What is DDCareConnect Hub? 

To enhance timely and equitable access to services at Regional Centers—particularly for underserved and rural communities—we will establish the DDCareConnect Hub. The primary goal of the Hub is to support and empower families of children with developmental delays and disabilities through strengthened coordination and collaboration between Regional Centers and pediatricians. The health system serves as the starting point for many families navigating the journey of developmental delays and disabilities. As the first point of contact for developmental concerns, it is crucial for pediatricians to be well-informed about Regional Center services and available resources to effectively support and empower families on their journey and during key life transitions. 

In partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Chapter 1, which consists of over 2,000 pediatricians across 48 counties in Northern and Central California, we will implement the following components:

1. Training and Education Program:
   • Develop and implement a specialized training program for pediatricians that focuses on the services provided by Regional Centers (RCs) and generic resources that support children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families throughout their journey, especially during key life transitions.
   • Incorporate lived experiences of self-advocates and family members from minoritized communities into training programs to deepen healthcare providers' understanding of family challenges and enhance cultural competence. 
2. Consultations:
   • Provide no-cost telephone warmline for families of children identified with developmental delays and disabilities by their pediatricians to assist in referrals to Regional Centers and generic resources. 
   • Offer no-cost E-consultations to support pediatricians as front-line leaders in promoting Regional Center access.
   • Leverage existing resources by connecting families to local community connector programs and Family Resource centers to deliver language- and culturally-competent assistance.
3. Resource Navigation Website:
   • Create publicly available, centralized resource navigation website on AAP Chapter 1 platform that offers current and accurate information on autism and developmental disabilities, including Regional Center services and generic resources.   

A unique feature of our project is the collaboration among pediatricians, self-advocates, families, and Regional Centers. This collaborative model will advance equitable access to services across the lifespan, empower families and pediatricians, and strengthen care coordination between developmental disabilities and healthcare systems.