POS Disparity Outreach
Each year, the California Department of Developmental Services (CA DDS) is required to collect data regarding the purchase of services from all regional centers.
In 2016, the State of California passed legislation to address racial disparities in purchase of services. The legislation built on previous efforts by making funds available to regional centers and community based organizations (such as D.E.S.I.) to take direct action to increase equity and reduce disparities.
Since 2018, D.E.S.I. has partnered with CA DDS to perform outreach activities throughout Los Angeles County to raise awareness and educate families about accessing and navigating Regional Center services.
Bridge to the Regional Center / Puente Al Centro Regional
Bridge to the Regional Center / Puente Al Centro Regional is an outreach program intended to help Latino families in Los Angeles access regional center services.
The project combines Spanish language community workshops with videos, digital PSA posters and written materials. Participant families also receive direct referrals to the regional center are provided, as wekk as follow up from D.E.S.I. Promotoras.
Past outreach events have taken place at locations such as Montebello Park Elementary School (East Los Angeles, CA); AltaMed Healthy Communities Healthy Lives Coalition Meeting (South Gate, CA); Garfield High School Resource Fair (Los Angeles, CA); Bannecker Career Transition Center (Los Angeles, CA); Transition Night Resources Fair at Downey, Montebello, Mid-City SELPA @ PACE School (Bellflower, CA); Montebello Chamber of Commerce Community Expo (Montebello, CA); Inland Congregations United for Change (Riverside, CA).