California released a comprehensive plan last month aimed at reducing service barriers and enhancing support in employment, education, transportation, and health for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Master Plan is all about making life better and more independent for people with developmental disabilities in California. It aims to improve access to services like housing, healthcare, education, and jobs — and make those services more person-centered and easier to navigate.
It also focuses on raising pay for support workers, reducing wait times, making sure services are more fair and equitable for everyone, and helping people thrive in their own communities. Basically, it’s a big push to modernize the system and make sure no one falls through the cracks.
We’re really hopeful about California’s new Master Plan for Developmental Services—it’s a big step forward with the potential to make a real difference for people with developmental disabilities.
But like any major plan, it’s not without its challenges. To make sure the plan lives up to its promise, it’s important we keep an eye on how things roll out and speak up if issues come up along the way.
Challenges
Funding is Still a Big Question Mark
The plan sounds great on paper, but actually making it happen depends on funding—and that’s not locked in yet. Even though the first steps of the plan are being implemented now, the full plan will depend on future appropriations by the state legislature. If state lawmakers don’t approve the money or if the feds cut Medicaid, some of these big ideas might stall before they even get started.
Lots of Promises, But Will They Follow Through?
There are a ton of ambitious goals in the plan, but without real backing from the state legislature, they risk being just that—goals. People are hopeful, but also a little nervous about whether the follow-through will match the vision.
Governor Newsom’s administration has faced criticism for delays in implementing key funding measures. For instance, in response to budget deficits last year, Newsom proposed delaying a $1 billion investment intended to improve regional center services, which are crucial for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Not Enough Staff to Do It All
Even the best plan can fall apart if there aren’t enough people to carry it out. The developmental services field already struggles with low pay and high turnover, so getting and keeping quality staff will be key—and a real challenge.
Developmental disability organizations struggle with staffing because, while the work is extremely important, it’s a demanding job that requires a lot of patience, training, and heart. Burnout is common, and organizations often can’t offer competitive wages or benefits, people leave for better-paying or less stressful work.
We already have a master plan – it’s called the Lanterman Act
A lot of people are wondering if we even need a new master plan since the Lanterman Act (passed in California in 1969) already guarantees that that people with developmental disabilities in California have the right to service and supports to live more independently.
The new Master Plan is designed to build upon the existing Lanterman Act to modernize, fix gaps, and make sure the system actually works for everyone – especially as the population grows, needs change, and costs go up. Some critics of the new Master Plan say that the real issue is underfunding and lack of follow-through.
They argue that instead of creating new plans, the state should fully fund what the Act already promises. There is also a big concern that the new plan will add a lot more red tape without actually improving services. People want action – not more reports, committees, or delayed implementation.
It’s Hard to Get Everyone on the Same Page
The plan aims to connect services across housing, healthcare, education, and more—which is awesome in theory. But in practice, getting all those systems to work together smoothly is no small feat and could be pretty messy without solid coordination.
A Close Watch
While there are some real concerns about how the Master Plan will play out — especially around funding, staffing, and making sure no one’s rights get watered down — disability rights organizations are watching closely and staying involved. If this plan truly helps strengthen the Lanterman Act and makes those rights more real in people’s daily lives, then it will be worth it!
