Complaints and Fair Hearings
The complaints and fair hearings is a process for voicing and resolving disagreements between the regional center and the person or applicants who are age 3 or older. As in traditional services, participants in the SDP have the right to appeal through the fair hearing process. Read about appeal rights on the DDS website on the Consumer Rights, Appeals & Complaints webpage.
Also, a person transitioning into or enrolled in self-determination has the same due process rights as in traditional services. The participant can also complain about or appeal a regional center decision. View the Consumers’ Rights Complaints and Fair Hearing Requests Report for further information.
Under the fair hearing process, in self-determination, disagreements about services, eligibility, budget, goal planning, and spending plan can be appealed. The fair hearing process includes a voluntary informal meeting, mediation, and a fair hearing before an administrative law judge. The fair hearing brochure and necessary forms to file for a fair hearing and withdraw from a fair hearing are available from your local regional center or the Department of Developmental Services. If you have questions about the fair hearing process, you may contact your local regional center or the Department of Developmental Services – Community Services Division at 916-651-6309.
Clients’ Rights Advocate
A person who wishes to pursue a complaint or hearing can contact the Clients’ Rights Advocate regarding their Regional Center.
View More Information at: How can OCRA’s Clients’ Rights Advocate help me? | Rights Under the Lanterman Act (California’s law establishing regional center services for people with developmental disabilities) – Disability Rights California Website
View More About OCRA at: Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy (OCRA) – Disability Rights California Website
To Call OCRA: 1-800-776-5746 or TTY Call: 1-800-719-5798 | Multiple Languages Available.
For further information on appealing a Regional Center decision:
Regional Center Hearing Packet | Disability Rghts California Website