How DAN Works

A Quick Look

You have a problem with your Regional Center. You need help — not a tutorial. Here's what happens when you use DAN.

1
Open DAN

No account. No app to download. Just a website — works on your phone, tablet, or computer. Available in English and Spanish.

EN ES
Disability Access Navigator
DAN helps you navigate California's Regional Center system — what to ask for, how to ask for it, and what to do when the first answer is no. Free, confidential, available any time.
Let's get started →
2
Answer a Couple Quick Questions

A couple of quick questions

Your answers are anonymous — DAN does not collect your name, email, or any identifying information.
Age of the person with the disability (optional)
0–3
4–21
22–56
57+
Prefer not to say
Your Regional Center *
Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC)
Your FMS provider (optional · SDP participants only)
— Select your FMS (if applicable) —
Race / ethnicity (optional)
White
Black / African American
Hispanic / Latino
Asian
Native American / Alaska Native
Pacific Islander
Multirace
Prefer not to say
3
Tell DAN What's Going On

Pick the situation that sounds like yours — or just describe what's happening in your own words. No wrong answers.

Which of these sounds like your situation?

We're waiting for an answer RC said they'd look into it — and then went quiet. Or your SDP year end is coming and nothing is moving.
My SDP year is ending and things aren't in place Spending plan not approved, FMS authorization not sent, or RC hasn't started the renewal.
"There's a generic resource for that" RC points to a community option that doesn't actually work for your person.
"That goal isn't in the IPP" Service denied because the IPP language doesn't match what was requested.
SDP Spending Plan RC won't allow flexibility in how the budget is spent, or a specific service isn't being approved.
"That's a preference, not a need" RC reframes a genuine support need as something you just want.
I want to request a service or understand my options You're not stuck yet — you want to know what's available, how to ask for it, or how to prepare for an IPP meeting.
Not sure which fits? Tell DAN what's happening and we'll figure it out together.
4
DAN Asks Follow-Up Questions

One question at a time. Click a button or type your own answer. DAN narrows in on what's happening so it can give you the right next step.

Navigator
We're waiting for a...
A general response...
I hear you — waiting without an answer is really hard, especially when so much depends on it. Let me ask one thing first so I can point you in the right direction.

What specifically are you waiting for?
A general response from RC
SDP renewal — spending plan or FMS
Something else
A general response from RC
Got it. To help you figure out the right move, I need a little more context.

How long have you been waiting for a response?
Less than a week
A week or two
More than a month
Several months
5
Get an Email You Can Actually Send

When the right next step is a written request, DAN drafts the email for you — with the right language, the right tone, and blanks for your details. Copy it, fill it in, and send.

6
Save Your Conversation

Nothing is stored on any server. Before you close the window, copy or download your conversation so you can come back to it later.

Save your conversation
📋 Copy
⬇ Download
DAN doesn't remember past sessions — but you can bring it up to speed. If you downloaded or copied your last conversation, paste it below and DAN will pick up where you left off.

Ready to try it?

Free. Confidential. No account needed. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish.

Try DAN →
DAN provides general information — not legal advice. For legal matters, consult a qualified attorney or disability rights organization.