Your IPP must explain why you need these services. When regional centers make decisions on what services to approve, they consider these questions:

1. Do you need the service because of your developmental disability?
2. Will the service lessen the effects of the developmental disability?
3. Will the service help you have a normal, independent, and productive life, or help you learn a new skill in an appropriate way?

Regional centers also have guidelines called Purchase of Service Policies that explain how they make spending decisions for different services. Purchase of Services Policies help explain the rules for receiving services. But POS policies cannot violate the Lanterman Act.

POS policies for each regional center are different and DDS must approve POS policies. ^[1]Welfare & Institutions Code section 4434(d). Ask your regional center to review their Purchase of Service policy about camping, social recreation, and related services. Each regional center must put their Purchase of Service policies on their website.