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

2011 News about us (See agency events also)

December 2011

November 2011

October 2011

September 2011

August 2011

July 2011

June 2011

May 2011

April 2011

March 2011

  • State whacks Adult Day Health Care system, SFGate.com, 3/26/11
  • Poignant pleas have spared some funding for disabled in California, Sacramento Bee, 3/13/11
  • State Budget Cuts for Developmentally Disabled People, Alice 97.3FM, 3/7/11 (Disability Rights California is cited in this podcast)
  • In memory of impassioned Peer Self Advocate Sharon Schmidt
    Sharon Schmidt"Sharon not only taught people how to advocate for themselves, but...throughout her life she demonstrated how the principles of self-advocacy can make a difference for individuals and a community," stated Catherine Blakemore, executive director of Disability Rights California. Rob Chittenden, manager of our Peer Self Advocacy unit, announced Sharon's peaceful passing among her family over the weekend of March 13. He said "I will miss her as my good friend and many others will miss her as a friend and valuable advocate." Her long service to the PSA unit included support for the California Memorial Project to honor those who died in California's institutions and staunch advocacy on behalf of the Creekside, Santa Rosa support groups for people with psychiatric disabilities. Contributions may be made to the Interlink Self Help Center, 1033 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, CA.

February 2011

January 2011

Agency events

Awards to our staff

Two of our staff were named “Attorney of the Year” for their outstanding mental health advocacy: Melinda Bird of the Los Angeles regional office, was named by the California Mental Health Advocates for Children and Youth, recognizing “a brilliant legal career expanding child and family-centered services”; and Dan Brzovic of our Bay Area office, was selected by the California Association of Mental Health Patients’ Rights Advocates, who applauded his talents, skills and dedication. Executive Director Catherine Blakemore was chosen for a Champion award by the 2010 California Mental Health Advisory Conference for “making a difference in people’s lives through mental health advocacy.”

Ted Hess at left, Far Northern Regional Center consumer, and Andy Holcombe, Clients’ Rights Advocate. Andy Holcombe of the Chico Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy (OCRA) received the 2010 award from the Butte County Coordinating Council for his dedication to serving people with developmental disabilities.

Aimee Delgado, a Clients’ Rights Advocate, received a Spirit Award from Possibilities Unlimited International for her outstanding support of consumers in the San Gabriel/Pomona area. The organization also recognized OCRA for its overall effectiveness in its work with people with developmental disabilities.

Attorneys Sujatha Branch and Jonathan Elson of the Sacramento office were given awards by Capitol People First in memory of Bob Rosenberg, in appreciation of ongoing advice and support.

Senator Ellen Corbett is shown together with the recipients of her 2010 awards for disability advocacy: (left to right), Teresa Favuzzi of the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), Margaret Johnson of Disability Rights California and Laurel Mildred of CFILC.

Senator Ellen Corbett is shown together with the recipients of her 2010 awards for disability advocacy: (left to right), Teresa Favuzzi of the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), Margaret Johnson of Disability Rights California and Laurel Mildred of CFILC.

 


News about us: 2010 - 2009 - 2008 - 2007