Last night, the California Legislature voted to pass the Budget Act of 2026, and sent it to Governor Newsom.

On Monday, DRC's Associate Executive Director of External Affairs Eric Harris joined Assm. Gonzalez and many disabled leaders for a rally at the State Capitol to defend disability services. The rally demanded that the governor not impose major cuts to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and not reinstate asset limits in the upcoming state budget, set to be finalized next week. 

At just 10 years old, Gracie Doran experienced a stroke that forever altered the course of her life. In a short period of time, Gracie went from being an active child to relearning how to walk, talk, and eat, all before she started the fifth grade.

In recognition of May as Stroke Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, Gracie reflected on the impacts that having a stroke has had on her life, her outlook, mental health, and career.

On May 14, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom released the May Revision of his proposed 2026-27 state budget based on new information about state funds after taxes have been collected.

Re: Congress Must Prioritize Care, Access, Representation and Basic Dignity, Not Violence and Detention

Dear Members of Congress,

Formed in 2024, The Alliance is a group of disability and Deaf-led organizations working together to build cross-disability collaboration, solidarity, and political power to influence and improve policies for disabled people in California. The Day of Action was created by The Alliance in recognition that now more than ever, it’s crucial the disability community join together in community and solidarity.

As of yesterday, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has deferred $1.1 billion in funding for California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, citing concerns over fraud. This decision comes amid many such major cuts under the pretense of combatting fraud that will do great harm to disabled people in America.

Governor Newsom’s May Revision of his proposed 2026–27 state budget, unveiled yesterday morning, trumpets bold claims while quietly making devastating cuts. Disability Rights California (DRC) calls out the difference between what the Governor proclaims and what his policies reflect, and urges state leaders to fight to protect critical investments for the health and safety of Californians with disabilities.

Berkeley, CA – Last week, two leading disability rights organizations hosted an education summit in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Disability Rights California (DRC) and the Disability Rights and Education Defense Fund (DREDF) brought a panel of leading experts in the disability education space to reflect on the history of education for students with disabilities and to look ahead to building a more inclusive educational future for students across the disability community.

For the past 23 years, people who work in state hospitals and mental health advocates have gathered at the Patients’ Rights Advocacy Training (PRAT) conference in Sacramento, CA.

This May Mental Health Awareness Month, PRAT serves as a reminder that peer support for people with mental health disabilities is a crucial role for our society and a calling to support those who otherwise might not have a voice.

Disability Rights California (DRC) is the protection and advocacy system for the State of California. DRC has federal oversight authority to inspect and evaluate the quality of care people with disabilities receive at programs or facilities where they reside. DRC’s Investigation Unit regularly visits these facilities to monitor conditions. DRC visited the Adelanto ICE Processing Center after hearing serious concerns that people with disabilities were being kept in unsafe and unclean conditions.

DRC's Associate Executive Director of External Affairs Eric Harris joined KQED's Forum program on Thursday May 7th to discuss a new proposed rule change that would negatively impact disabled Californians who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI.) He joined fellow panelists Eli Hager, the reporter whose recent Pro Publica piece  “The Trump Administration Aims to Penalize Disabled Adults Who Live With Their Families” lays out this concerning rule change, and Kristen Peders

Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that significantly weakens a key protection in the federal Voting Rights Act. The Louisiana v. Callais decision makes it harder to challenge discriminatory voting maps and will make it far more difficult to stop states from creating voting maps that limit the political power of voters of color. Disability Rights California strongly condemns this decision, which moves our country backward at a time when access to the ballot remains unequal and under threat.

We’d like your input as we review and revise the priorities of our work for 2027. You can tell us what is important by answering the questions below. If you need help, please call us at (800) 776-5746 and say, “I need help with your survey.”