Inclusion is not just a value — for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in California, it is a legal right and a service goal embedded in the Regional Center system. Community integration means more than leaving the house. It means participating meaningfully in the life of the community: working, socializing, accessing public spaces, building relationships, and contributing.
What Community Integration Actually Means
True community integration is not supervised group activities in segregated settings — it is participation in the same community spaces and activities that people without disabilities use. This includes shopping at local stores independently or with support, attending community events and recreational activities, using public transportation, participating in faith communities, volunteering, working in integrated employment settings, and building friendships outside of paid support staff.
The Role of In-Home and Community-Based Support
Community integration doesn’t happen automatically. For many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it requires specific support — a caregiver or supported living professional who facilitates participation, builds skills, and navigates the environment alongside the individual.
The best community integration support is led by the individual’s preferences and goals, not predetermined by the support system. What does this person want to do? Where do they want to go? Who do they want to meet?
For aging adults with disabilities, community integration support becomes especially important as natural social networks may shrink and the risk of isolation increases.
What Regional Center Funds
Community integration activities and the support staff to facilitate them can be funded through Regional Center Individual program plans. If community integration is a meaningful goal for your family member, it should be explicitly named in the Ipp with associated services authorized.
If you feel your family member’s current Ipp doesn’t adequately support their integration goals, request an Ipp meeting to discuss this.
Care partners supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in accessing and participating in their Orange County communities.
Call us for a free consultation about community integration support for your family member.