SearchThe Arc of California maintains a strong advocacy network of self-advocates, family members, service providers and community members dedicated to promoting and protecting the civil rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our advocacy efforts include:
Grassroots Advocacy
Grassroots advocacy is the foundation of The Arc, we work through a vast network of advocates to encourage contact and communication with their local, state or federal officials to make their voices heard. We provide various opportunities for members to engage in issues of interest to them through awareness campaigns, letters, calls, emails and visits with their elected officials.
Legislative Advocacy
The Arc of California tracks, monitors and acts upon legislation that impacts the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each legislative session policy proposals also known as bills are introduced covering a wide range of issues that include; healthcare, employment, housing, transportation, housing, civil rights, education and many other important areas.
State Budget Advocacy
Each year the Governor proposes a state budget that outline the state’s proposed spending for health and human services, education, transportation, environmental protection, corrections and rehabilitation, general government and several other categorical funding areas. Budget advocacy is critical to our system and we engage at every point in the budget process to advocate for adequate funding for our system. We take every opportunity to educate policymakers on the very real impacts the budget has on the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their family, friends, services providers and overall community.
Regulatory Advocacy
The Arc of California monitors and acts on regulations that result from new legislations or changes in existing regulations that impact the services and supports important to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Policy/Position Statements
The Arc of California develops policy briefs and position statements that address critical issues related to human and civil rights, health care and treatment, and services and programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Policy briefs and position statements are used to inform our public policy agenda, as well as serve to inform our constituency, stakeholders, media, and the general public on the prevailing organizational view on key issues.