Press Releases & Statements

Press Releases & Statements
For information on press releases and/or statements please contact:
Melody Pomraning
Communications Director
(916) 504-5938
melody.pomraning@disabilityrightsca.org
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 advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, and choices for all people with disabilities.
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Disability Rights California Urges California Senators to Vote NO on SB 1338 (Umberg)
Disability Rights California Statement in Response to Recent Hate Crimes in Buffalo, New York
Disability Rights California (DRC) condemns the mass shooting that took place on May 14th, 2022, in a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, killing ten Black individuals and wounding another three, one Black person and two white individuals. The person who committed this crime has admitted to being a proponent of white supremacy and intentionally chose the location because of the high percentage of Black individuals who live there.
Disability Rights California Urges Governor Newsom to Not Put Funds into CARE Court
Today, Governor Newsom released the revised 2022-23 budget plan proposal including costs associated with the new Community Assistance, Recover and Empowerment (CARE) Court.
Disability Rights California strongly opposes SB 1338 (Umberg) and urges Governor Newsom to not put significant funds into a court-ordered system for involuntary mental health treatment which has no real means to help people out of homelessness in the long run. In fact, it will do more harm because studies show forced treatment lessens the likelihood of people seeking voluntary treatment in the future.
Disability Rights California Concerned with Leaked Supreme Court Draft Opinion That Would Overturn Roe v. Wade
Disability Rights California defends, advocates for, and supports the freedom of individuals with disabilities to make their own choices about healthcare and decisions over their own bodies. Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, and overturning Roe v. Wade would risk the reproductive rights of millions. The reversal would also disproportionately negatively impact the most vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, people of color, people living in poverty, and those without the means to travel.
Disability, Civil Rights Groups Say Fundamental Questions Must Be Answered Regarding ‘CARE Court’ Proposal
(Sacramento, CA) – With Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal for a so-called "CARE Court" set to be heard by the legislature this week, and after more than 40 advocacy groups including ACLU California Action, Disability Rights California, and Western Center on Law & Poverty submitted resounding opposition to its related bill, SB 1338 (Umberg & Eggman), advocates say fundamental questions remain unaddressed by the administration and bill
Students with Disabilities Illegally Neglected, Punished, Criminalized in Antelope Valley Schools
Disability Rights California Appreciates the Governor’s Approach to COVID-19 To Protect Vulnerable Populations
On February 10, 2022, the Governor signed SB 115, an "early budget action that invests $1.9 billion to supplement vaccination and testing efforts, support workers, strengthen the health care system and combat misinformation.”
Disability Rights California recognizes and appreciates the Governor’s no-nonsense approach to combating COVID-19 and we are grateful that our State is encouraging the continuing use of masks and other mitigating measures to protect vulnerable populations during this next phase of the pandemic.
Thousands Join Growing Effort to Protect Disability Rights Laws
Disability Rights California's Position Statement on the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act
About Disability Rights California
Disability Rights California (DRC) works for a world where all people with disabilities 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.
Latinx Parents Sue to Stop Discrimination by Harbor Regional Center when serving People with Developmental Disabilities
Students with Disabilities Receive Court Order to Reinstate Distance Learning
Disability Rights California Applauds President Biden’s Plan to Increase Essential Support for Individuals with Disabilities
(Sacramento, CA) - Disability Rights California applauds President Biden for delivering on his promises to increase essential support for individuals with disabilities. On October 28, 2021, President Biden announced the $1.75 trillion economic recovery package, Build Back Better Framework, that will guide drafting the legislative language for investments of in-home and community-based services, jobs, child care, climate, housing, and many support services that will impact the disability community.