Why better support matters in California
Real data. Real need. A system that must feel better.
California has one of the largest disability service systems in the country. Behind every number is a person who deserves clarity dignity and modern support.
Californians in the Regional Center system
More than four hundred sixty thousand Californians receive lifelong services through the states Regional Center system. It is one of the largest developmental service systems in the nation and it keeps growing every year.
Source California DDS Fact Book and budget reports.
Adults with IDD across California
Nearly three hundred thousand adults eighteen and older are supported through DDS. As younger generations move from school services into adult life the need for modern independent living coaching and community support keeps expanding across the state.
Source DDS age and caseload data.
Adults living at home with family
More than eighty percent of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in California still live at home with family. Coaching in daily living skills safety community access and health is not extra. It is essential for real independence.
Source National Core Indicators and California community living data.
Where California is heading
More than seven thousand Californians have joined the Self Determination Program choosing flexible supports that center choice transparency and clear communication. bttr is designed for that future with one to one coaching and measurable progress for every adult we support.
Source DDS Self Determination Program enrollment data.
“Behind every number is a person with a real life and real goals. Support should feel clear human and better than what most families experience today. bttr exists to bring dignity clarity and progress to a system that has needed it for far too long.”
Who we support
bttr serves adults 18 and older who receive services through a California Regional Center. Examples include
- Autistic adults
- People with intellectual disability
- People with cerebral palsy
- Adults with Down syndrome
- People with epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Related developmental and co occurring conditions
This is not a full list. If you are unsure about eligibility we can help you talk with your Regional Center team.
Self Determination Program
Available statewide
bttr can support individuals anywhere in California through the Self Determination Program, regardless of county or region.
Bay Area cities we serve
Focused on the East Bay and connected communities across the Bay Area.
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Oakland
- Emeryville
- Alameda
- San Leandro
- Hayward
- Castro Valley
- Fremont
- Newark
- Union City
- Pleasanton
- Dublin
- Livermore
- Richmond
- El Cerrito
- Hercules
- Pinole
- Martinez
- Pleasant Hill
- Walnut Creek
- Concord
- Clayton
- Pittsburg
- Antioch
- Brentwood
- Danville
- San Ramon
- Orinda
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Palo Alto
- Mountain View
- Redwood City
- San Mateo
- South San Francisco
- Daly City
- Menlo Park
- Santa Clara
- Cupertino
Areas we support
bttr focuses on real life skill tracks so families case managers and participants can see exactly where support is available and which program ILS CFS or SDP fits best.
LIFE
- Daily home routines
- Cleaning and organizing
- Cooking and kitchen safety
- Laundry start to finish
- Time and schedule management
- Basic home maintenance
Usually supported by ILS or SDP
Examples on this track
- Building a weekly cleaning schedule that actually happens
- Practicing cooking three go to meals step by step
- Setting alarms and visuals for morning and night routines
- Learning how to call for help when something breaks at home
MONEY
- Budgeting monthly spending
- Bank and card use
- Understanding paychecks
- Shopping plans and lists
- Online and in store safety
- Organizing bills and due dates
Usually supported by ILS
Examples on this track
- Creating a simple budget tied to the person’s real life
- Practicing using a debit card at trusted stores
- Reading pay stubs and understanding hours worked
- Setting up reminders so bills and subscriptions are not missed
HEALTH
- Medication organization
- Doctor and therapy visits
- Meal planning for health
- Movement and exercise routines
- Sleep hygiene and wind down
- Following care plans
Usually supported by ILS or SDP
Examples on this track
- Building a pillbox routine that is checked each week
- Practicing how to speak up at appointments
- Creating a simple “what to eat this week” plan together
- Setting gentle reminders for stretching walking or movement breaks
TECH
- Phone and tablet basics
- Online safety and privacy
- Email and texting skills
- Using maps and rideshare
- Job and school platforms
- Digital calendar and reminders
Usually supported by SDP
Examples on this track
- Learning how to block and report unsafe accounts
- Using calendar reminders for work and appointments
- Practicing video calls with providers or family
- Learning how to use apps like maps or transit for safe travel
CONNECT
- Social skills and boundaries
- Community access and groups
- Friendship and dating safety
- Managing conflict and repairs
- Knowing who is safe to trust
- Building weekly social routines
Usually supported by ILS or SDP
Examples on this track
- Practicing how to say no and set healthy limits
- Exploring clubs faith groups gyms or meetups safely
- Role playing text messages and calls with friends
- Planning one meaningful social activity each week
EXPRESS
- Self advocacy and voice
- Asking for help clearly
- Email and letter writing
- Preparing for meetings
- Sharing goals and preferences
- Building confidence
Usually supported by CFS or SDP
Examples on this track
- Practicing how to introduce themselves and share pronouns if desired
- Writing questions before an IPP or school meeting
- Learning phrases to use when something does not feel fair or safe
- Sending follow up emails after appointments with support
FAMILY
- Care coordination at home
- Understanding IPPs and services
- Training for caregivers
- Building shared routines
- Crisis and safety planning
- Reducing burnout for families
Primarily supported by CFS
Examples on this track
- Creating one clear written plan for the whole care team
- Coaching families on how to use calm language and boundaries
- Preparing for big meetings with schools or Regional Centers
- Mapping out who to call and what to do in a crisis
Step 1
Referral or first contact
A case manager family member advocate or participant reaches out. We confirm basic information and give clear realistic next steps so expectations feel right from the start.
Step 2
Listening and discovery
We slow down and listen. What does daily life look like. What is going well. Where is there stress or confusion. We protect dignity by asking not assuming.
Step 3
Skill track alignment
Using bttr skill tracks life money health tech connect express and family we organize support needs into a clear simple picture.
Step 4
Choosing the right path
We match the person to ILS CFS or Self Determination based on goals hours preferences and readiness. No pressure just clarity.
Step 5
Support coach match
We look for a support coach whose personality skills and schedule align. Families and case managers can share preferences before we finalize the match.
Step 6
Support in motion and review
Support begins in the home and community with real outcomes. We adjust when life changes and keep communication honest and consistent.
At any point you can pause ask questions or choose a different direction. Our promise is to stay transparent respectful and focused on the person not the program.
Whether you are receiving services supporting a loved one or coordinating care bttr. was built for clarity trust and measurable growth.
for participants
bttr. gives you a clear plan and a consistent team. We practice skills together track milestones and build confidence you can feel in daily life.
for families
You get calm communication clear updates and honest timelines. bttr. keeps you informed involved and confident in the plan.
for case managers
Clean documentation timely notes and outcomes that match goals. bttr. keeps referrals smooth and aligned from intake to review.
