Disability Rights California (DRC) commends Dr. Ghaly for his five years of service to the State of California, and for his collaborative spirit in serving the health needs of disabled Californians in unprecedented times.

Dr. Ghaly served a key role during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring disabled Californians would have priority access to receive COVID-19 vaccinations when they were first administered. His vaccine directives saved many lives, including the lives of people with disabilities and our loved ones. 

“In my 33 years doing disability advocacy, I have worked with scores of elected and appointed officials at all levels of government. Secretary Ghaly stands out for me as an extraordinarily good listener with great core values and a deep commitment to real engagement with stakeholders outside of government,” says Andrew Imparato, Executive Director of DRC. 

DRC also appreciates the vision Dr. Ghaly accomplished to improve health outcomes for California’s aging population and for Californians with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities. Specifically, Dr. Ghaly’s efforts to expand Medi-Cal coverage to aging, disabled, and undocumented communities is key to improving health outcomes. This work was crucial in the development of the state’s Master Plan for Aging, and ongoing progress on the Master Plan for Developmental Services. 

“Although DRC and the Department have not always agreed on policy issues, we have always found Secretary Ghaly to be respectful, genuinely interested in the disability community’s input, and open to changing his position on an issue when presented with new information and perspectives,” Imparato added. “I am grateful for his leadership during the pandemic and during a time of great turmoil and change for our state.” 

In response to Dr. Ghaly’s departure, Governor Newsom announced Department of Social Services Director Kim Johnson will succeed Ghaly in the role. DRC looks forward to continued collaboration with Director Johnson on the issues Dr. Ghaly set in to motion while also improving outcomes with the In-Home Supportive Services program. 

Dr. Ghaly remains in his position until October 1.

Disability Rights California (DRC) – Is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. The mission of drc is to defend, advance, and strengthen the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. For more information visit: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org.