California Department of Developmental Services Task Force

I Am Excited to Announce…

Recently the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) announced that a total of 157 experts from across the state have been selected as members of the Developmental Services (DS) Task Force. This task force was established in 2014 to strengthen community services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in California. It has become a vital element of the state developmental services system and provides guidance on how to the deliver these services to the public.

I am very excited to announce that I have been asked to join this task force as well as a System and Fiscal Reform Workgroup that will be working at the state level to ensure we have a robust system of supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

As a member of these task forces, I will participate in discussions and make recommendations on strengthening developmental services for individuals who have developmental disabilities.  The System and Fiscal Reform Workgroup will also discuss system and fiscal reforms to better serve individuals, evaluate compliance with federal rules, and discuss key system performance outcomes and measures.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to share concerns and suggestions from our organization and the individuals we serve at the state level through the California Department of Developmental Services.  DDS is a state agency, headquartered in Sacramento, that provides services for California residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They also provide services through nonprofit agencies called regional centers.  There are 21 regional centers throughout the state of California, and UCPLA works directly with many of these regional centers to support individuals who want and need our services.

Joining the task force now is critical, as California’s I/DD service delivery is undergoing significant changes to better support people with disabilities. Our state continues to work toward compliance with the new home and community-based services (HCBS) settings rule promulgated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), closure of the state’s three remaining developmental centers, and comprehensive reform of the California I/DD rate system. Rate reform will, undoubtedly, be an important point of discussion among this task force as well.

By ensuring that our community and their concerns are represented at the state level, these task forces and work groups enable UCPLA to be a champion for all, working to unlock the potential that comes from integrating all individuals into society.  Our community – the individuals we serve, the Direct Support Professionals who improve their quality of life, and the families who care for them – deserves to have a seat at the table, and I am proud to be their voice in Sacramento.

I also look forward to sharing information and insights from our task force and work group meetings, which kick off this month.  Stay tuned to this blog and our social media pages, and sign up for my monthly Public Policy newsletter, in order to stay updated on our statewide work!