What is the Regional Center?

ELARC is a private, non-profit organization under contract to the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) which coordinates and provides community based services to people with developmental disabilities in California regardless of citizenship and legal status.

Established in California law through the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, ELARC is one of 21 Regional Centers in the state and one of seven Regional Centers in Los Angeles County. The ELARC service area is comprised of communities located in the eastern and northeastern portions of Los Angeles County.

As of 2025, ELARC serves over 15,000 individuals and has over 350 employees at two sites in Eastern Los Angeles County and serves as the first point of entry for most people who receive a referral or are looking for services.

ELARC provides intake, conducts assessments and evaluations, and diagnoses children and adults for eligibility of regional center services with a trained team of clinical and medical professionals.

When an individual becomes eligible for services, ELARC contracts with service providers (vendors) to provide direct services to individuals in the community and assists individuals in obtaining services that are identified in an Individual Program Plan (IPP.) Case management (or service coordination) includes but may not be limited to coordination of community living services (including options such as independent living or living in a licensed care facility,) day program services (including options such as supported employment or community based program,) advocacy and early intervention services for children 0-3.

Additional services and support include but are not limited to community education, parent training, information, and referral to other public services such as Medi-Cal and In-Home Support Services (IHSS).