RIGHTS UNDER THE LANTERMAN ACT

Chapter Eight
Community Participation, Work,
Day Activities, Leisure and More

·       Community Integration & Participation

·       Work, Habilitation, Vocational Rehabilitation and Day Activities

·       Supports for Leisure Time

·       Transportation

·       Transition from School to Adult Services

·       Consumer Rights in Day Programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by: PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY, INC.
Publication #5063.01 – English
Copyright © 1983 by PAI - REVISED EDITION 2006

Protection and Advocacy, Inc. (PAI), is a nonprofit agency that works with people with disabilities. PAI provides a variety of advocacy services, including information and referral, technical assistance, and direct representation. For information or assistance with an immediate problem, call:

PAI

Toll Free: (800) 776-5746
www.pai-ca.org

PAI receives funding from a variety of state and federal programs, providing advocacy services to people with disabilities under seven federal statutes and two state contracts. Any opinions, findings, recommendations or conclusions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organizations which fund PAI.

OCRA

Toll Free: (800) 390-7032

The Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy (OCRA) is a statewide office run by Protection & Advocacy, Inc., through a contract with the California Department of Developmental Services. OCRA employs a Clients’ Rights Advocate (CRA) at each regional center. The CRA is a person trained to help protect the rights of people with developmental disabilities. Appendix Z lists the Clients’ Rights Advocate for each regional center along with their contact information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.     Do I have the right to supports to help me participate in my community in a variety of daily activities? 8-1

2.     What do the terms Community Integration, Community Inclusion and Community Participation Mean? 8-2

3.     Do I have a right to choose between different kinds of daily activities? 8-3

4.     Does the regional center have the responsibility to expand opportunities for me to be integrated into the community for work, recreation and leisure activities? 8-4

5.     What systemic efforts are underway to increase and improve the options and choices for daily activities of people with developmental disabilities and how can I participate? 8-5

6.     How do I exercise my right to get the supports I need to participate in work, day and leisure activities and build relationships in my community? 8-6

7.     How do I go about moving from a segregated work, day activity or leisure setting to one where I am included and participate with people without disabilities? 8-7

8.     What if I want my job coach to be at the IPP meeting? 8-8

9.     What types of work and day programs can I choose from? 8-8

10.   What rights do I have when an initial placement is proposed in a work or day program or when a change is proposed? 8-12

11.   What if I decide that I want to get a job? 8-13

12.   Can I get a job in the community? 8-14

13.   What is “reverse integration”? 8-15

14.   Do I have to work in a Work Activity Program or Center before seeking Supported, Competitive or Self Employment? 8-15

15.   What are “Supported Employment Services?”  8-15

16.   What is the difference between a job developer and a job coach? 8-16

17.   What is the difference between group and individualized job coaching services? 8-16

18.   I’ve heard the term “customized employment,” what does this mean? 8-17

19.   What types of things can I do if I have my own business and how do I start my own business? 8-17

20.   What are Habilitation Services? 8-18

21.   What are Vocational Rehabilitation Services? 8-19

22.   How do Habilitation Services differ from Vocational Rehabilitation Services? 8-20

23.   Who is eligible for the Habilitation Services Program? 8-20

24.   Are there any differences in the individual planning process for Habilitation Services? 8-20

25.   What criteria will be used to determine my eligibility for Habilitation Services? 8-21

26.   Are habilitation services available for individuals between the ages of 16-18? 8-22

27.   How long may I receive Habilitation Funding? 8-23

28.   How do I appeal a decision that affects my Habilitation Services? 8-23

29.   How do I get referred for Vocational Rehabilitation Services? 8-23

30.   Who is eligible for services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Program? 8-24

31.   Can I be denied services under the Vocational Rehabilitation program? 8-24

32.   Can I still get services through the regional center if DOR places me on a waiting list? 8-25

33.   How long can I receive Vocational Rehabilitation Services? 8-25

34.   What is a reasonable accommodation in the workplace? 8-25

35.   Do I need to report my earned income to anyone? 8-26

36.   If I make money working, will my other benefits be affected? 8-26

37.   How can I get information about work incentive options and employment-related benefits issues? 8-27

38.   Are there work incentive programs that help me keep my income without losing valuable benefits? 8-28

39.   What other generic resources are available in the community to help me look for jobs? 8-30