In the wake of the tragic events in Colorado Springs, CO, Disability Rights California affirms its solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ community and mourns the lives lost at Club Q.  

We also mourn individuals whose lives were stolen by acts of violence against transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and two-spirit people throughout 2022. 

Disability Rights California (DRC) has been advocating for and protecting the rights of all Californians with disabilities for over four decades.

We’re passionate about working for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

As we enter our 45th anniversary year in 2023, your contributions will help us continue our vision into the future.

Disability Rights California (DRC) is excited to announce the selection of Andy Arias as the new Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) beginning December 1, 2022.

Disability Rights California joins the disability community in mourning the loss of Lois Curtis, who passed away on November 3, 2022. Lois was a trailblazing advocate whose legacy represents justice and equality.  Because of her efforts to fight disability discrimination, millions of people with disabilities can live, work, and receive services in their own homes and communities. 

Read an Employment Success Story from our Client Assistance Program.

Two members of the legislative team at Disability Rights California (DRC) recently spent time in Washington D.C. for conferences and celebrations.

DRC’s Public Policy Director Eric Harris attended a gathering to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at Vice President Kamala Harris’s residence in August. The gathering brought 70 people from the disability space together to reflect on progress that’s been made since the ADA’s signing.

Disability Rights California (DRC) is excited to showcase some of our wonderful Latinx staff.  We all are very proud of our families’ heritage, culture, and roots.  In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, we hope you enjoy our stories about our traditions, food, and language.  Please join us by celebrating the diversity that unites us.

There are seven propositions on the November 8, 2022 General Election ballot for voters to decide. drc has taken positions on three of these initiatives that could have impacts on the disability community. drc approaches our work with an intersectional lens, examining how people with disabilities are impacted by racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, criminal justice and other forms of oppression.

Disability Rights California is Proud to Announce Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy Director Shannon Cogan Has been Appointed to Panel of National Experts to Review the Department of Developmental Services Conservatorship Process

Shannon Cogan, the director of the Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy (OCRA) at Disability Rights California (DRC), was appointed September 1, 2022, to a national panel of experts to review the conservatorship process at the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

You must be registered to vote in order to vote. Let’s make sure that we are all registered to vote and that our voter registrations are up to date so that our voices will be heard in the November election and beyond!

The California Memorial Project was established to honor individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities who lived and died in California institutions.

We also honor those currently held in institutions and reflect on the continued fight for personal autonomy and self-determination.

The Honorable Governor Gavin Newsom
California State Capitol
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: SB 1338 (UMBERG) – CARE Court: VETO REQUEST

Dear Governor Newsom,

Disability Rights California is firm in its commitment to stop any policy that takes away the rights of people with disabilities, including the CARE Court framework. The CARE Court proposal could place Californians living with mental health disabilities and substance use disorders under involuntary court-ordered treatment.

During the 2021-22 school year, Assembly Bill (AB) 130 required all school districts to offer Independent Study to children whose health would be put at risk by in-person instruction, as determined by their parent or guardian.

School districts, however, are not required to offer Independent Study programs to children whose health would be put at risk by in-person instruction during the 2022-23 school year. It is optional.

The Honorable Governor Gavin Newsom
California State Capitol
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Governor Newsom,

Cancel the Contract Antelope Valley and its partners are calling on the California Department of Education to investigate alleged disability discrimination in the Antelope Valley Union High School District.