Frequently Asked Questions

What is the referral process for Employment & Community Options?
If you are in southern CA(San Diego or San Bernardino County), Call either Regional Directors Bill Lacy at (858)565-9870 Ext. 102 or Patrick Hines at (619)476-0809 Ext. 101 and they will assist you through the process.

If you are in northern CA (Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz County or Alameda County) call Regional Director, Katy Chevalier at (408)423-9484 Ext. 11 and she will assist you through the process. 

What is the fee or charge for services?
There is no charge for services for clients of the Regional Center System, Department of Rehabilitation or the Senior Community Employment Services Program.  We do except private pay arrangements for individuals who do not have funding available to them from other sources.

What is the Regional Center System?
The State of California contracts with 21 private non-profit organizations called regional centers each serving a different geographic area.  Employment & Community Options works with San Diego Regional Center, Inland Regional Center, San Andreas Regional Center and Regional Center of the East Bay. 

Who is eligible for Regional Center Services?
Children and adults are eligible who are substantially disabled due to conditions falling within the legal definition of “developmental disabilities”.  These conditions are mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and autism.  Or, the person may have a condition closely related to mental retardation, which requires similar treatment.  The onset of these conditions must have been prior to age 18.  Finally, an infant or young child under the age of three may be accepted by the regional center as “high risk” because of medical problems and complications, or because they have a parent with a developmental disability. 

What is the Department of Rehabilitation?
The Department of Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities reach social and economic independence.  Supported Employment provides job coaching and job development for individuals with developmental disabilities succeed at real jobs in the community. 
http://www.rehab.ca.gov

Who is eligible for Department of Rehabilitation Services?
People who have disabilities and are finding it difficult to obtain employment because of their disability and want to work may be eligible for DOR services.  Go to their website at www.rehab.ca.gov where you can download an application and determine the closest office to your home. 

What is the difference between Supported Employment & Integrated Employment?
Both services are for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Supported Employment is for individuals who need support at work only and who can be independent on the job 80% of the time after the first 2-3 months of training.  Integrated Employment is a 6 hour day program at a 1:3 staff to participant ratio where individuals learn to access the community and have a job with the support of a Support Specialist. 

What is the difference between Case Services and Employment Services (San Diego County)?
Case Services is a contract between Employment & Community Options and the Department of Rehabilitation to serve individuals with disabilities. Employment services also assists clients to find employment. This service is provided throughout San Diego County.

If I have questions who should I call? 
If you are in southern CA(San Diego or San Bernardino County), Call either Regional Directors Bill Lacy at (858)565-9870 Ext. 102 or Patrick Hines at (619)476-0809 Ext. 101.

If you are in northern CA (Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz County or Alameda County) call Regional Director, Katy Chevalier at (408)423-9484 Ext. 11.

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