(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, the California Disability Leadership Alliance (The Alliance) published its second report, calling on the state to do what the federal government won’t. Broken into 14 key issue areas like employment, housing, emergency preparedness, and mental health, the report features insights and statistics from industry-leading policy experts. The report serves as a wake-up call to legislators that the time to act is today, to protect a tomorrow that is only promised if they will it to be so.

When The Alliance published its first report in 2024, the disability rights landscape at the federal level was very different. Today’s report speaks to the reality that the past two years have seen a narrowing of protections to nearly every right that this report depends on. As Californians elect a new Governor this November, this report details a roadmap for the state to shield itself from the worst of the federal protections’ rollbacks.

"California calls itself a civil rights leader, but disabled Californians are still waiting for the record to match the reputation,” said Michelle Uzeta, Executive Director of Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund. “In 2028, the world will see how we handle transit, housing, and emergency planning. The time to close these gaps is now, and disabled Californians must be the ones informing and leading that work.”

This report provides a high-level overview of gaps California faces in disability rights — and identifies issue areas where lawmakers, state agency leaders, and advocates can collaborate on disability-specific legislation and regulations. It is a tool for organizing the many policy reforms disabled Californians need.

"We look forward to working with the next Governor and the state Legislature to help our state lead the nation in advancing civil rights, accessibility and inclusion for our community. Our state can and must do better," said Andy Imparato, CEO of Disability Rights California.

Disability-led organizations are uniquely positioned to comment on state policies because they have first-hand experience navigating California systems that directly impact their communities. The Alliance is made up of disability-led organizations that work across disabilities in collaboration to build solidarity and political power to influence and improve policies for disabled people in California.

Read the full report.

Media Contacts

Tina Pinedo
Communications & Operations Director
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
(510) 225-7726
media@dredf.org

Eric Harris
Associate Executive Director of External Affairs
Disability Rights California
(916) 504-5940
Eric.Harris@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 defend, advance, and strengthen the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. For more information visit: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org.

The California Disability Leadership Alliance is made up of several disability and Deaf-led organizations. The goal of the Alliance is to build cross-disability collaboration, solidarity, and political power to influence and improve policies for disabled people in California. For more information visit: https://cadisabilityalliance.org

Members of the California Disability Leadership Alliance

• Association of California State Employees with Disabilities (ACSED) 
• Cal Voices
• California Council of the Blind
• California Foundation for Independent Living Centers
• Choice in Aging
• The Coelho Center for Disability Law, Policy and Innovation
• Disability Rights California
• Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
• National Federation of the Blind of California
• NorCal Services for Deaf & Hard of Hearing
• SHARE! 
• Youth Justice Education Clinic at Loyola Law School