Introduction
Welcome to the Regional Center
As a new employee, youčre probably wondering what you need to know to start your new job. Youčve got your job description and you know your responsibilities, but what is a purchase of service, a vendor, the Department of Rehabilitation? This orientation was developed to give you a sampling of the theory, information, and skills you will need to be a successful service coordinator.
While all twenty-one Regional Centers are not alike, the same laws and regulations apply to each. What you will find in this document are the general procedures that all Regional Centers use with a number of examples. In addition, your Regional Center will be adding its own policies, procedures, and forms to this guide as needed.
A Common Mission Statement for
Regional Center Service Coordinators
In developing this orientation, the Southern California Training and Information Group (SCTIG) agreed on a common mission statement for Regional Center service coordinators. This statement provides a value-base for the work that all of you do, regardless of your Regional Center affiliation:
To support opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to participate in community life through education, information, choice, advocacy and service.
Some Philosophical Principles for
Regional Center Service Coordination
Additionally, the SCTIG suggested that the following guiding principles be considered when writing material for this orientation:
1. The needs of individuals and families are unique and changing, therefore, service coordination must be flexible.
2. Individuals and families should be encouraged to be as independent as possible with the support they need to be so.
3. Individuals and families should be encouraged to assume an active role in service coordination.
4. Service coordination is not a time-limited service. It is ongoing and provides individuals and families with the services and supports needed, when they are needed, and for as long as they are needed.
Basic Information about
the Orientation
You will find this orientation divided into three major parts (and binders) as well as a detailed index to the entire document:
Part 1 - Learn the Basics A foundation of theory, information, laws, regulations, policies and procedures regarding the developmental disabilities service system in California.
Part 2 - Learn the Process A compilation of the process skills needed to plan, coordinate, and monitor services and supports.
Part 3 - Apply What You Learn As a service coordinator, you will be wearing many hats. Part 3 offers a series of field-based and simulated applications of the basic information and process skills you have learned. Each application highlights a different hat or role (e.g., Advocate, Planner).
Index - A comprehensive guide to all of the topics covered in the orientation and provided in the binder jacket of Parts 1, 2 and 3.
It is built in a way that allows for some flexibility in use. For example, you can:
Use it in a group training format (Tips for Facilitators is provided under separate cover) with a facilitator (PowerPoint presentations and overheads are bundled with the Tips for Facilitators).
Use Parts 1 & 2 as a self-paced learning package for individuals and then assign a mentor or supervisor to work together on Part 3.
Work through it as group or individual learners in linear fashion from Part 1 through Part 3.
Design a customized package of selected modules based on the prior experience and expertise of new service coordinators and their current information needs.
For more information or for purchase (Cost: $238, including shipping and handling), please contact :
Maureen Wilson
Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center
3440 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400
Los Angeles CA 90010
(213) 383-1300
FAX 427-2381
maureen.wilson@lanterman.org
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