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By Pat Hornbecker, President, The Arc of California Board of Directors
I wanted to share a message about hope and resiliency as we prepare for the potential changes that may come with a new administration in 2025. I am undoubtedly not alone in feeling some trepidation and worry about what will happen to the supports and services that are so vital to my son Joseph’s life and to the lives of the 420,000+ individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in California.
However, as I stare into the face of uncertainty, I am reminded of our strength and power as a community and how far we have come since the passage of The Lanterman Act in 1969. The younger version of me never gave up hope and never stopped fighting for my son’s rights. We prevailed once. We can prevail again!
My friends, fellow parents, colleagues, valued professionals, and advocates who have spent the last several decades getting our community to a place of power, strength, and success – THANK YOU! I have learned so much from those who fought before me to gain the rights and services my 44-year-old son Joseph enjoys today. But we must never rest on our laurels of success and be prepared to protect and defend the critically needed services for those we care so much about.
We are a community of humanity. We are united by a deep respect for people with disabilities and their right to have every opportunity to live their best lives. We believe in the inclusion of all people in our society. We support one another. We protect one another. We speak the truth to policymakers and those in positions of power even when we know they may not consider the quality of life for a person with a disability a priority. We will continue to remind them that disability doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter how you voted, where you live, how much money you have, what religion you practice, who you love, or your cultural background. Disability touches all families at some point or another. Disability is a nonpartisan issue that all policymakers should have a personal interest in caring about.
So let us be reminded of our humanity and come together in 2025 knowing we are stronger together!
My younger self is telling me never to lose hope and never to give up fighting. Why? Because I still can! And because this community deserves it. Although I have been advocating for my son since he was born, there is much work to be done, especially in today’s world. It may not be easy, but we are a very resilient community. I am confident that whatever comes our way, we will be ready.
Gratefully,
Pat Hornbecker