Japanese and Vietnamese clients and families are invited to join the Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy (OCRA) to create power and knowledge about disability rights and services in Asian communities. Finding a community of support is a valuable tool in navigating challenging systems, like regional center services. Come learn and be inspired!       

OCRA is offering two FREE online training sessions on September 29th. Session 1 will teach basic and important advocacy tips for getting services for yourself or your loved one. Session 2 is an introduction to the self-determination program. Select which session is best for you, or you can choose to attend both sessions.

This conference is for people who get regional center services, their families, and their circle of support.  Anyone who wants to learn about the Japanese and Vietnamese communities is also welcome to join.

You can also register in Japanese and Vietnamese.

What you will learn:

Session 1: Welcome and Advocacy Basics: Tips for Getting Services for Yourself or Your Loved One

Join OCRA to kick off this exciting event. This session will provide regional center clients an overview of services available from the regional center. You will learn how to ask for services at Individual Program Plan (IPP) meetings and what to do when the regional center says no. Clients and families will also share their story about getting services. This session will also feature opening remarks from our keynote speaker, San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. She will discuss her passion for the rights of children with disabilities, including sharing the story of her nephew with autism.

Session 2: Introduction to the Self-Determination Program

Specialists will give an overview of the traditional regional center system and the Self-Determination Program. As a regional center client, you will also learn about differences between the two systems so you can decide if the Self-Determination Program is right for you. Clients and families will share their story about getting in the Self-Determination Program.  

Keynote Speaker

Helen Tran, Mayor of San Bernardino

Helen Tran is the mayor of the city of San Bernardino, serving as the first Asian American elected in the city of San Bernardino, and the first Vietnamese mayor in the United States. The daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Tran grew up in San Bernardino and is a public servant, non-profit leader, and mother of three.