The Arc of Ventura County Related Sites
The Arc of the US
The Arc of the United States, National Chapter

The Arc of California
State Chapter

The Arc Link
National directory for individuals and families seeking resources and advice on home and community-based services can find detailed information on service providers within this site.

The Rhythmic Arts Project
Working in harmony to achieve physical, psychological and spiritual wellness.

GoodSearch.com

GoodSearch.com is a new search engine that donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate.  You use it just as you would any search engine, and it’s powered by Yahoo!, so you get great results. Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter (The Arc - Ventura County) as the charity you want to support. Even better, download and install the free search toolbar.

State & Local Resources Links
The following guide was compiled in order to show how we and other state resources receive funding within the Health & Welfare system.
Click on a department for links and information.


Regional Centers
The State of California contracts with 21 private nonprofit agencies called regional centers, each one covering a different geographic region. The centers are the single agency in each area where persons with developmental disabilities can go for help to obtain services.

For more information on the center with which we are associated visit:
Tri-Counties Regional Center

For information on local centers in other counties visit:
Association of Regional Center Agencies 
Alta California Regional Center
Central Valley Regional Center
East Bay Regional Center
Far Northern Regional Center 
Golden Gate Regional Center
Harbor Regional Center (HRC) 
Inland Regional Center
Kern Regional Center 
Lanterman Regional Center
North Bay Regional Center
North Los Angeles County Regional Center
Redwood Coast Regional Center
Regional Center of Orange County
San Andreas Regional Center
San Diego Regional Center
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center
Valley Mountain Regional Center
Westside Regional Center

Government Related Links

Federal Funding
The Federal government largely funds several California advocacy agencies: the State Council on Developmental Services and Area Boards.

Governor
The citizens of California elect a governor every four years.
For more information on the Governor visit:
http://www.ca.gov


Legislature
The California Legislature is comprised of 40 senators (one from each of 40 district) and 80 assembly members (one from each of 80 districts). Senators are elected every four years; assembly members, every two years.

For more information on official California legislation visit:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov

For more information on the California Senate visit:
http://www.sen.ca.gov/

For more information on the California State Assembly visit:
http://www.assembly.ca.gov

State Council on Developmental Services
An independent State Council on Developmental Services comprises 19 members appointed by the Governor to coordinate services for persons with developmental disabilities. The Council develops a State Plan, reviews and comments on proposed state agency budgets and regulations, monitors the effectiveness of appeals, and testifies before the Legislature on fiscal and policy matters. The Council also funds ten regional Area boards including local Area Board IX.
For more information on State Developmental Councils visit:
http://www.scdd.ca.gov


Developmental Services
Each year, the Department of Developmental Disabilities contracts with the 21 regional centers to provide services to children and adults with developmental disabilities living in their areas. The Department of Developmental Services is also responsible for running the large residential facilities called state developmental centers.
For more information on Developmental Services visit:
http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov/


Developmental Centers
Developmental Centers are state institutions housing children and adults with developmental disabilities. The state developmental center population is gradually declining as California transfers residents to smaller community living arrangements.


PAI - Protection and Advocacy, Inc.
Protection and Advocacy, Inc. (PAI) is a private, nonprofit organization that protects the civil and service rights of Californians who have developmental or mental disabilities. PAI offers a variety of advocacy services including information and referral, technical assistance, and direct representation.
For more information on Protection and Advocacy, Inc. visit:
http://www.pai-ca.org


Area Boards
Each Area Board includes members appointed by the Governor and local governing bodies. Responsibilities involve protecting the rights of citizens with developmental disabilities, providing public information and education, and monitoring the policies and practices of publicly funded agencies.
For more information on Area Boards visit:
http://www.ns.net/OAB


OAB - The Office of Area Boards
The Office of Area Boards (OAB) coordinates and supports the activities of the local Area Boards.
For more information on OAB visit:
http://www.ns.net/OAB


PDF - Program Development Funds
Program Development Funds (PDF) help start up new local direct services.


Social Services
Several programs in the Department of Social Services are important to persons with developmental disabilities. In-Home Support Services (IHSS), administered through the counties, provide homemaker and personal care services for people who cannot remain safely in their homes without assistance. Community Care Licensing Division offices throughout the state license and monitor group homes and other non-medical living arrangements for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
For more information on Social Services visit:
http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/


Health Services
The Department of Health Services administers the Medi-Cal program. Medi-Cal pays for health care for low-income persons. Through county offices, California Children Services (CCS) funds diagnostic and treatment services for children with handicaps whose families are unable to afford such services. The Department of Health Licensing and Certification licenses and monitors living arrangements for children and adults with developmental disabilities who require some level of nursing care.
For more information on Health Services visit:
http://www.dhs.cahwnet.gov


Mental Health
The Department of Mental Health oversees county mental health services for adults and children with severe mental illness and emotional disturbance. The Department also administers State Hospital programs for people with mental illness.
For more information on Mental Health programs visit:
http://www.dmh.cahwnet.gov/


Rehabilitation
The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities reach social and economic independence. Work Activity Programs (WAP) include work adjustment and support services in a sheltered employment setting. Supported employment furnishes job coaches to help persons with disabilities to succeed at real jobs in the community.
For more information on Rehabilitation visit:
http://www.rehab.ca.gov/


Superintendent of Public Instruction
California voters elect the Superintendent of Public Instruction who administers the Department of Education.
For more information about the California Superintendent of Public Instruction visit:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/


State Department of Education
The Department of Education manages special education programs in California's public education system for the education of students from pre-school to adulthood. The intent of the law is met through a network of districts, Special Education Local Planning Areas (SELPAs) and other agencies.
For more information on the State Department of Education visit:
http://goldmine.cde.ca.gov


SELPA's - Special Education Local Planning Agencies
Special Education Local Planning Agencies SELPA's determine their own structures locally through county agencies and organizations to provide programs to students.


Local School Districts
Local school districts provide classes and training to children with disabilities.
For information about the Ventura County Unified School District:
http://www.vcss.k12.ca.us/