An Ombudsperson is someone who can provide unbiased information, listen to concerns, and help resolve issues. The Department has an Office of the Ombudsperson and an Office of the Self-Determination Program Ombudsperson.
These Offices can:
- Provide information to regional center clients and their families,
- Facilitate resolution to disagreements and complaints,
- Make recommendations to DDS and the Legislature, and
- Compile and report data.
These Offices cannot:
- Decide disputes in favor of one party or another,
- Represent someone in the appeal process,
- Make a recommendation to a court or hearing officer, or
- Overturn a final hearing decision.
Katie Hornberger, the DDS Ombudsperson, is pictured on the right. Katie has worked with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities her entire career.
You can learn more about Katie and her team on the Ombudsperson page of the DDS website.
How do you contact a DDS Ombudsperson? Reach out at the contacts below. Email: Ombudsperson@dds.ca.gov Call: 877-658-9731 Visit the DDS Office of the Ombudsperson website.
How do you contact the Self-Determination Program Ombudsperson? Reach out at the contacts below. Email: SDP.Ombudsperson@dds.ca.gov Phone: (877) 658-9731 Visit Office of the Self-Determination Program Ombudsperson
