(a) Consistent with state and federal law, the Legislature places a high priority on providing opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to be integrated into the mainstream life of their natural communities. In order to ensure that opportunities for integration are maximized, the procedure described in subdivision (b) shall be adopted.
(b) Regional centers shall be responsible for expanding opportunities for the full and equal participation of persons with developmental disabilities in their local communities through, activities, that may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
(1) Outreach to, and training and education of, representatives of community service agencies and programs, businesses, and community activity providers regarding the provision and expansion of opportunities for participation by regional center consumers.
(2) Developing a community resources list.
(3) Providing assistance to case managers and family members on expanding community integration options for consumers in the areas of work, recreation, social, community service, education, and public services.
(4) Developing and facilitating the use of innovative methods of contracting with community members to provide support in natural environments to regional center consumers.
(5) Development and facilitating the use of natural supports to enhance community participation.
(6) Providing technical assistance to, and coordinating with, community support facilitators who will be used to provide supports to individual consumers for community participation, as needed.
(7) Providing sources of information relevant to individuals in making informed choices about employment options. This information may include, but need not be limited to, work incentive programs for persons with developmental disabilities, access and retention of needed benefits, interactions of earned income, asset building, or other financial changes on benefits, employment programs and protections, taxpayer requirements and responsibilities, training opportunities, and information and services available through other agencies, organizations, or on the Internet.
(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 397, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2007.)