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By Jordan Lindsey, Executive Director, The Arc & UCP California Collaboration
On Friday, March 21, Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez (Coachella) and the California State Assembly honored the 40th anniversary of a landmark decision by the California Supreme Court to uphold the The Lanterman Act and the promise made to individuals with developmental disabilities. Assembly Member Gonzalez presented Assembly Concurrent Resolution 55 and spoke passionately about his own son with developmental disabilities and the importance of services and supports for his son and his family. The resolution passed by unanimous vote and nearly all Assembly Members in attendance requested to sign-on as co-authors.
40 years ago this month the California Supreme Court ruled to uphold the entitlement to developmental services. In 1982, the state faced financial difficulties and could not afford to fund all its programs. As a result, the state instructed regional centers to reduce spending on certain services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Arc of California, along with other advocates, sued the state, arguing that the Lanterman Act did not permit such cuts.
On March 21, 1985, the California Supreme Court ruled on the case known as “Arc v. DDS.” The Court stated that each person’s Individual Program Plan (IPP) constitutes a contract with the state. Furthermore, it affirmed that California has promised individuals with developmental disabilities access to services as an entitlement, enabling them to lead more independent and productive lives within the community.
