Our Vision Statement: Disability Rights California will create individual and family supports, chosen and directed by the person with a disability

2010

Hot Topics

Hot topics archived June 2010

Roar of the crowd and chants of the march resonate in Sacramento for Disability Capitol Action Day 2010

California Action Day 2010 ralley, booths, and crowd
An estimated 2200 disability advocates and allies turned out for an intensive 6 hours of marching, rallying and educating about the Governor's intended cuts to services, interspersed with dancing, singing and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the linchpin of their rights, the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some of the chants of the morning march that met with roars of approval from the crowd were: "They got bailed out, we got sold out, " "I want a choice, I want a voice," "Si se puede, yes I can," We're here, we're loud, we're disabled and proud," "Olmstead now, community services save lives," and the watchword of the disability rights movement, "Nothing about us without us." Learn more about this event.

Berkeley draws filmmakers from Austria, Australia, Canada and throughout U.S. for animated discussions with largest ever Superfest audience, June 4 and 5

Several filmmakers from abroad joined their U.S. peers for the 30th Superfest, the world's longest running international disability film festival on Friday and Saturday, culminating in an awards ceremony Saturday evening. The record turnout of an estimated 200 disability artists, advocates and cineastes were quite active participants in the Question & Answer sessions held by the director, producer and/or stars of winning entries.

Some of the exchanges between the local disability community and the visiting filmmakers included: observations about the different types of "gazes" people with disabilities are subjected to from the public, prompted by the Austrian film, Portrait of a Disabled Man; an intense discussion about how and why to portray the textures of sound in film, as exemplified by the cutting edge winner from Australia, White Sound; curiosity about the unusual but successful use of rock music, humor and a "bucket list" to honor the life of a Montrealer who died young from his progressive disability, featured in My Friend Claude; a spirited international exchange of advocacy tactics to advance urban accessibility, prompted by Je Me Souviens -- Excluded from the Montreal Subway since 1966; and substantial interest in the class action court case that forced the city and county of San Francisco to divert some funds from Laguna Honda Hospital to helping its residents who want to move to accessible places in the community, as captured in the documentary, Far from Home. Superfest is an annual event of the organization www.CultureDisabilityTalent.org. (archived 6/15/10)

Mental health advocates cited for stellar work

Catherine Blakemore and Melinda Bird of Disability Rights California were among leaders recognized in May for their outstanding contributions to mental health advocacy. The California Mental Health Advocates for Children and Youth (CMHACY) selected Melinda Bird, senior counsel, as its advocate of the year “in recognition of a brilliant legal career …expanding child and family-centered services including behavior support, wrap-around and therapeutic foster care.” CMHACY is the well-established statewide voice of children’s mental health.

The 5 “Champions” chosen by the 2010 California Mental Health Advisory Conference for “making a difference in people’s lives through their efforts to champion mental health causes” were (left to right): Catherine Bond, noted trainer and associate director of the Mental Health Association; Catherine Blakemore, executive director of Disability Rights California; Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro; Patricia Ryan, executive director of the California Mental Health Directors Association; and Marvin Southard, director, LA County Mental Health. Noting Cathy Blakemore’s contributions, Eduardo Vega stressed the quality and wisdom of her legal, legislative, investigatory and advocacy work over many years. (archived 6/15/10)

Another court decision blocks cuts of In-Home Supportive Service worker wages

On March 3, the U.S. 9th District Court of Appeals rejected arguments of the Schwarzenegger Administration and affirmed earlier findings that reducing wages of In Home Supportive Service workers would be likely to cause irreparable harm. Due to the budget crisis, the State proposed to cut its contribution to IHSS worker wages. The State claimed it was exempt from having to study the extent of harm caused by these cuts because it would be "virtually impossible" to obtain cost studies. Therefore, for now, Judge Claudia Wilken's injunction against reducing these wages remains in effect. Details about the case, Dominguez v. Schwarzenegger (formerly Martinez), can be found on the website, www.AltshulerBerzon.com, the firm that defended the IHSS workers, and in this ruling of Judge Milan D. Smith. (archived 6/15/10)

Person in a wheelchair in front of a long hallway

Photo by Rick Jauregui

Report finds abuse by nursing home staff not treated as crimes

This new report by Disability Rights California's Investigations Unit examines 12 cases of abuse in California nursing homes and finds an alarming pattern of under-reporting of these crimes to law enforcement.

Read the May 3 press release and the report, "Victimized Twice: Abuse of Nursing Home Residents, No Criminal Accountability for Perpetrators," online
Listen to interview of Attorney Leslie Morrison on this May 11 KPFK program about our investigation (archived 6/15/10)

Judge stops governor's cuts to adult day health care for 15,000 Californians

Late afternoon on February 24, the anxiously awaited decision of Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong was emailed to Disability Rights California and other disability advocates and social justice groups. The order for the injunction of the cuts to Adult Day Health Care spelled out the judge's agreement with Harry Cota and other plaintiffs that their ADHC services were critical to avoid institutionalization. The court found that the new restrictive criteria for access to ADHC would likely violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. The court rejected the Administration's argument that they are "entitled to cut services at will to accommodate...budgetary constraints." See press release for details. (archived 6/15/10)

Attention Voters: Election Day June 8

Press release about our June 8 hotline for voters with disabilities. Read the press release in Arabic, Cambodian, Chinese, Hmong, English, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Thousands of SF voters received the wrong mail-in ballot. Read the San Jose Mercury story.
Tulare County absentee voters who've not yet received a ballot may ask for a replacement. Read the Visalia Times story.
Los Angeles County Seeks Pollworkers

General voting information:

Disability voting rights questions?? Call Disability Rights California toll-free at 1-888-569-7955 or TTY at 1-800-719-5798. Call if you are an individual with a disability and encounter problems such as:

Accessing your polling place
Voting privately and independently
Casting your vote

View and post our voting flyer in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Russian. (archived 6/7/10)

Superfest 2010: Film about Laguna Honda Hospital class action case and 12 other prize winners to be showcased June 4 and 5 in Berkeley

See updated screening schedule here. (archived 6/7/10)

State warns Sacramento County budget cuts could forfeit funding

Sacramento County's plan to cut $17 million from mental health programs is illegal and could trigger a loss of $40 million in state funding, the chief counsel for the California Department of Mental Health has warned. Read the rest of the Sacramento Bee article. (archived 6/7/10)

Film about Laguna Honda wins prize at SUPERFEST: International Disability Film Festival June 4-5 at the Gala Arts Center in Berkeley

From Profound to Profane: Superfest Shines a Spotlight on 13 Remarkable Films in 2-Day Festival Celebrating Disability Culture. Visit the website for more information. (archived 6/7/10)

Hot topics archived May 2010

Help us set our advocacy priorities!

Disability Rights California is developing its Advocacy Plan. This Plan shows the priorities and activities that Disability Rights California will work on during the next year.

Click here to read our Advocacy Plan Goals & Objectives 2009-2010

Click here to give us your opinion about our priorities for next year's advocacy work by taking the online survey of our advocacy priorities. If you prefer to mail a completed survey, it is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Russian. (archived 5/30/10)

Join us for Capitol Action Day 2010: march, rally, hear from history, visit your legislators, attend hearings

Read the press release about this event which includes a march to the Capitol, legislative visits, resource fair, and educational rally. Click here for information or contact Christina Mills at christina(at)cfilc.org, (916) 325-1690 ext. 333.

Make sure your Public Housing Authority applies for vouchers for non-elderly people with disabilities

HUD issued a "Proposed Notice" - $30 million for 4,000 housing vouchers for non-elderly disabled persons - and received 175 comments! Terrific response. Many of you wrote HUD! Many (not all) of the problems in the Proposed Notice have been eliminated or modified. Click here to read all about the new vouchers.

Youth-led campaign proposes "Disability History Week" in California

A resolution to celebrate "Disability History Week" the second week of every October was put forward by California Assemblymember Jim Beall. Led by youths with disabilities, a group of disability advocacy organizations developed the idea to encourage schools and colleges to add to their curricula about disability rights leaders such as Ed Roberts and milestones such as the birth of the independent living movement. The CA Foundation for Independent Living Centers and Disability Rights California are two of the supporters of the resolution and details can be found here. (archived 5/8/10)

Parsing the new law on long-term care, 5/3/10

In an article from New York Times, experts answer questions about the new Class Act, including who will be eligible and how it will be financed. (archived 5/8/10)

Wanted: artwork, short stories, poems about your mental health experiences

See the suggestions for submitting entries in English and Spanish for a California collection of the expressions by May 31. (archived 5/8/10)

May 5 Assembly hearing on IHSS, SSI/SSP and Developmental Services, including closing of the Lanterman Developmental Center

Committee: Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services
When: May 5, 2010, 1:30 p.m.
Where: State Capitol Room 4202

Purpose of Hearing: The Legislature will hold a hearing on May 5, 2010 covering In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment grants) and Developmental Services, including the proposed closure of Lanterman Developmental Center. There will be opportunity for public comment. (archived 5/5/10)

Hot topics archived April 2010

Nominations for the Sandra Jensen self-advocacy award due May 3

Nominate a self-advocate who made an important contribution to the self-advocacy movement or the developmental disability community by completing a nomination form which you may send or fax to People First of California at (916) 441-3434 or by completing this online form. (archived 5/3/10)

Senate Budget hearings on developmental disability issues, April 29

The proposed closure plan of the Lanterman Developmental Center and budget cuts affecting the regional centers serving people with developmental disability are the main agenda items for the April 29 hearings of the Senate Budget subcommittee on Health and Human Services. The hearings will start in Room 4203 of the State Capitol Building at 9:30 AM or when the Senate floor session adjourns for the day. (archived 4/29/10)

Good opportunity for education

Advocacy groups are planning to use the hearings to educate their members about the budget process and advocating for disability rights. Concerning the plans to close the Lanterman Center, advocates are working to ensure that all voices are heard, especially those who now live in the community but previously were institution-based. There will be time for brief public testimony on agenda items, in addition to written comments submitted in advance. (archived 4/29/10)

2009 Annual Report of Disability Rights California

Our 16 page illustrated annual report is now available in English and Spanish. Summarizing main accomplishments, it includes coverage of:

lawsuits to stave off the worst budget cuts threatening hundreds of thousands of Californians with disabilities;
outreaches to underserved groups around the state
trainings by peer self-advocacy groups on implementing disability rights
examples of assistance provided in key areas such as education, regional centers, benefits, housing and intervening in response to discrimination
our work on the budget and with legislators on new bills

The report includes photographs of our board and staff, as well as information about our finances and funders. (archived 4/15/10)

Best Sellers of Disability Rights California Now available on CD

Cover of Disability RightsCalifornia Informational CD Basic information about the organization in several languages, together with our most frequently requested publications has been assembled on a CD for distribution at our outreaches and trainings. If you want a copy mailed to you, due to rising costs, we request a donation of $10 unless this is a financial hardship. Please contact us at Toll Free 800-776-5746 or TTY 800-719-5798 to request a copy. The publications on the CD:

Disability Rights California brochure in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Hmong, and Japanese
Rights Under the Lanterman Act in English and Spanish

Special Education Rights and Responsibilities in English and Spanish
Disability Rights California 2008 Annual Report in English and Spanish

(archived 4/15/10)

Wal-Mart settles lawsuit with U.S. Department of Justice, agrees to improve access nationwide for customers with disabilities who use service animals

We have been asked to help publicize the following outcomes of the suit

Following several complaints from customers with disabilities, the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division investigated Wal-Mart's policies and practices concerning equal opportunities to shop and alleged failures to make reasonable accommodations. Complaints included discrimination against customers using service dogs and other animals trained to perform tasks by people with disabilities. On January 19, 2009, the suit was settled and Wal-Mart agreed to take specific steps to improve access for the next three years in:

assisting customers to locate, lift and carry items
welcoming customers who use service animals
training of staff about reasonable accommodations under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
training of staff, management and people greeters about Wal-Mart's new ADA-compliant service animal policy
posting of the new policy on its website and in employee areas at its stores
setting up a grievance procedure, including a toll-free hotline, investigations and corrective actions regarding non-compliance with the ADA

The settlement covers all Wal-Mart stores, Supercenters, Sam's Clubs and Neighborhood Markets. In addition, Wal-mart agreed to pay $150,000 into a fund to compensate certain individuals who filed complaints with the Justice Department about these matters. Wal-Mart will also pay $100,000 into a fund to be used by the Civil Rights Division to finance a public service announcement campaign to create awareness of the access rights of people with disabilities who use service animals. This settlement is posted on the Department of Justice's ADA homepage: www.ada.gov (archived 4/6/10)

Sacramento Bee poll shows public strongly against cuts to elderly and people with disabilities

In a random poll asking registered voters to rank budget cuts in 14 areas, the most unpopular cuts were education (79% against) and programs benefiting Californians who are elderly or disabled (77% against). See summary of the March 2010 poll here. (archived 4/6/10)

Contest on "What equality means to me" invites youth ages 14-18 to submit artistic or written entries by April 12

Disability rights is one of several areas for creative expression selected by the National Campaign to Restore Civil Rights: see details here. (archived 4/6/10)

Hot topics archived March 2010

Sacramento, March 17 & 18: important public meetings on IHSS, Olmstead

Among numerous public meetings and hearings on the budget taking place in Sacramento duing the week of the Ides of March are:

March 17 (10am-12pm): Teleconference on In-Home Supportive Services program, integrity and fraud prevention stakeholder process; toll-free number 1-800-700-7414; organized by the Department of Social Services
March 18 (starts at 9:30 or when the Senate floor session ends): Room 4203, budget hearing, held by budget subcomittee #3 of Department of Health & Human Services, covering IHSS, CalWORKS, Dept of Aging
March 18 (10am-4pm): Olmstead Advisory Committee public hearing, Department of Rehab Building, Room 262 or toll-free phone participation 1-800-232-0362, passcode 785453; agenda includes proposed closing of Lanterman Developmental Center, expansion of Medicaid section 1115 waiver

Read many other details in this CDCAN News Release. (archived 3/18/10)

House passes bill to prevent restraint & seclusion in schools; now, focus is on Senate

On March 3, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Keeping All Students Safe Act (H.R. 4247) to ban dangerous practices of physically restraining students or secluding them in isolated or locked rooms. The bill was passed quickly, following 2009 Congressional hearings on these extreme techniques which have caused deaths in the schools, and national studies by the General Accounting Office and the National Disability Rights Network. Read about the legislation in the NDRN press release, the Washington Post, and the New York Times. (archived 3/16/10)

Court Orders Reinstatement of Treatment for Children With Autism

The Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday issued a preliminary injunction in the class action lawsuit filed on behalf of children with autism against the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center (ELARC) for unlawfully terminating the most effective treatment for their condition. Read the PR Newswire article here... (archived 3/16/10)

25th "Empowering Women of Color" Conference - March 13-14 at UC Berkeley

Honoring the legacy of women of color, the theme for this year's two-day event is "Intergenerational Wisdom: Celebrating Our Past, Present, & Future," and will include a panel of acclaimed Bay Area activists, scholars, artists and community leaders. To register and for more information, visit ewocc.berkeley.edu. (archived 3/15/10)

Youth Organizing! Disabled & Proud Summit - March 13, 2010 from 1-6pm

The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) & California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP) is proud to present their southern regional summit for youth with disabilities; a youth led, youth driven summit to engage youth in Southern California in the exciting statewide campaign to establish Disability History Week. For more information visit www.yodisabledproud.org. (archived 3/15/10)

Tell Congress before March 3 to vote for Preventing Restraint & Seclusion Act

Read the advisory from the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network about how to phone or email your Congress representatives about this important legislation that will ban these dangerous practices in schools. (archived 3/3/10)

ADAPT keeps Olmstead principles alive in Obama administration

Two weeks into ADAPT's Defending Our Freedom Campaign, there are already two victories. One, a resolution passed by the Democratic National Committee (DNC), has its roots in ADAPT's four-day and four-night protest vigil last July, held outside the DNC headquarters in Washington, D.C. despite torrential rains and no shelter for activists. The second victory is a meeting with staff from the U.S. Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (HHS OCR) scheduled for mid-April just prior to the spring ADAPT action in Washington. Read more here... (archived 3/3/10)

Preliminary analysis by Disability Rights California of 2010-11 Governor’s Proposed Budget (updated 2/26/10). Read it here...

Hot topics archived February 2010

Because of lawsuit, Social Security Administration begins to provide benefit information in accessible formats

As announced by the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), Social Security program and benefit information will now be made available on request in formats such as Braille, large print, audiotapes and others as needed. SSA is implementing this new service in phases, and information is available here about how to sign up to get SSA materials in the format that you prefer. (archived 2/23/10)

Lanterman Center to close, Department of Developmental Services to work with regional centers in finding community living options for around 400 residents

In line with the Olmstead Supreme Court decision to support community living for people with disabilities, the California Department of Developmental Services has announced it will close the 82 year old Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona, one of the last remaining large state institutions. In its press release, the DDS noted that its aging facilities and the declining population -- now under 400 from a high of 3000 residents -- meant it was no longer economically feasible to operate.

The declining population reflects the contemporary approach, launched in the late 1960's, to explore community living as the preferred option for placement of children and adults with developmental disabilities who cannot live with their families. A Los Angeles Times story on the Lanterman closure quoted some family opposition but reported that in 2009 two other large institutions, the Agnews Developmental Center and the Sierra Vista center, were closed by DDS with all the necessary support for residents in their transition to community options, such as small group homes or supported living in apartments. Terry Delgadillo, DDS director, stated that there were sufficient funds in the budget to support collaboration with the regional centers and the community in locating similar options for Lanterman residents.

Closing the facility is expected to take approximately 2 years and a closure plan must be submitted to the Legislature by April 1. There will also be a public hearing and community outreach initiatives, organized by DDS in collaboration with other stakeholders. Catherine Blakemore, executive director of Disability Rights California, said, "this is a wonderful opportunity to assist hundreds of Californians with developmental disabilities in finding places where they can explore community living with the necessary supports. We are hopeful that in this time of budget cuts, regional centers and DDS will have adequate resources to ensure that each consumer has access to appropriate community services and supports which meet their individual needs."

Read the DDS press release here and the LATimes story here. (archived 2/17/10)

LA Times reports on adult day healthcare centers threatened by budget cuts

California state budget cuts could mean the closure of several hundred centers. Seniors would lose care and camaraderie, and relatives could lose respite and possibly a paycheck. Read the article here. (archived 2/17/10)

Interim regulations issued on federal Mental Health Parity Law: 90 days to comment

Following analysis of over 400 public comments, the Obama Administration has released interim regulations on how the law will be implemented; there are 90 days to respond before they become permanent. See story by Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law and interim regulations in full. (archived 2/17/10)

Association of Public Authorities & IHSS Consumer Alliance sue to stop in-home care cuts

Two consumer-oriented statewide groups filed suit in federal court Monday to block funding cuts in the In-Home Supportive Services program. Read more in the press release and the Complaint. (archived 2/17/10)

Federal judge orders Social Security Administration to repay millions to people wrongly labeled as "fleeing felons" and denied benefits

More than 200,000 people could qualify for repayment of benefits denied to them by SSA because they were wrongly classified as fugitives who had fled from felonies. The case, Martinez v. Astrue, was filed by the National Senior Citizens Law Center and joined by other groups, including Disability Rights California and the Urban Justice Center. Learn more about this amazing case on the Martinez v. Astrue home page ... (archived 2/17/10)

Hot topics archived January 2010

Administration will close Lanterman Developmental Center and assist 400 residents to transition to community

Read Marty Omoto's story here about plan to close 82 year old Pomona-based center and set up associated stakeholder process, in line with Olmstead Supreme Court decision about least restricted environment...

January 27 and February 2: important disability-related budget hearings in Sacramento

Wednesday, January 27, 1:30-3:30, Room 4202, Assembly budget hearing, focus on status of implementing In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) reforms. Hearing will not take public testimony, but several advocates are slated to speak, including Deborah Doctor of Disability Rights California, after reports by Administration representatives;

Tuesday, February 2, 1:00, Senate budget and fiscal review committee’s information hearing on Governor’s human service budget proposals, including reductions to IHSS, SSI/SSP, cash assistance for immigrants and Calworks; and

Tuesday, February 2, 2:00, Room 126, Assembly disabilities select committee hearing, focus on “State of Developmental Disabilities in California,” to include over $500 million in reductions in developmental services budget.

For further details, read Marty Omoto's CDCAN newsletter about upcoming Sacramento hearings related to the budget

Honoring Judi Chamberlin

The internet is full this week of tributes to a founder of the mental health consumer/survivor movement, Judi Chamberlin, who died January 16. One of the first to popularize the mad pride approach, Chamberlin was remembered by her colleagues on an NPR program by Joe Shapiro broadcast on January 19: www.npr.org

Her seminal work, On Our Own, published in 1978, outlined alternatives to the mental health system, based on her own experiences with psychiatric hospitals and services. Lori Shepherd, an advocate for Disability Rights California, commented that "Judi Chamberlin has been a bright beacon light, leading our movement from the early 70's until her death...and was an incredible activist until the very end. She and others like her worked so hard, and without pay,1985-1986 to get the PAIMI Act passed, to protect the rights of people in psychiatric institutions....We have much to thank her for."

Fact sheets about In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) cuts

Click here for IHSS Budget Cut Training in Powerpoint and in a series of fact sheets in English, Spanish and Chinese ... (archived 1/16/10)

January 15: Last chance to enter SUPERFEST, the 2010 International Disability Film Festival

Spread the word - your opportunity to contribute to disability culture!

SUPERFEST, the world's longest-running juried international disability film festival, is seeking your entry for submission to our 2010 film competition. SUPERFEST is the primary international showcase for innovative films that portray disability culture and experience in all its diverse, complex, and empowering facets. Click here for eligibility and more information. (archived 1/16/10)

Advocates say governor's budget dismantles IHSS and legislators should defend it

PR Newswire reports on the advocates who urged the "State Legislature to fight Gov. Schwarzenegger's mean-spirited and hypocritical proposal to destroy the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program." Read about it here... (archived 1/16/10)

NYTimes blog on "Should a quadriplegic mom have custody" notes classic case defining essence of parenting

A January New York Times blog about a court case questioning the quality of parenting from a wheelchair references a 1979 California Supreme Court case the Disability Rights California attorney Marilyn Holle worked on. It's disturbing that in the 21st century parental rights can still be challenged on the basis of disability, but heartening to read here the eloquent commentary about the essence of parenting. (archived 1/16/10)

Fines Rare For Companies Who Exploit Workers With Disabilities

"Nearly 800 employers violated federal law while paying workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage over five years, but just three faced fines, a senator has learned." Read more here... (archived 1/16/10)

Opportunities abound for disability community

American Association of People with Disabilities is searching for college students with disabilities to apply for the 2010 AAPD Summer Internships in Washington, D.C., application due January 8, 2010.

The Kennedy Foundation Public Policy Fellowship Program is accepting applications for the Public Policy Fellowship Program 2010-2011, application is due March 5, 2010, by 5:00 p.m. EST.

White House seeks leaders with disabilities for Fellows Program. Candidates need to be promising young leaders who are excelling early in their careers and are committed to leadership and public service. Application deadline: February 1, 2010.

Apply by January 15 for training in Developmental Disabilities Leadership, if you reside in these southern California counties

Applications are now being taken for up to 36 participants in this year's Partners in Policymaking training in leadership skills, and you are invited to apply if you reside in any of the following counties: Riverside, Inyo, Mono, San Bernardino, Imperial, San Diego, Orange County.

Training will take place in Ontario, California over a series of weekends from March through September 2010. Adults with developmental disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities are encouraged to apply to Jim Lockwood by phone 916.552.6619 extension 13; or email jim@pipcalifornia.org. Applications can also be made on the website: www.pipcalifornia.org/2010-application (archived 1/9/10)

19th Annual Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities - July 24-29, 2010

The California Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities designed the Youth Leadership Forum for California high school juniors and seniors. During the forum, you will learn about everything from technology to resource agencies, and create a “Personal Leadership Plan” to help you reach your future education and career goals. Plus, you and your peers will meet and interact with state and national leaders – celebrities, politicians, entertainers and others who have disabilities. Learn more about the event here, and don't forget to send in your application before February 3, 2010 ... (archived 1/9/10)

California Congressman introduces federal bill prohibiting harmful restraint and seclusion of all children in schools

U.S. Representative George Miller introduced a bill on December 9 to establish minimum national safety standards for use of restraint and seclusion in schools, similar to those in use in hospitals and other facilities. The bill would allow the use of physical restraint or locked seclusion only by trained staff and only when there is imminent danger of injury. Practices to be prohibited include any procedure that restricts breathing, aversive behavioral interventions that compromise safety, use of medications to control behavior when not administered consistent with a physician's prescription, and mechanical restraints such as strapping children to chairs or duct-taping their bodies. The bill also calls upon states to establish minimum safety standards within 2 years of the bill's passage and to collect and report data on implementation.

Disability Rights California is working with legislators on a state bill. Details on the federal bill and related NPR article. (archived 1/9/10)

Kaiser Hospitals adopt new policy on access of service dogs

Disability Rights California attorney Ann Menasche reported on December 7 that settlement had been reached with Kaiser Hospitals to revise their policy statewide about access of service dogs to their premises. The case (Michalek v. Kaiser) resulted in a policy that only permits the exclusion of a service animal if the animal poses a direct threat to health and safety. New rules will require that, with the exception of operating rooms and sterile areas, an assessment will be made of direct threat on a case by case basis. Kaiser will train staff on the new policy and include it in its member brochure and on its website. (archived 1/9/10)

Budget crisis: coalition asks Democrats to implement promise to support IHSS

Disability Rights California joined in this plea to Democrats, published in January 5 Sacramento Bee (Capitol Alert) (archived 1/8/10)

Recommeded Viewing

Recommended Viewing archived March 2010

2 disability-related films up for Oscars

Read the ABC7 article here.(archived 3/16/10)

Recommended Viewing archived February 2010

A TV commercial by Think Beyond the Label. Labels get in the way, but disabilities rarely do. Visit ThinkBeyondtheLabel.com for more information. (archived 2/26/10)

Recommeded Listening

Recommended Listening archived February 2010

Listen to Melinda Bird of Disability Rights California on NPR, discussing access to special education

The American Psychiatric Association announced Wednesday that it is proposing to eliminate the diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome from the official diagnostic guide of mental disorders. Download the MP3 or view the transcript. (archived 2/26/10)

Advocates criticize governor's budget, especially disability service cuts, Capital Public Radio, 1/13/10

Recommended Listening archived January 2010

Outstanding radio program covering the increasing unannounced home visits to people receiving In-Home Supportive Services, www.KPBS.org, 12/11/09 (archived 1/9/10)

Recommeded Events

Recommended Events archived June 2010

Bay Area Advocates Training, June 17, 2-4pm

Martinez v. Astrue. How the Class Action Settlement Can Restore Your Client's Social Security Benefits & Provide Tens of Thousands of Dollars in Retroactive Relief. Click here for more details. (archived 6/3/10)

Recommended Events archived April 2010

Latinos and Mental Health: Reducing the Disparities - April 29, 2010 11am-12pm

This legislative briefing will provide an overview on the needs of California’s Latino community as it relates to mental health, provide an update on MHSA from the Latino perspective and identify ways that our community can access services and seek treatment. View the flyer for more information. (archived 4/29/10)

The Health and Human Service Network of California is hosting several rallies, town-halls and other events all across the state to pass a Family Recovery Budget that works for Californians:

State Budget Town-Hall with Sen. Ducheny – Saturday, April 24 at 10am in San Diego –at the City Heights Wellness Center, 4440 Wightman St., San Diego
RSVP/INFO: alepe@communitychange.org
May Day March & Rally – Bakersfield on Friday, April 30 at 10pm – at the Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield
RSVP/INFO: brandy@ilcofkerncounty.org

End Corporate Tax Breaks Rally – Tues, April 13 at noon in Santa Cruz –at the steps of County Courthouse (701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz)
RSVP/INFO: hca@humancarealliance.org or jessicar@health-access.org
Close Corporate Tax Loopholes Rally – Thurs, April 15 at 2pm in Pleasanton –Outside Alameda County Fairgrounds - 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton
RSVP/INFO: jessica.lehman@cril-online.org
Raising Hope for Children Rally – Friday, April 16 at 6pm in San Francisco –at the Children’s Council of San Francisco - 445 Church St. Room 120, San Francisco
RSVP/INFO: parentvoices@childrenscouncil.org

The Second Annual Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Symposium - Friday, April 16, 2010, 9am-4pm at Southwestern Law School, Los Angeles

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the ADA, this one-day MCLE program will address cutting-edge legal issues in fair housing and access to public accommodations for people with disabilities. For more information, visit www.calbar.org.

Abilities Expo - April 9-11, 2010 at the Los Angeles Convention Center

See exhibits, celebrities, workshops, events and activities to appeal to the full spectrum of people with disabilities, from children to seniors and everyone in between. Click here for more information.

Recommended Events archived March 2010

Law Review International Symposium on Significance of the United Nations Disability Rights Convention - March 19, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles

An array of speakers involved in developing the convention and other international disability programs. Check out agenda and register: www.lls.edu

Capitol Action Day Resource Fair - May 26, 2010

For more information, visit the website. Reserve your booth at the information fair now. (archived 3/18/10)

Recommended Events archived February 2010

February 11-12: 17th Annual Fair Housing Laws and Litigation Conference in San Diego, CA

February 3: deadline for applying for scholarship to 2010 California Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities

Recommended Events archived January 2010

Reasonable Accommodation Requests and Fair Housing for Clients with Mental Health Disabilities - Free Regional Training, January 14, 2010, at 1000 Broadway, Suite 109, Oakland, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Presented by National Housing Law Project, Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, and Bay Area Legal Aid, with a grant from HUD. (archived 1/16/10)

Last Updated: June 29, 2010
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