Tag: Board Member

Community Voices: What Disability Pride Means to Kathleen Barajas

By Kathleen Barajas, Board Member, The Arc of California

Disability Pride has evolved in my life over the years. As a young adult, I honestly couldn’t have imagined such a concept. It wasn’t until college that I began to embrace disability pride—when I discovered my voice, my strengths, and my power to educate others simply by being present. Despite the physical and communication challenges I faced, I excelled in my classes and often found myself teaching my professors and peers about what it truly means to live with a disability.

In 2012, I began my professional journey as a Disability Rights Advocate. I joined advisory committees and nonprofit boards, learning quickly that I had a powerful perspective to share. I was honored to be chosen repeatedly to speak on disability-related issues—often using a communication device to deliver my speeches in a way that was clear and accessible to all. I’ve had the privilege of speaking at the California State Capitol on multiple occasions, and each time I felt a profound sense of pride knowing I was there representing my community.

One of the most meaningful recognitions in my journey was being crowned Miss California Wheelchair in 2016, a role that allowed me to amplify messages of inclusion, independence, and empowerment throughout the state. That same year, I also launched Project AIR (Accessible, Inclusive Representation), a personal initiative aimed at increasing visibility for people with disabilities in leadership, media, and civic spaces.

Another moment I hold dear was being selected to serve on the City of Long Beach’s Community Leadership Committee—a body not specific to disability issues. The appointment was deeply meaningful to me because it represented a growing recognition that disability must be part of every conversation, not siloed or seen as separate from broader civic life.

Today, I am proud to serve as a Board Member for The Arc of California, continuing the work of advancing rights and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am proud to be part of the disability community—not just during Disability Pride Month, but every day. We are powerful, talented, and resilient. I’ve seen minds and hearts change when I share my story, and I will always make it a goal to keep opening eyes to the truth: we are not so different from anyone else.

Happy Disability Pride! 

A Personal Story; What Developmental Disability Awareness Month Means to Our Family

By Raymond Hampson, Board Member, The Arc of California

As a father of a 32-year-old son with a developmental disability, I am reflecting on this past month of March and wonder what has Developmental Disability Awareness Month meant for my son and our family.

I am thinking back to a time when parents were advocating for their children to live home and in the community and not be placed in an institution; a time when parents wanted their children educated next to their typically developing peers. I applaud the parents that helped form the Lanterman Act in California that allows our children and adults with disabilities to have the proper services and supports to live in the community. I am very thankful for these parents who advocated for equality and inclusion.

I know it is my responsibility not to lose these important services and it is my responsibility to help expand and shape these service as we move into the future. I also know I cannot do this by myself. I must listen, learn and follow the lead of my son and his peers on what they want and need to live a fuller life in the community.

Having a month designated as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month helps acknowledge that my son and his peers matter; that they belong in the community and have something to contribute to the community. It lets the larger community know that having a developmental disability is a part of the human existence and makes the world more diverse and beautiful. That they will no longer be placed in an institution because others are uncomfortable around or know how to react to a person with a Developmental Disability.

We need to celebrate our pioneers who led the disability rights movement like Ed Roberts and Judy Heumann, parents like Shirley Dove & Julie Beckett, leaders like Sue Swenson & Colleen Wieck and all the parents who advocated for the Lanterman Act.

I thank everyone who has impacted my son’s life and made it possible for him to live with his supports in the community. Together, we will all continue to make improvements in the lives of people living with disabilities.

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