Understanding the Lanterman Act: Rights, Services & Support for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
When families first begin navigating services for individuals with developmental disabilities, they often hear the term “Lanterman Act.” While it may sound complicated at first, the Lanterman Act is one of the most important foundations of disability services in California.
In simple terms, the Lanterman Act helps ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities have the right to receive the support and services they need to live more independent, productive, and meaningful lives.
At New Beginnings for Exceptional People, we believe understanding your rights is empowering. This post offers a simple overview of what the Lanterman Act is, why it matters, and how it impacts individuals and families receiving services.
What Is the Lanterman Act?
The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act is a California law that was created to protect the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Passed in 1969, the Act established that people with developmental disabilities have:
- The same legal rights as everyone else
- The right to services and supports that promote independence
- The right to live as independently and inclusively as possible within their communities
The law also created California’s Regional Center system, including organizations like Alta Regional Center.
Why the Lanterman Act Matters
The Lanterman Act is important because it shifts the focus from institutional care to community-based support and personal choice.
Instead of deciding what is easiest for the system, the law emphasizes individual choice, person-centered planning, inclusion in the community and independence and self-determination
This means services should be tailored to the person—not the other way around.
Who Does the Lanterman Act Protect?
The Act applies to eligible Californians with developmental disabilities, including conditions such as:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Intellectual disability
- Cerebral palsy
- Epilepsy
- Other closely related disabling conditions
To receive services under the Lanterman Act, eligibility must first be determined through a Regional Center intake and assessment process.
What Rights Does the Lanterman Act Provide?
The Lanterman Act outlines many important rights, including the right to:
Receive Services and Supports
Eligible individuals have the right to services that help them live more independently and safely.
These may include:
- Supported Living Services (SLS)
- Independent Living Services (ILS)
- Behavioral supports
- Day programs
- Employment services
- Transportation assistance
Participate in Planning
Individuals have the right to be involved in decisions about their own life and services. This includes participating in the development of their Individual Program Plan (IPP), personal goals and service preferences. The process is meant to be collaborative and person-centered.
Live in the Least Restrictive Environment
The law supports the idea that individuals should live and participate in the community as fully as possible. For many people, this means living in their own home or apartment, building community connections and developing life skills and independence.
Be Treated with Dignity and Respect
The Lanterman Act protects the civil and personal rights of individuals receiving services. Every person has the right to privacy, respect, choice and freedom from discrimination.
Important Rights Protected Under the Lanterman Act
The Right to Privacy
Privacy means deciding for yourself:
- What you want to share
- What you want to keep private
- Who you want to share information with
Under the Lanterman Act, individuals have the right to privacy. This means:
- You do not have to share personal thoughts
- You do not have to share private belongings
- You have the right to spend time alone or with friends
- Personal information should be treated respectfully and confidentially
If someone is not respecting an individual’s privacy, they should feel empowered to speak up and tell:
- A trusted friend or family member
- A Service Coordinator
- A Clients’ Rights Advocate
- A support provider or regional center representative
Respecting privacy is part of respecting dignity and independence.
The Right to Education
There was a time when many people wrongly believed individuals with disabilities could not learn or benefit from education. The Lanterman Act helped change that.
The Act states that individuals have the right to participate in an appropriate public education program.
This includes:
- Access to free public education for eligible students under age 22
- Opportunities for continued learning and education as adults
- Supportive educational services tailored to the individual’s needs
Education is an important part of independence, self-confidence, and opportunity.
The Right to Prompt Medical Care
Good health and medical support are essential for everyone.
The Lanterman Act says individuals have the right to services and supports that help them:
- Find appropriate doctors and healthcare providers
- Access hospitals and medical appointments
- Apply for Medi-Cal or other benefits
- Understand when medical attention is needed
Support teams and providers should help individuals stay safe, healthy, and informed about their medical care.
The Right to Religious Freedom
The Lanterman Act protects an individual’s right to:
- Believe what they choose about religion or faith
- Practice religion freely
- Participate in religious communities if desired
No one can:
- Force religious beliefs on someone
- Punish someone for their beliefs
- Prevent someone from practicing their religion
Individuals receiving services deserve the same freedom of belief and spiritual choice as anyone else.
The Right to Social Interaction & Community Participation
Community inclusion is one of the core values of the Lanterman Act.
Individuals have the right to:
- Choose who they spend time with
- Build friendships and relationships
- Participate in community activities
- Visit places where they can work, learn, shop, volunteer, and socialize
This right reinforces the idea that people with developmental disabilities belong in the community—not separated from it.
If additional support is needed to build social skills, relationships, or community involvement, individuals can discuss these goals with their Service Coordinator and support team.
The Right to Physical Exercise & Recreation
Everyone deserves opportunities to stay active, healthy, and enjoy life.
The Lanterman Act recognizes the right to:
- Exercise
- Participate in recreational activities
- Explore hobbies and interests
- Access enjoyable community experiences
Whether it’s walking, swimming, music, sports, art, or spending time outdoors, recreation supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.
The Right to Be Free From Harm
One of the most important protections under the Lanterman Act is the right to safety and dignity.
Individuals have the right to be free from:
- Abuse
- Neglect
- Intimidation or threats
- Unnecessary restraint
- Overmedication
- Isolation or punishment
No one should ever:
- Hurt, scare, or humiliate an individual
- Refuse necessary care or assistance
- Use medication improperly to control behavior
If someone feels unsafe or mistreated, they should tell a trusted person immediately.
The Right to Refuse Hazardous Procedures
The Lanterman Act also protects individuals from harmful or dangerous procedures.
People have the right to refuse procedures that may:
- Cause unnecessary pain
- Cause emotional or physical harm
- Be unsafe or overly restrictive
Services and supports should always focus on safety, dignity, and wellbeing—not punishment or control.
The Right to Services in the Least Restrictive Environment
The Act states that individuals have the right to receive services and supports in the least restrictive environment possible.
This means:
- Living and receiving services close to home and community
- Participating in everyday community settings whenever appropriate
- Receiving support in environments that encourage independence and inclusion
For many individuals, this is where Supported Living Services (SLS) become so important—providing support while allowing individuals to remain active members of their communities.
Understanding Your Rights and Moving Forward
Understanding the Lanterman Act helps families and individuals better navigate the Regional Center system and advocate for meaningful support.
At New Beginnings for Exceptional People, we believe knowledge is empowering. Whether you are just beginning the intake process or already receiving Supported Living Services, understanding your rights is an important part of the journey.
We look forward to continuing this series as we explore more topics related to SLS, independence, advocacy, and person-centered support.
