The San Diego Regional Center is one of 21 regional centers developed for persons with developmental disabilities in the State of California. Regional centers were originally started as pilot projects in San Francisco and Los Angeles to assist persons with mental retardation and their families in locating and developing services and programs within their communities. The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (California Welfare & Institution [W&I] Code Section 4500 et seq) provides the authority for the regional center system. Copies of the Lanterman legislation are available in each regional center office or can be viewed at www.dds.ca.gov.

The San Diego Regional Center opened in 1969 and serves people living within the geographic boundaries of San Diego and Imperial Counties. The Regional Center serves as a focal point within the community through which a person with a developmental disability and his or her family can obtain services and/or be referred to appropriate community resources in the fields of health, welfare and education. It is the philosophy of the Regional Center that each consumer shall be provided with the maximum opportunity to participate in everyday living experiences that permit development to the highest potential.

Who We Serve

Any resident of San Diego or Imperial Counties believed to have a developmental disability, believed to be at high risk of parenting an infant with a developmental disability, or any infant at high risk of having a developmental disability may receive Intake services through San Diego Regional Center.

Anyone may direct a person suspected of having a developmental disability to the San Diego Regional Center. Formal application, however, must be made by an adult applicant, parent, conservator or legal guardian.

Residents of Imperial County apply for services at the Regional Center office in Imperial. Residents of San Diego County apply through the Intake Department at the main office of the San Diego Regional Center.