Getting Started
Beginning your journey with Empowered Living SLS is simple. We guide you through every step to ensure you or your loved one receives the right support from day one.
Person Centered Intake Process
Empowered Living Supported Living Service (SLS) is happy to speak with individuals, family members and community members regarding supported living services. To apply for services, unconserved adults, legal guardians, or conservators may notify their Regional Center Service Coordinator or representative of their interest in Empowered Living SLS.
To Receive Our Services
A representative from Empowered Living SLS will gather the necessary information to begin the assessment process.
Interview Process
We begin the interview process with a face-to-face, or virtual meeting with the applicant and/or their family or circle of support. Applicants can submit their independent assessments for our review, including medical, psychological, educational, and developmental assessments. We may also request additional assessments from the applicant's chosen community provider. There is no cost to the applicant for any of these assessments.
Regional Center Referral and Assessment
During this stage, we will ensure the applicant is a client of the Regional Center. If Empowered Living SLS is the best fit, we will continue with the intake/assessment process. If it is determined that Empowered Living SLS is not the best fit for the individual, we will notify the applicant and help redirect them to the best fit for their needs. At this time in the process, the individual may also determine that Empowered Living SLS is not the best fit to meet their needs. If this is the case, then Empowered Living SLS will recommend other service providers with the assistance of the Regional Center Case Manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are regional centers?
There are 21 regional centers in California, each one covering a specific geographical area. Regional centers are private, independent non-profit corporations contracted by the State of California through the Department of Developmental Services to coordinate lifelong services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Regional centers also help support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by identifying local resources and other community-based services that can address the individual's identified support needs.
Who is eligible for services through the regional centers?
Regional centers are responsible for administering programs for the State of California, each of which has different eligibility requirements that have specific legal and clinical definitions.
Lanterman Act: The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act provides eligibility for services for adults and children aged 3 and older who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability as defined by the Act.
Early Start Services: Early Start services are available for infants and young children under 3 years of age who are considered "high risk" for developmental delays or who have been identified as having a developmental disability.
What is a developmental disability?
A developmental disability is defined as a disability that is attributable to any of the following conditions:
- Intellectual Disability
- Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy
- Autism
- Disabling conditions found to be closely related to an intellectual/cognitive disability
In addition, the disability must:
- Originate before age 18
- Be likely to continue indefinitely
- Constitute a "substantial disability"
What is the California Department of Developmental Services?
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is a department within the California Health and Human Services Agency dedicated to providing services and supports to people with developmental disabilities. Each regional center operates under a Performance Contract with DDS to meet both budgetary and service goals that are aligned with the Lanterman Act.
What Can The Regional Center Do For Me?
The regional center helps identify, coordinate, and monitor the services that are needed for an individual to lead a more independent life because of a developmental disability. This is called case management or service coordination. A case manager or service coordinator is assigned to help every individual. He or she will assist in developing an Individual Program Plan (3 years old and above) that includes the identification of services needed, where those services are available, what those services should consist of, and how those services should be monitored for progress.
Have More Questions?
We're here to help you navigate the process and find the support you need.