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A key bill to strengthen the voice of families in California’s special education system is moving forward—and now is the time for parents and advocates to take action.
AB 2189, authored by Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen and sponsored by The Arc of California, passed out of the Assembly Committee on Human Services on April 14 with strong support and is now headed to the Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday, April 22 at 1 p.m. at the State Capitol, Room 126.
AB 2189 would authorize the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to fund a statewide effort to train and connect parents of students with disabilities, building a unified network to advocate for their rights and improve outcomes across California.
The need for this effort is growing. As federal oversight of special education weakens, states are increasingly responsible for protecting the rights of students with disabilities.
“AB 2189 provides a practical solution…to train and connect parents so they can understand their rights and advocate within California’s special education system,” Assemblymember Nguyen said during the hearing.
During testimony, The Arc of California Executive Director Jordan Lindsey emphasized that while many stakeholders are well-organized at the state level, the voices of parents and students are often missing. “The most important voice…is usually not at that table,” Jordan said.
Parent advocate Christine Case-Lo underscored the real-world gap families face: “We lack a statewide structure to advocate for systemic policy change.”
AB 2189 would create that structure that brings together local groups, family resource centers, and advocates into a coordinated, statewide coalition to elevate the voices of families and students.
TAKE ACTION AND SHOW SUPPORT!
If you are able, we strongly encourage you to attend the hearing and show your support:
DATE AND TIME:
Wednesday, April 22 at 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION
State Capitol, Room 126 (Assembly Education Committee)
Submit written public comment:
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- Assembly Education Committee: https://aedn.assembly.ca.gov/hearings
Click HERE to watch the hearing and testimony.
AB 2189 is about ensuring families are informed, connected, and heard at a time when oversight and accountability are shifting to the states. Without a coordinated parent voice, critical decisions about special education risk being made without the people most directly impacted.
Your presence matters. Legislators need to see and hear directly from families about why stronger parent advocacy and accountability in special education is urgently needed.
Stay Informed!
Join the growing number of advocates supporting this effort. Sign on to support AB 2189 and receive updates and action alerts as the bill moves through the legislative process: Visit specialed.thearcca.org to sign up.