March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! This is a time to celebrate the more than 6 million Americans who live with developmental disabilities and to reflect on the contributions they make to our broader community.

People with developmental disabilities have a right to be included in every aspect of community life and to have opportunities for education and work, just as anyone else would. As adults, people with developmental disabilities also have the right to self-determination, to make decisions about their own lives that are right for them. They can take risks, try new things, stretch their boundaries, and reach for the stars to achieve their dreams and live the life they want.

Everyday, DRC fights for the rights of people with developmental disabilities to make sure they receive services they are entitled to, are not segregated in education or employment, and are no longer forced to live away from society in hospitals or institutions.

When people with developmental disabilities are included in the broader community, everyone benefits. We can share experiences, learn from each other, and help lift each other up.

Disability Rights California is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Month and to create a more equitable community for all people living with disabilities.

DRC’s Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy Success Stories

Social Security Reinstates Benefits and Clears $97,000 Overpayment.

Jennifer and her father contacted Disability Rights California’s Office of Clients’ Rights Advocates (OCRA) when Social Security told Jennifer her Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit would end.

Jennifer was no longer working because of her disability, but Social Security decided Jennifer stopped qualifying for SSDI 7 years ago because they thought she stopped being disabled. Social Security stopped paying Jennifer her SSDI and said she had an overpayment of over $97,000. They demanded Jennifer repay the money in 30 days.

OCRA helped Jennifer file an appeal and contacted Jennifer’s former employer to gather more information about her earnings and work environment. OCRA then provided information about Jennifer’s work subsidy and earnings to Social Security.

Due to this advocacy, Social Security then reversed their decision and acknowledged that Jennifer’s disability never ended. They also removed the $97,000 overpayment from her account, gave her a back-payment of over $8,000, and reinstated her monthly SSDI benefit payment.

Mike Gets Court to Remove His Conservator with OCRA’s Help.

Sam was Mike’s co-conservator and representative payee for Mike’s Social Security benefits. Sam had received Mike’s government stimulus check but refused to give it to Mike. Mike did not think this was right and asked OCRA to help remove Sam as his co-conservator and payee.

OCRA contacted Sam and told him to give Mike his stimulus money. OCRA was also in contact with the local Court Investigator to talk about Mike’s concerns. The court investigator agreed with OCRA that Sam could not keep Mike’s stimulus money.

Because of Sam’s behavior, the court removed Sam as Mike’s co-conservator. OCRA also asked the Social Security fraud department to open a case to investigate Sam for accessing Mike’s money as payee and not giving it to him. OCRA also asked Social Security to remove Sam as the representative payee.

Read more about our Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/what-we-do/programs/office-of-clients-rights-advocacy-ocra

How to Get Involved

Get social

Share your support on social media and use the hashtags #DDAwareness2022 #DDAM2022 #WorldsImagined to share what #DevelopmentalDisabilities means to you. Tag us so we can share!

• Facebook: @DisabilityRightsCalifornia
• Instagram: @disabilityrightsca
• Twitter: @DisabilityCA
• LinkedIn: disability-rights-california

To learn more read our self-advocacy resources:

• How to Respond to Common Reasons for Denying SLS and What to ask Protentional SLS Agencies
  This publication describes what Supported Living Services are available and frequently asked questions regarding the process.
• Funding Assistive Technology through the Regional Center
  This publication discusses regional center clients’ rights to get assistive technology.
• Your Rights to Receive Information and Services in Your Native Language rom the Regional Center for Individuals Who Are 3 Years and Older
  This publication tells you how to get paperwork and services from the regional center in your native language. It tells you about this when you or your child is over age three. It tells you what to do if you do not agree with a regional center decision.
• Regional Center Eligibility Hearing Packet
• Sample Letter Requesting Information in My Native Language