As reported in a January 26, 2022, FASD United post, NOFAS Northern California and other FASD and legal advocates are planning to challenge the California Department of Developmental Disability Services for systematically denying individuals with FASD services through the department’s network of regional centers.

Led by NOFAS Northern California Director Peggy Black, advocates contend that California’s denial of services is a violation of the Lanterman Act, and they are working to require the state to fulfill its obligation to serve children and adults in California affected by FASD.

The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act (AB 846), also known as the Lanterman Act, is a California law passed in 1977 that gives people with developmental disabilities the right to services and supports that enable them to live a more independent and normal life.

Black and her colleagues need your help, potentially opening up critical services for your loved ones living with FASD in California! Please contact Black if you applied to a California regional center seeking services for your child or adult with FASD under any of the following circumstances:

1) You were denied an application from a regional center and were told your loved one with FASD would not qualify

2) You applied to a regional center and were told that your loved one with FASD did not qualify and would not be evaluated for admission

3) Your adolescent or adult child was evaluated for admission by a regional center but was denied eligibility because:

-They have FASD and not autism or another developmental disability

-Their IQ is too high

-They have a primary psychiatric disorder and are therefore not eligible

Please specify any other reason given for denial by a regional center.

4) Please contact Peggy Black or 925-588-9737 if you applied to the regional center for your child or adult, were denied and you appealed the denial and lost on appeal!