What is the primary function of a regional center?

A regional center primarily exists to facilitate lifelong care and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. These centers play a crucial role in coordinating various support services that individuals and their families may require throughout their lives. This includes assessments, planning, and connecting individuals to necessary resources and programs that address their specific needs, such as education, employment, health care, and housing.

The emphasis on lifelong support underscores the understanding that individuals with developmental disabilities require continuous assistance as they grow and their needs evolve. While recreational activities, healthcare regulation, and medical research are important in their own right, they do not encapsulate the core mission of a regional center, which is to ensure that individuals receive a comprehensive array of supportive services that promote their overall well-being and integration into the community.