Developmental disability services — Regional Centers
A Regional Center is California's front door for people with a developmental disability that began before age 18 — intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and related conditions. Intake and the eligibility assessment are free, and a service coordinator helps arrange ongoing support. Which center you use depends on the county you live in. This is information, not an eligibility decision — the center assesses and decides; we just help you find the right one. Official DDS county lookup ↗
- Helps with
- Eligibility assessment and service coordination for children and adults with developmental disabilities — early-start services for young children, family support, day programs, employment, and residential options.
- How to start
- Contact the intake department through their website to request an assessment. Services are free and there's no immigration requirement to be assessed.
Checked 2026-06-09.
- Helps with
- Intake, eligibility, and lifelong service coordination for people with developmental disabilities — Early Start for infants/toddlers, family resources, independent-living and employment support.
- How to start
- Reach out to their intake team via the website to begin an assessment. Free of charge.
Checked 2026-06-09.
- Helps with
- Assessment and coordination of services for children and adults with developmental disabilities in Santa Clara County (and neighboring counties) — including Early Start, family support, and adult services.
- How to start
- Contact intake through the website to request an eligibility assessment. No cost.
Checked 2026-06-09.
- Helps with
- Eligibility, service coordination, and support for people with developmental disabilities across the North Bay — Early Start, family and respite support, day and residential services.
- How to start
- Begin by contacting their intake department through the website. Free to be assessed.
Checked 2026-06-09.
Regional Center services are free and run by the California Dept. of Developmental Services. Intake and eligibility are decided by the center — confirm current intake steps on their website before relying on anything here.