The Arc & UCP California Collaboration Hires New Public Policy Director

The Arc & UCP California Collaboration announces the hiring of Teresa Anderson as our new Public Policy Director.  Teresa comes to us with over 25 years of experience working with and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She began her career as a volunteer “running buddy” for a young man who needed some support to participate in Special Olympics. Then after gaining experience as a volunteer she became a direct support professional in a community based program that provided day program services as well as residential program services to individuals with a wide range of need. Her interests and experience led to a position as a group home manager for 6 individuals with significant behavioral challenges. Teresa has also provided services as a one to one support for individuals with behavioral challenges, job coach and program manager for a non-public special education program.

After several years as a DSP she shifted her focus to advocacy and policy work on behalf of individuals with IDD. She has worked on many policy issues throughout the years, some of which include: injury prevention, prenatal care, criminal justice, health advocacy and social justice. With strong interest in policy and advocacy Teresa pursued a graduate degree in public health focusing on health advocacy for people with IDD. For the last 7 years she has lobbied and provided policy direction for a health care provider association. During this time she has also continued her work in advocacy by working on special projects for The Arc CA.  Policy work and advocacy for people with IDD continues to be her passion and as such she is looking forward to using her experience and education to advance the policy agenda for The Arc and UCP CA Collaborative. In addition, she is excited to strengthen her advocacy skills by completing her Juris Doctorate.