Description
In 1970, the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act (PL 91-517) was amended to require every
state to establish a council on developmental disabilities. In California, Assembly Member Frank Lanterman had already authored
legislation toward the goal of improving services for the developmentally disabled. The California legislation has been amended
several times over the last three decades, but continues to be a guiding force behind services and legislation for the developmentally
disabled as well as the Council itself. The records of the State Council in Developmental Disabilities document the efforts
of the Council to create, develop, and evaluate new and existing programs and services for the developmentally disabled.
Background
In 1970, the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act (PL 91-517) was amended to require every
state to establish a council on developmental disabilities (this federal law would later be known as the Developmental Disabilities
Assistance and Bill of Rights Act). In California, Assembly Member Frank Lanterman had already authored legislation toward
the goal of improving services for the developmentally disabled. The Lanterman Mental Retardation Services Act (AB225, Chapter
1594, Statutes of 1969) and the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (AB77, Chapter 275, Statutes of 1976) have
been amended several times over the last three decades, but they continue to be a guiding force behind services and legislation
for the developmentally disabled as well as the Council itself. "The responsibility of the [California State] Council [on
Developmental Disabilities (SCDD)] is to plan, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate services for persons with developmental disabilities
and to establish a system to ensure the legal, civil, and service rights of such persons (Governor's Budget, 1991-1992)."
Extent
6 cubic feet of textual records
Restrictions
For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication
is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility
for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives'
collections.
Availability
Collection is open for research.