The Power Healthcare Gives Us
The Power Healthcare Gives Us
The Power HEALTHCARE Gives Us
The Power Healthcare Gives Us is a series of short documentary pieces that provide an intimate look into the lives of six Californians with disabilities. This series was made possible through a grant from the California Endowment Fund.
Each of the series’ subjects is empowered to thrive through critical services like Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).
This series was created in response to the 2025 federal budget bill H.R. 1, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” This bill eliminated a record 900 billion dollars in Medicaid funding, leaving states to fill in the gaps.
Cuts to healthcare come at a cost. Not just money, but a real, human cost.
That’s why we made this series. Through telling these stories, we are fighting back against attacks on these crucial services from both the federal and state level.
Nicole
Nicole wants to start a love revolution. Through her experience advocating for people with disabilities in the state legislature, Nicole uses her voice to shed light on topics others might find uncomfortable, with her podcast, The No No Show. She lives out loud through experiences like being the first grand marshal with Down Syndrome at the San Francisco Pride Parade. Nicole is empowered to live her full life through the support her family receives through In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).
Carlos
Carlos knows a core truth about the world: everyone either has a disability now, or they’ll have one later. For him, this isn’t a threat; it’s a reminder about how services for people with disabilities are better for everyone. As someone who became disabled later in life, Carlos uses that perspective to connect with his disabled peers as a volunteer at Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center. He has credited Rancho Los Amigos with changing his life through the skills he’s learned about navigating the world with a wheelchair. Skills Carlos was able to obtain because of Medi-Cal. Now, Carlos pays that support forward by volunteering over 25,000 hours at Rancho Los Amigos.
Deaka
Deaka’s voice has power. Her motto is, if there isn’t a seat for you at the table, bring your own chair, unfold it, and don’t get up until you have what you need. Deaka has practiced this advice in her own life. From advocating for disability services at Cal State Long Beach, to getting accessible mats installed for people with wheelchairs to enjoy rolling on the beach, she has earned herself the nickname “Change Agent Deaka.” As a recipient of Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Deaka embodies what it means to thrive with the proper supports and services.
Ana
Ana’s heart is as big as her dreams for change. She strives for a world where all people with disabilities have the services and support they need to thrive in their communities. For Ana, Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) aren’t just far-off policies; they’re close to home. As the director and founder of an organization for parents of children with disabilities, the mother of a child with disabilities, and living her own disabled life, Ana’s personal and professional life has been directly impacted by these crucial services.
Check this page for new videos, releasing in August and September.
