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(9.24) Do DOR and DDS (Regional Center) ever work together to help people with developmental disabilities?

(9.24) Do DOR and DDS (Regional Center) ever work together to help people with developmental disabilities?

Regional centers often refer people to DOR. To get a referral for vocational services, ask for an IPP meeting. Say you are interested in Supported or Competitive Employment. If you already work in a Work Activity Program, they review your progress every year and decides if vocational services are right for you. If your IPP team decides they will benefit you, it will refer you to DOR.[1]Section 4858 (a)-(b).

DOR can deny you services if your disability is so severe that its services would not help you. DOR must prove vocational rehabilitation services won’t help you get a job because your disability is too severe.[2]Title 29 United States Code section 722(a)(2)(A); see also Title 34 Code of Fed. Regulations section 361.42; Cal. Welfare & Institutions Code section 19103(b); Title 9, Cal Code Regs. section … Continue reading

You can get vocational rehabilitation services for up to 18 months. The services can end sooner if you are independent, or if your supports have helped you as much as possible. After 18 months, DOR transfers you to DDS. Then you can get services from the Habilitation Services Program. If you were referred to DOR and put on a waiting list, the regional center must give you the services you need until your DOR services begin.[3]Section 4855.

References
1 Section 4858 (a)-(b).
2 Title 29 United States Code section 722(a)(2)(A); see also Title 34 Code of Fed. Regulations section 361.42; Cal. Welfare & Institutions Code section 19103(b); Title 9, Cal Code Regs. section 7062(c).
3 Section 4855.