Quick answer
Administrative review asks California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) supervisory staff to review the disputed action. Mediation uses an impartial mediator to help both sides seek agreement. They are different processes; neither should be treated as an automatic prerequisite to a fair hearing.
What to do
Identify the action or decision, when it occurred, and when you received it.
State why you disagree and what specific action you want.
Choose the process and use current DOR instructions; record receipt.
Prepare a brief chronology and the most relevant documents.
For mediation, consider possible terms but check the full written agreement before signing.
Limits and deadlines
DOR guidance generally gives one year to request administrative review; the decision is due in fifteen calendar days unless a later date is agreed. A fair-hearing request after written administrative review is due within thirty calendar days of receipt. Exceptions and separate complaint routes may apply.
DOR describes mediation requests within one year and mediation within twenty-five calendar days of receipt if DOR agrees, unless a later date is agreed. Do not assume negotiations extend hearing or court deadlines.
For review covered by 34 CFR 361.57(b)(4), services already being provided—including assessment and individualized plan for employment (IPE) development—may not be suspended, reduced, or terminated pending resolution, subject to the stated exceptions for an individual’s request or evidence of misrepresentation, fraud, collusion, or criminal conduct. This protection does not automatically approve a newly requested service.
Background, examples & sources
Documents to gather
- Decision or action notice
- Request with proof of receipt
- Key evidence and proposed remedy
- Any written review decision or mediation agreement
Fictional example
A fictional consumer asks administrative review to correct a denied assistive-device request. They record the review-decision receipt date and assess hearing options immediately rather than waiting for additional informal messages.
Free official help and a next step
Free independent Client Assistance Program (CAP) help is available through Disability Rights California; use the official CAP link below. Availability and scope are determined by CAP.
Use the related worksheet to organize your questions. I can also help you organize documents or prepare for an authorized administrative process; see Consumer Advocacy under Services. This educational guide does not file anything or create a client relationship.
Official information
- California DOR: Administrative review (Official agency guidance)
- California DOR: Mediation (Official agency guidance)
- California DOR: Rights and remedies (Official agency guidance)
- 34 CFR 361.57(c)–(d): Informal review and mediation (Federal regulation)
- California CAP: Disability Rights California (Official assistance)
Last source review: 2026-10-09 · Primary-source review complete for the stated scope
Current agency guidance and cited California CCR database text; review October 9, 2026
Your next step
Prepare a California administrative-review request — free worksheet.
Free help with vocational rehabilitation disputes