment will take place at 6 months of age. For additional information visit iwww.autism.ucla.edu/research/programs/infants.php or call 310.825.3478. Download flyer >>

Eligibility for Economic Stimulus Payments for People with Disabilities
People with disabilities, as well retirees and low-wage workers, who are usually exempt from filing a federal tax return may file a 1040A tax form this year in order to receive an economic stimulus payment. These taxpayers will be eligible to receive a payment of $300 ($600 on a joint return) if they had at least $3,000 qualifying income. According to the IRS Web site: To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, at least $3,000 of incomce and file a 2007 federal tax return. It's not taxable, and it won't reduce your 2007 or 2008 refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2008 return. Qualifying income includes any combination of earned income and certain benefits from Social Security, Veterans Affairs or Railroad Retiremen. For more information, an online calculator and tax forms go to www.irs.gov. You need to file as soon as possible, but not later than October 15, 2008.