The Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) members have been sharing valuable insight into California’s developmental services, and for the first time they are getting paid to do it!
The LEAG brings together people who personally receive regional center services to give input directly to the Department. The LEAG members help us understand what’s working, what needs to change, and how to make information easier to understand.
Some of the areas the LEAG has recently discussed include:
- The LOIS project
- Service coordinators trainings
- Updates to the Consumers’ Guide to the Lanterman Act
- The value and disadvantages of services, supports, and IPP meetings that have been conducted remotely
- Plans for creating a Self Determination Program input group
The LEAG held its first full-team meeting in late September. These semiannual meetings provide a platform where members can update the entire group on what’s happening in their local area and gather input and support ongoing projects.
The LEAG plans its second annual meeting in April. This in-person gathering will take place in Sacramento.
We Want to Hear from More Voices!
36 people over the age of 18 currently serve in the LEAG, representing 20 of the 21 regional centers. Our goal is to achieve a membership of 40 to 50 people for broader and more diverse representation. Therefore, we’re still accepting applications. We are particularly interested in recruiting people who can represent the Central Valley Regional Center and Canyon Springs Community Facility.
A larger group will allow members to work on subgroups related to topics they are passionate about, like:
- Expanding Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
- Helping to Use Plain Language in Information and Materials
- Peer-to-Peer Education & Support Opportunities
Each member is eligible to receive a $20 per hour stipend for their contribution.
Are you interested in joining the LEAG? Fill out the LEAG Application.
Please note: This committee is for people over the age of 18 who are receiving services from one of the 21 regional centers in California. It does not include parents or other family members of individuals served by the regional centers.