Caring for the Developmentally Disabled

Join Health Dialogues as we discuss why the state wants to close a residential care facility for the developmentally disabled, and what this closure might mean for the community. We also examine other services that help families take care of their loved ones living with developmental disabilities.

Governor Reagan signs the Lanterman Act, 1969

State Considers Closure of Lanterman Developmental Center

Guest host Rachael Myrow explores the proposal to close the Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona, California, home to nearly 400 people with developmental disabilities. Many parties hold varying points of view on the potential closure: parents who want Lanterman to remain open; advocacy groups who want people to be placed in more community-based facilities; and the Department of Developmental Services, which is charged with facilitating the closure during the current budget crisis.

• More: Save LDC : An advocacy website dedicated to keeping Lanterman Developmental Center open.
• More: California Budget Project : An organization dedicated to improving public policies affecting the economic and social well-being of low- and middle-income Californians.
• More: California Disability Community Action Network : A disability and civil rights advocacy network.
• More: CA Department of Developmental Services : Find out what state services are available, who is eligible and how to apply.
• More: Legislative Analyst's Office : Nonpartisan office providing fiscal and policy advice to the California State Legislature.
• More: The Respite Inn : A nonprofit agency providing out-of-home respite and emergency services to adults with developmental disabilities in Northern California.

• Residential Care Options: See photos of Health Dialogues' trip to the Lanterman Developmental Center and the Mountain Home residential facility.
• Statewide Map: Find locations and contact info for Developmental and Regional Centers across California.

Health Reform Update

Health Dialogues discusses the latest news in health insurance reform at the national level, and what?s in it for the developmentally disabled. Guest: Sarah Varney, KQED Radio health reporter.

Denti-Cal Cuts Affecting the Developmentally Disabled

When Denti-Cal cuts went into effect last July, they affected services for developmentally disabled adults who do not live in certain licensed skilled nursing facilities or intermediate care facilities. Health Dialogues takes a look at the impact of these restrictions on a population that needs special dental care. Reporter: Mina Kim

Early Start: Dealing with Disabilities During Childhood

Learn about changes to "Early Start," an early intervention program for developmentally disabled infants and toddlers up to three years of age. Reporter: Kelley Weiss

• More: Early Start : Resources to help families of infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities find and apply for services.

Creativity Explored

Take a trip to an art studio in San Francisco?s Mission District, where all the artists are people with developmental disabilities. Reporter: Rori Gallagher

• More: Creativity Explored : Find out more about the program, and purchase artwork made by people with developmental disabilities.

• Photo Tour of Creativity Explored: Take a tour of Creativity Explored's studio space, and see artists show off their work.

Photo: Shuka Kalantari

We Gotta Dance!

Health Dialogues presents an audio postcard from "We Gotta Dance," a social event for the developmentally disabled. The monthly dance is organized by the Arc of San Francisco, a nonprofit resource for people with developmental disabilities.

• More: The Arc of San Francisco : Find out more about "We Gotta Dance," and other disability services of the nonprofit advocacy group.

• We Gotta Dance!: A video postcard from our trip to the Arc of San Francisco's "We Gotta Dance!"