SACRAMENTO — The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) joins Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and First Lady Anne Gust Brown in celebrating the 85th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday, December 5, 2016.
Alex and Alan Rosales (age 7) of Los Angeles, CA, were chosen by South Central Los Angeles Regional Center (SCLARC) to help the Governor and First Lady light the tree and hang special ornaments created by persons with developmental disabilities. This will be the first time in 34 years twins will participate in the tradition. Alex and Alan have autism and represent over 300,000 persons with developmental disabilities who receive services and supports from the state developmental centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers.
“We appreciate Alex and Alan Rosales of Los Angeles helping the Governor and First Lady light this year’s Capitol Christmas tree,” said Nancy Bargmann, Director of DDS.
Alex and Alan thrive in the classroom, enjoy sports and social activities, including Special Olympics, building LEGOS sets, and share a passion for unique cars. The boys’ mother, Mildred Orellana, has raised awareness of developmental services in their community. Alex and Alan reside with their mother, and sister, Stephanie (age 9), in Los Angeles.
The twins were referred to SCLARC when they were two and a half years old and received Early Start Services for autism. They are currently in the second grade at 99th Street Elementary in Los Angeles and attend a special day class for children with autism. SCLARC is one of 21 nonprofit regional centers throughout the state serving individuals with developmental disabilities through Part C of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), known as Early Start, and the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. SCLARC coordinates comprehensive, person-centered services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout their lifetimes.
The Capitol Christmas tree is decorated with 10,000 ultra-low wattage LED lights and 900 ornaments created by persons with developmental disabilities who receive services from state developmental centers and regional centers.
