Achievable

In general, people with developmental disabilities and their families experience disproportionately high rates of poverty and economic hardships, and often cannot afford crucial services or even basic necessities on their own.

In California, there are 21 regional centers with a State contract to coordinate and provide basic services to individuals with developmental disabilities. In order to receive services through the regional center system, an individual must have a developmental disability that begins before age 18, results in substantial limitations and is expected to continue indefinitely.

Unfortunately, available funding streams for necessary services seem to be diminishing as rapidly as the need arises. The budget shortfall in California has resulted in a reduction in, or elimination of, many resources and desperately needed services available through the regional center system. Additionally, many individuals with developmental disabilities who live on limited fixed incomes and rely on Medi-Cal for health coverage are experiencing widening gaps in health care services. Cuts in Medi-Cal benefits have left many of the most vulnerable individuals with developmental disabilities without coverage for health care services such as dental, podiatry, optometry, audiology, speech therapy and psychological services.

The consequences of lacking sufficient resources, services and health care can be devastating for individuals with developmental disabilities who may already be faced with mobility, physical, financial, social and communication difficulties. Achievable exists to bridge the gap in desperately needed services for the growing population of individuals with developmental disabilities. We are committed to meeting the unmet financial, social and health needs of traditionally underserved children and adults with a range of developmental disabilities living in and around Los Angeles.