Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC) Program

California law (Welfare and Institutions Code § 4620.4) provides the Department of Developmental Services (Department) with $16.7 million in ongoing funding to strengthen and expand the Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC) Program across the state’s 21 regional centers. This funding enhances support for the diverse language and cultural needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, promoting more equitable access to information and services for them, their caregivers and their families.

The Department implements this initiative through contracts with regional centers. LACC specialized funding supports individuals and families from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds by providing access to information and services. These funds do not replace existing regional center efforts or funding; rather, they build on current work and expand support to individuals served, their caregivers, and their families.

The LACC program is an annual effort established in the May 12, 2026 LACC Directive. Its primary purpose is to improve consumer and family experience and to facilitate more consistent access to information and services for monolingual, multilingual and culturally diverse communities.

Ongoing LACC efforts by regional centers include:

• Education and Training Workshops
• In-person and Virtual Outreach Events
• Interpretation and Translation Services
• Listening Sessions and Focus/Support Groups
• Partnering with Community-Based Organizations
• Production of short informational videos

Regional Center LACC Plans

The Department approves regional center annual plans that are specifically designed to improve and promote the Language Access and Cultural Competency Program in regional centers’ catchment areas.

The links below provide summaries of approved LACC plans, arranged by Fiscal Year.

Last modified: September 2, 2026