Our History

ELARC had its earliest beginnings as a local grass-roots advocacy movement of concerned parents in Eastern Los Angeles, then known as the East Los Angeles Retarded Children's Association (ELARCA).

California's robust service delivery system for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities was established by the landmark Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act which was signed into law in 1969. More commonly referred to as the Lanterman Act, this groundbreaking law was named after its author, Frank D. Lanterman, an Assemblymember who represented a portion of Los Angeles County in the 1950s.

The Lanterman Act outlines the rights and responsibilities of persons with developmental disabilities as well as created Regional Centers as the central points of contact for persons with developmental disabilities and their families.

It also establishes an entitlement to services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities. This means individuals with developmental disabilities have the right to receive services and supports which enable them to make decisions and choices about how, and with whom, they want to live their lives, and lead productive, independent and satisfying lives. It also declares that persons with developmental disabilities have the same legal rights and responsibilities guaranteed all other persons by federal and state constitutions and laws, and charges the Regional Center with advocacy for, and protection of, these rights.