First, contact your local regional center. There are 21 regional centers in California. Each covers a certain area. You must apply to the center for your area. See Regional Center Listings or call:

OCRA: (800) 390-7032.
Department of Developmental Services: (916) 654-1958

The receptionist or intake staff must allow you to apply for regional center services. Part of applying is getting an appointment for your first meeting, called the “initial intake.” After you apply, the regional center must complete the “initial intake” in 15 working days.^[1]Section 4642(a)(2). An intake worker will gather information from you. You may talk to members of the regional center staff, including social workers, psychologists, health professionals, or other specialists. They work together as a team in the intake and assessment process. This team is called an interdisciplinary or ID team, and includes at least one doctor, a psychologist, and a service coordinator.^[2]Title 17, Cal. Code of Regs., section 54001(b).