In late June, Governor Newsom and the California Legislature reached an agreement for the California 2026-27 Budget. You can read DRC’s response to the Budget here.

Major impacts on people with disabilities: DRC thanks the Legislature and advocates for fighting back against many harmful proposals that would affect people with disabilities. The 2026-27 Budget came with wins and losses. This Budget:

This week, Governor Newsom signed the 2026-27 California state budget act into law. This final budget rejects many of the worst cuts to disability services that had been initially proposed by the administration.

Key Provisions Impacting Californians with Disabilities

On healthcare, the final budget:

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) issued a deeply alarming opinion that takes direct aim at one of the most important disability civil rights principles in modern American law: the rights of people with disabilities to live, receive services, and participate in the community rather than being unnecessarily segregated in institutions.

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.