Support Statement

For those who are not familiar with Assembly Bill 896, which proposes to
close California's institutions for people with developmental disabilities,
more information is available from this Inclusion Daily Express web page:

AB 896 Supported by:



Aldea Children and family Services

Arc California

Assoc. of Regional
Center Agencies

Autism Society of Los Angeles

Calif. Alliance for Inclusive Communities

Calif. Rehabilitation Association

Community Advocacy
Services Awdation

Consumer Advisory Committee

Easter Seals of

Calitorr*a

Easter Seals of Superior Calfomia

Residential Care Society

People First of California

Protection and Advocacy. Inc.

System Reform, Inc,

The Oaks Group

United Cerebral Palsy Affiliates



Representing thousands of individuals with Developmentel Disabilities
SUPPORT STATEMENT
FOR ASSEMBLY BILL 896

Assembly Bill (AS) 896, introduced by Assembly Member Dion Aroner, calls for the unification of budget items within the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Currently, the budgets for community services and the developmental centers are separate items, requiring separate budget action. This creates unnecessary challenges when addressing critical fiscal needs of the entire service system that is under the jurisdiction of the Department

DDS and the regional centers need greater administrative and management flexibility with the budget, allowing increased responsiveness in meeting consumer needs. Additionally, AB 896 calls for the closure of three developmental centers within the next six years. AB 896 addresses the immediate needs of individuals who presently reside in the developmental centers and individuals with comparable needs that are in community settings as a priority. It is the intent of the legislation, that over a period of time, the fiscal resources dedicated to the developmental centers will transfer to community-based services, providing a more equitable use of state resources.

Currently, nearly 25% of the budget supports only 2% of the population receiving services in California. This disproportionate share of the resources has had serious consequences on the community service system and needs immediate attention. The Bureau of State Audits published a report in 1999 that concluded that the community system is being 'undermined" by budget cuts and insufficient funding. This has resulted in the closure of programs or services not being developed. Additionally, the funding deficiencies have significantly impacted the ability of community-based agencies in the hiring of qualified personnel.

It is the intent of AB 896 to enable the state to fulfill its mandated obligations by resolving systemic financial and programmatic problems by consolidating and altering the distribution of resources and responsibilities within a more unified system.

Consistent with the principles of the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act end the belief that people with developmental disabilities have the right to live and fully participate in community settings, the time has come to pass AB 896.

June 28, 2001