Menu Close

(2.21) How do I prove I have a substantial disability?

(2.21) How do I prove I have a substantial disability?

Use documents that correctly describe your diagnosis, condition, and skills. You can use psychological evaluations to show your diagnosis and how you are substantially disabled. Ask people who know you well to describe how your condition affects your functioning in the seven areas. When deciding if you have a substantial disability, the law says regional centers must consult with you, parents, educators, advocates, and others.[1]Title 17, Cal. Code of Regs., section 54001(c).

The law says your skills in these areas should be looked at with your age.[2]Title 17, Cal. Code of Regs., section 54001(a)(2). For example, children don’t have jobs, but that doesn’t mean they are not substantially disabled in economic self-sufficiency. However, the family could say a child’s condition and skills in other areas show a child’s economic self-sufficiency as an adult. The ARCA Guidelines suggest for children 5 and under, only the first 5 areas of functioning should be considered. For students age 6-22, the first 6 areas of functioning apply.[3]ARCA Guidelines, Section III.

References
1 Title 17, Cal. Code of Regs., section 54001(c).
2 Title 17, Cal. Code of Regs., section 54001(a)(2).
3 ARCA Guidelines, Section III.