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VistAbility, a nonprofit organization serving adults with disabilities in Contra Costa County, rallied more than 100 program participants and staff to attend the 19th Annual DisCo at the Capitol this year, ensuring self-advocates had a voice during critical discussions around proposed cuts to Medi-Cal, food assistance and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).
To make the trip possible, one of VistAbility’s programs organized a spaghetti dinner fundraiser and silent auction to help charter a bus from Martinez to Sacramento for the 160-mile roundtrip journey. What began as a creative fundraising idea last year has now become an annual tradition that continues to grow.
“This was our second year chartering a bus to DisCo at the Capitol,” said Hannah Michaelsen, Director of Development for VistAbility. “We refused to let the state make decisions that directly affect us without us. So we showed up.”
Michaelsen said the fundraiser exceeded expectations, helping support additional activities throughout the year while also creating a memorable experience for participants.
“I could tell the program participants felt special pulling up to the event in a big fancy bus,” she said. “Most of all, it allowed them and staff to all ride together.”
This year, seven VistAbility programs participated in DisCo at the Capitol, bringing approximately 100 staff and advocates to Sacramento. Some attendees met directly with legislators and legislative staff, while others participated in the rally and advocacy activities throughout the day.
“It’s part of our agency mission to foster independence and inspire personal choice for our participants,” Michaelsen said. “The DisCo event is a great venue to put our mission into action. Not all of our participants can share their thoughts verbally, but all could wear a t-shirt, or a button or make a sign.”
Participants described the experience as “Awesome!” and shared how much they enjoyed traveling together and being part of something bigger than themselves. Staff also appreciated the opportunity to engage with participants during the trip without the stress of driving.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” she said. “Don’t underestimate the ways your community might support an event like this. It’s worth the effort to help participants get there.”