Developmental services: regional centers.
The passage of AB 959 has meaningful implications for state laws regarding how developmental services are administered and communicated. By formalizing the requirement for transparency through online information, the bill enhances the accountability of regional centers to the consumers they serve. This aligns with existing laws under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, which asserts the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities to make informed choices about their lives. The inclusion of authorized representatives as individuals whose rights to make choices are recognized under the law affirms the bill's commitment to respecting the preferences and wishes of individuals and their families.
Assembly Bill No. 959, authored by Holden, amends various sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code to enhance the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. The bill mandates the State Department of Developmental Services to create a dedicated webpage on its website that lists and describes the services provided by regional centers. This requirement is aimed at promoting transparency and ensuring that consumers and their representatives have access to essential information about available services. Furthermore, AB 959 emphasizes the importance of cultural and linguistic appropriateness in the provision of information, which caters to the diverse backgrounds of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Generally, the sentiment surrounding AB 959 appears positive, especially among advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities. Supporters of the bill appreciate the increased transparency that it promotes, believing it will empower consumers by providing them and their families with the information they need to make informed choices. However, there are likely to be concerns from groups emphasizing the need for adequate oversight to ensure that the intended benefits of transparency truly translate into improved access to services and supports.
One potential point of contention surrounding AB 959 may be the implementation challenge of ensuring that all regional centers can adequately provide the required information in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. This may involve additional training and resources, which could strain the budgets of smaller regional centers. Moreover, while the bill seeks to enhance consumer rights and access, stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of the measures proposed and whether they go far enough in addressing broader systemic issues within developmental disability services.