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Deaf & Hard of Hearing Resources

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Alta California Regional Center

Alta California Regional Center (ACRC) is a private, non-profit corporation working under contract with the State of California, Department of Developmental Services, to provide services to persons, age three and above, with a developmental disability pursuant to the Lanterman Act.

Association of Regional Center Agencies

California’s regional centers are a network of 21 community-based non-profits, represented by the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA). The regional centers coordinate services for, and advocate on behalf of, nearly 400,000 Californians with developmental disabilities.

California Community Living Network

The California Community Living Network (CCLN) was formed in 1996 by a small group of professionals from across the state who had provided supported living services under the original California Supported Living Arrangement (CSLA) pilot program.  In October of 1997 the Network held its first official gathering at the “Supported Life Conference” in Sacramento.  Out of that meeting, the Network’s Steering Committee decided it needed to ensure that supported living remained a viable option for people with developmental disabilities.  These individuals envisioned a united group of service providers, consumers, families and members of the community at large who would give supported living political power and a strong voice throughout the State of California.

Disability Rights California

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

Golden Gate Regional Center

To build inclusive communities by connecting and developing innovative services and supports responsive to the needs and aspirations of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families while educating and informing all community members about the rights, value and potential of human diversity.  Vision: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead lives of liberty and opportunity, lives in which they not only contribute and thrive in their chosen communities, but are valued and embraced members of those communities.

Norcal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a non-profit, community-based organization serving deaf and hard of hearing individuals, their families and the general public in 24 northeastern counties of California.  NorCal is one of a few organizations established by deaf and hard of hearing people to serve their community, and as a result, the services and programs at NorCal are uniquely designed of, by and for deaf and hard of hearing people. All members of the Board of Directors are deaf or hard of hearing.

San Diego County Regional Center

The San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) is a service of San Diego-Imperial Counties Developmental Services, Inc.  SDRC is a focal point in the community for persons with developmental disabilities (intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or other disabling conditions similar to intellectual disabilities) living in San Diego and Imperial counties.  We are a private, non-profit 501 c (3) organization that contracts with California to provide the services outlined in the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. The San Diego Regional Center is one of 21 regional centers throughout California.

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

The Council advocates, promotes and implements policies and practices that achieve self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all aspects of community life for Californians with developmental disabilities and their families.

Valley Mountain Regional Center

The mission of Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC) is to support people with developmental disabilities as they enrich their lives through choices and inclusion. VMRC is committed to securing quality, individualized services in collaboration with families and the community.


Glossary of Terms

Deaf- Using capital “D” is used to signify a cultural identity and signing identify themselves as culturally Deaf and active members of the Deaf community

ASL- American Sign Language

DB- Deafblind

CODA- Child of Deaf Adults

CDI- Certified Deaf Interpreter

CI- Certified Interpreter

DI- Deaf Interpreter

CI/CT- Certificate of Interpretation and Certificate of Transliteration

ADA- Americans with Disabilities Acts

AT- Assistive Technology

Bi/Bi- see bilingual/Bicultural

VRS- Video Relay Services

HOH- Hard of Hearing

VRI- Video remote interpreting

CC- Closed Caption

NAD- National Association of the Deaf

VP- Video Phone

VR- Vocational Rehabilitation

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