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D.E.S.I. client exploring Chinatown, Los Angeles with his educator as part of a regional center service.

Our Work

Regional Center Services

Regional Center Services

D.E.S.I. is a preferred vendor with four regional centers across Los Angeles County: Eastern Los Angeles, South Central Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley/Pomona, and Lanterman.

Our programs are designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want more independence, a home of their own, or a real job with a real paycheck.

Our Programs

Four programs. One mission: more independence, a home of your own, and a real career.

D.E.S.I. participant practicing independent living skills at home with a coach
ILS

Independent Living Skills

Learning to live independently takes practice. Our ILS program meets participants right where they are, at home and in their community, teaching the day-to-day skills that make independent living possible.

Participants build skills in financial management, home maintenance, interpersonal relationships, and personal goal-setting. Each person works through individualized, skills-based assignments tailored to their living situation and goals.

Who it's for: Regional center consumers who need support achieving or maintaining a self-sustaining independent living situation.

D.E.S.I. support worker helping an adult with a disability in their home
SLS

Supported Living Services

Some people need more than a skills class. They need someone in their corner for the long term. Our SLS program provides ongoing, person-centered support for individuals living in homes they own or lease in the community.

Support spans housing navigation, attendant selection, daily living, emergency response, financial management, and community integration. Services flex over time as needs and goals evolve.

Who it's for: Adults with intellectual disabilities who choose to live in the community and want sustained, individualized support to thrive there.

Young adult with a disability working at a paid internship alongside non-disabled peers
IES/PIP

Individualized Employment Services & Paid Internship Program

Our employment pathway moves through two connected stages. Individualized Employment Services (IES) builds the foundation: one-to-one coaching in job readiness, workplace communication, self-advocacy, and career exploration across industries.

The Paid Internship Program (PIP) puts those skills to work in real placements, with real paychecks, in integrated settings alongside non-disabled peers. Every PIP placement meets the standard for Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE): minimum wage or above, non-segregated settings, and the same advancement opportunities as any other employee. It's not a simulation. It's a career pathway.

Who it's for: Regional center consumers, primarily low-income adults with autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities, served by Eastern LA, South Central LA, and nearby regional centers.

D.E.S.I. participant and coordinator designing a personalized day services plan together
TDS

Tailored Day Services

Tailored Day Services puts the consumer in the driver's seat. Rather than fitting into a standard day program, participants design a customized plan, selecting the services, settings, and schedule that match their individual goals and preferences.

D.E.S.I. works with the regional center to develop a TDS plan that replaces or supplements traditional day programming with something built specifically for that person.

Who it's for: Regional center consumers who want a more individualized alternative to a standard day or vocational program. Consumers may request TDS information from their regional center at any time.

Preferred Vendor With Four Regional Centers

  • Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center
  • South Central Los Angeles Regional Center
  • San Gabriel Valley/Pomona Regional Center
  • Lanterman Regional Center

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us to learn which program is the right fit for you or your family member.