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Department of Developmental Services

February 11, 2009

By Terri Delgadillo

I wanted to let folks know this is coming next Thursday as soon as possible so information can be passed on to clients etc. Likely more information on DRC ideas will get to you all on Friday or Monday.

As you know, the State of California faces an unprecedented budget crisis. The Governor’s Budget, issued on January 9, 2009, anticipates a significant funding reduction and directs the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to work with stakeholders over the next few months to develop proposals to achieve targeted savings while maintaining the entitlement and ensuring program and service integrity.

On February 19, 2009 DDS will host the first of at least two public forums to receive input from consumers, family members, service providers and other stakeholders on possible cost containment strategies, including but not limited to those identified in Controlling Regional Center Costs Report which is available on the department’s web site at www.dds.ca.gov. The forum will be held:

Date: February 19, 2009
Time: 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Location: The Department of Health Care Services, East End, Complex Auditorium, 1501 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento

This facility is disability accessible. For those of you who cannot attend in person, an operated-assisted conference call line will be available for the duration of the meeting at (800) 230-1096.

Details for a Southern California forum will be available shortly.This event will also include conference call capability.In addition, Marty Omoto will be hosting a CDCAN town hall teleconference to give stakeholders another opportunity to provide input to the department.

Your voice is important, and we hope you will be able to participate. Written input is also welcome and should be submitted by March 6th to Sarah Steenhausen at sarah.steenhausen@dds.ca.gov.For additional information, please contact her at 916-654-1989.

In consideration of attendees who are sensitive to environmental odors created by chemicals and perfumes, please restrict the use of fragrances at this meeting.If disability-related accommodations are required for your attendance or you need materials in alternate formats, please contact Debbie Middleton at (916) 654-1902, or at deborah.middleton@dds.ca.gov.

TERRI DELGADILLO
Director