National Core Indicators

The National Core Indicators (NCI) Survey is used by the California Department of Developmental Services to assess performance in services and supports provided to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). The NCI survey has been used in California since 2010 to implement a nation-wide quality assessment survey, in accordance with Welfare and Institutions code, Section 4571.
The National Core Indicators (NCI) surveys were developed by the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) and the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDS). The NCI surveys are used in 48 states and Washington, D.C. In California, the NCI surveys are administered by the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD).

The National Core Indicators (NCI) surveys give individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families the opportunity to voluntarily and confidentially participate in surveys about regional center and community services.

There are four surveys completed by:

  • Family of child living in the family home (Child Family Survey)
  • Family of an adult living in the family home (Adult Family Survey)
  • Family of an adult living outside the family home (Family Guardian Survey)
  • An adult who receives regional center services (Adult In-Person Survey)

The four surveys ask questions about:

  • Access and delivery of services
  • Choice and decision making
  • Community involvement (includes employment and relationships)
  • Satisfaction with services
  • Information and planning
  • Health and welfare
  • Respect and rights

The National Core Indicators (NCI) Survey gives individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families the opportunity to voluntarily and confidentially participate in surveys to share their experiences on access to and use of regional center and community services.

  • Survey responses help California learn how it is doing compared to other states.
  • Survey responses help the regional centers see what they are doing well and what they can improve.

There are four types of NCI surveys used in California:

Adult In-Person Survey (formally known as the Adult Consumer Survey)

The Adult In-Person Survey is conducted face-to-face with an individual who is 18 years or older and receives at least one service from the regional center, in addition to case management.

Child Family Survey

The Child Family Survey is a written survey that is completed by families of a child (ages 3-17 years old) who lives with them and receives at least one service from a regional center, in addition to case management.

Adult Family Survey

The Adult Family Survey is a written survey that is completed by families of an adult (age 18 and over) who lives with them and receives at least one service from a regional center, in addition to case management.

Family Guardian Survey

The Family Guardian Survey is a written survey that is completed by families and conservators of individuals (age 18 and over) who live in a community placement setting, and receive at least one service from a regional center, in addition to case management.

Survey Schedule

Fiscal YearAdult In-Person SurveyAdult Family SurveyFamily Guardian SurveyChild Family Survey
2020/21

X
2021/22

X

X

X
2022/23

X
2023/24

X

X

X
2024/25

X
2025/26

X

X

X

Resources

If you have questions about NCI, you may email: ncihelp@dds.ca.gov.

NCI California Interactive Dashboards

The interactive dashboard tools invite individuals to explore findings from NCI surveys from across the state of California. There are three ways to view NCI data:

How to Navigate NCI Interactive Dashboards

Data Briefs

Reports

Fiscal Year (FY) 17/18

Previous FY Reports

Fiscal Year (FY) 17/18

Fiscal Year (FY) 19/20

Fiscal Year (FY) 16/17

Previous FY Reports

Fiscal Year (FY) 19/20

Fiscal Year (FY) 16/17

Fiscal Year (FY) 19/20

Fiscal Year (FY) 16/17

Previous FY Reports

Fiscal Year (FY) 19/20

Fiscal Year (FY) 16/17

Fiscal Year (FY) 18/19

Previous FY Reports

Fiscal Year (FY) 18/19

If you notice an error on a published report or handout please email ncihelp@dds.ca.gov

Importance of NCI

Three-minute video of self-advocates providing reasons that NCI is important.

Information about the Adult In-Person Survey

Six-minute video that provides a high-level overview of the voluntary and confidential NCI in-person survey, what to expect, and why it is important.  It covers the process from interview scheduling to a sample of interview questions.

Resources

If you have questions about NCI, you may email: ncihelp@dds.ca.gov.

California uses NCI to assess individuals who transition from a Developmental Center to the community. In fiscal year 2009/2010, NCI began an annual interview of individuals who moved from Lanterman Developmental Center and a cohort of individuals who had moved from any Developmental Center in the past five years. The individuals who moved from Lanterman Developmental Center will be interviewed until fiscal year 2018/2019. The individuals who moved from any Developmental Center in the past five years has been absorbed by the Mover Longitudinal Study (information in the link below).

Results from the surveys of individuals who moved from Lanterman Developmental Center and from any California Developmental Center can be found in the NCI Survey Results tab in the “Developmental Center Mover Reports” link. You can learn more about the MLS here.


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Last modified: June 13, 2022