El Arc de California Archives - The Arc of California

El Arc of California Leads the Academy of Advocacy and Action: Building Power Through Community and Story

In September 2025, El Arc of California hosted the Academy of Advocacy and Action, a four-part virtual training series created for Latino parents, caregivers, and self-advocates. Each Friday of the month, community members came together to learn practical tools to tell their stories, understand California’s legislative and budget process, and strengthen collective advocacy for disability rights and equity. Each session began with a self-advocate, setting the tone for empowerment, inclusion, and authentic leadership. The series was hosted by Azucena García-Fierro, an accomplished advocate and communicator who guided participants through each week’s theme with warmth and clarity.

The opening session set a hopeful tone and celebrated the power of community. Rigo and Julie Gaona, self-advocates and community leaders, shared their journey of fighting for equity and inclusion in the disability community—demonstrating how advocacy begins at home and grows into systemic change. Special guest Assemblymember Dr. Joaquín Arámbula joined to highlight his work in support of the Latino disability community and his leadership on AB 1220, a bill aimed at improving accountability and access in California’s developmental-services system. Participants also learned about the mission, history, and impact of El Arc of California, and how the organization continues to champion inclusion and equity across the state. The day concluded with a lively Q&A that connected family stories with policy change.

The second session helped families and advocates understand how laws and budgets shape services for people with disabilities. Facilitator Chris Arroyo, Assistant Director of Policy and Affairs at the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, explained how to follow and influence the legislative process. Rigo and Julie Gaona opened by reflecting on why advocacy matters for self-advocates. Participants later broke into small groups to discuss key priorities in the state budget and shared how to transform awareness into action.

This third week focused on building strong and inclusive community networks through parent and community groups.

Elise Duarte, a self-advocate, spoke about the importance of connection, leadership, and breaking down barriers that prevent families from organizing. A panel of community group leaders from El Arc de California’s Coalition led by Sofia Cervantes, advocate with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, shared lessons learned from successful community efforts, emphasizing that real change happens when families work together toward shared goals.

The final session celebrated the power of storytelling as a cornerstone of advocacy. Azucena García-Ferrero began with her personal story and invited participants to reflect on their own experiences as advocates and caregivers. Attendees were led by Chris Arroyo through practices of writing messages for change, learned how to submit testimony through the state’s legislative portal, and explored how to use social media as a tool for civic engagement. The Academy closed with gratitude and encouragement from Assemblymember Arambula (watch his closing remarks here), reminding everyone that lasting change starts when our stories are heard.

Please find the recordings of the sessions, here.

El Arc de California Responds to Governor’s Budget Targeting Immigrant Families

El Arc de California, the state’s leading coalition of Latino disability advocacy organizations, is deeply alarmed by Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revise of the state budget proposal, which threatens to reverse California’s progress on health equity by targeting undocumented individuals with disabilities and their caregivers—many of them Latino.

The proposal would freeze enrollment into full-scope Medi-Cal for undocumented adults over the age of 19, impose a $100/month premium on those already enrolled, and eliminate access to critical services such as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), dental care, and long-term care benefits.

This proposal strikes at the heart of California’s immigrant communities and directly harms families already facing disproportionate barriers in accessing disability services.

“Latino immigrant families are the backbone of our communities. Stripping their access to IHSS and essential health services is not just fiscally short-sighted—it is morally unacceptable,” said Joe Perales, Director of El Arc de California.

In recent years, California has made historic strides in expanding Medi-Cal to cover all income-eligible adults regardless of immigration status, recognizing that health care is a human right. These changes provided lifelines for undocumented families caring for children and adults with disabilities—many of whom rely on IHSS to ensure safety, dignity, and care at home.

This budget proposal would walk back that progress, leaving thousands of undocumented individuals—many of them essential workers and caregivers—without access to the services that keep their families afloat.

We call on the Governor and the Legislature to:

Reject proposals that roll back Medi-Cal access for undocumented Californians.
Protect IHSS, dental, and long-term care benefits for all Medi-Cal recipients.
Uphold California’s promise of equity and inclusion for immigrant and Latino communities.
Include disability justice in every budget decision—because no person with a disability should be left behind due to immigration status.

The proposed cuts violate the values we share as Californians. At El Arc de California, we believe that every person—regardless of immigration status—deserves access to care, support, and opportunity. We will not stand by as immigrant families are pushed out of the very systems they helped build and support.

“We stand in solidarity with California’s undocumented community—especially the thousands of Latino families raising children and adults with developmental disabilities. These proposed cuts erase years of progress toward equitable health access and place an unjust burden on families already marginalized by the system,” Said Grace Huerta, Vice President of The Arc of California Board of Directors, and Chair of the El Arc de California Advisory Committee

We need advocates and allies to speak up, and use the power of their voice. Here are two ways you can join us in opposing these unjust budget proposals:

Email or call your assembly member and senator urging them to reject this budget proposal: Click HERE to find your legislator.
Share your story with us, by emailing info@thearcca.org

El Arc de California Leads Historic Advocacy Effort for Transparency and Equity in California

By Joe Perales, Director, El Arc de California

Last week, El Arc de California organized a powerful two-day Latino Disability Leadership Summit, bringing together over 53 Latino leaders from across California. Representing more than 50 community-based organizations and groups, these advocates united to push forward AB 1220 (Arambula), a landmark bill aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the state’s developmental services system.

AB 1220, authored by Assembly Member Dr. Joaquín Arambula (D-Fresno), passed out of the Assembly Human Services Committee with a unanimous vote, and now heads to the Appropriations Committee. This is a historic win for California’s disability rights movement and marks the first time in the state’s history that legislation requiring California’s Regional Centers to document and publicly report service denials, notices of action and appeals, has advanced through committee.

The summit opened with remarks from Assembly Member Arambula and Dr. Michi Gates, Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Both recognized the power and leadership of the Latino disability community in advocating for systemic change.

Advocates received hands-on training from Chris Arroyo, Assistant Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, learning how to craft compelling testimony, organize their communities, and use their personal stories to drive change. And Jorda

The group of leaders, which included adults with developmental disabilities, their family members and allies, put their training into action. With their rally signs and voices united, the group took to the streets chanting “¡Latinos unidos jamás serán vencidos!”(Latinos united will never be defeated) as they marched toward the legislative building to testify at the Assembly Human Services Committee Hearing in support of AB 1220.

Across California, Latino families are being denied critical services for their family member with a developmental disability— and too often, they aren’t told why or what they can do about it. AB 1220 addresses this barrier to accessing services.

El Arc Coalition leaders and community members delivered passionate public comments inside the hearing. Families and advocates shared honest and emotional testimonies rooted in truth.

Ana Alonso, a parent of three children with disabilities and advocate from Kern County, said “As a mother, I know the importance of access to services, which makes a difference in our lives. Transparency when services are denied is important to the family. The disability doesn’t go away because services are denied. The need is still there.”

“This bill is about fairness. Every family deserves to understand what decisions are being made about their child’s care, and why,” said Patricia Albeño, parent of an young-adult with disabilities, and disability rights advocate.”This bill gives us the tools we need to advocate for our loved ones.”

This is not just progress — it is a milestone in the movement for racial equity, disability justice, and accountability. The voices of Latino families, self-advocates, community leaders, and the El Arc Coalition helped move this bill forward.

We are grateful for the support of the Human Services Committee Members, and will continue to advocate for passage of AB 1220 as it moves through the legislative process to become law.

AB 1220 gives our communities the power of visibility — and that’s how change begins.

To show support for this landmark legislation, you can sign onto an Open Letter to our Elected Officials. We want to get at least 5,000 signatures. It only takes two minutes to add your name: Click HERE for English and click HERE for Spanish.

To watch the hearing and testimony, click HERE
To view photos from the summit, click HERE

The 5th California Latino Disability Community Leadership Summit Fostering Collaboration and Building Power in San Diego

The California Latino Disability Community Leadership Summit took place at the San Diego Regional Center on December 5-6, 2024. The summit gathered a diverse group of California leaders, advocates, self-advocates, regional center representatives, and members from Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). All participants were united in their commitment to improving the lives of Latino Californians with disabilities.

The summit welcomed 41 leaders from various organizations engaged in meaningful dialogue and collaboration. The two-day summit was marked by inspiring moments that emphasized the power of collective action and the importance of building capacity for leadership within the Latino disability community. The summit served as a vital step toward developing a more inclusive and equitable future for Latino Californians with disabilities and their families.

Joe Perales, Director of El Arc de California and Grace Huerta, Vice President, The Arc of California Board of Directors and Chair, El Arc de California, opened the event by emphasizing the collective mission of equity and inclusion. Their message was further amplified by opening remarks from Pete Cervika, Interim Director of DDS, who emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Events like these are vital in fostering collaboration and driving meaningful progress.” I am inspired by the dedication of this community and look forward to the systemic change we will achieve together.”

Michi Gates, Chief Deputy Director of DDS, shared heartfelt welcoming remarks, stating, “It is a privilege to join such a dedicated group of leaders and advocates at this summit. The work we do together is essential in breaking down barriers and ensuring equity for all individuals with disabilities. I am inspired by the passion and commitment in this room, and I look forward to seeing the transformative impact of our collaboration.”

Mark Klaus, Executive Director of San Diego Regional Center (SDRC), who hosted the meeting, added, “This gathering represents a critical step in our shared journey toward equity and inclusion. I am deeply inspired by the dedication and vision of everyone in this room, and I am confident that together, we will create a lasting impact for the communities we serve.”

Dynamic Sessions and Hands-On Training:

The agenda of the summit was designed to inspire action and provide practical knowledge. The sessions covered a variety of topics:

Grassroots Organizing and Power Building: Led by Jordan Lindsey, Executive Director of The Arc of California, this session emphasized community mobilization and empowering advocates. Jordan outlined strategies for building grassroots movements, focusing on community strengths, collective power, and sustainable networks. He shared real-world examples of successful efforts and provided actionable steps for participants to apply in their communities, inspiring a view of advocacy as a collaborative endeavor that highlights the power of collective action.

Chris Arroyo, the Los Angeles Regional Manager of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, led a discussion on civic understanding, systemic change, and policy influence. He introduced the “Three Ps”—People, Politics, and Purse—as a framework for advocacy, emphasizing their interconnectedness in driving reform and offering actionable steps for participants.

The Latino Disability Community Leadership Summit was more than just a series of sessions; it was a catalyst for change. Participants left with a stronger sense of purpose, armed with tools to drive systemic advocacy, and a renewed commitment to addressing disparities. The connections forged among leaders and advocates strengthened the collective efforts to advance equity.

Acknowledgments:

El Arc de California extends its deepest gratitude to the sponsors and supporters who made the summit possible. Special thanks go to the San Diego Regional Center for hosting the event, as well as to Manos Home Care, Easterseals, Aveanna, The Arc of San Diego, and The Arc of Ventura County for their generous contributions.

To view images from the summit, click HERE

Dolores Huerta Inspires to Build Power and Influence Systemic Change at the California Latino Disability Leadership Summit in Los Angeles

By Tim Hornbecker, Grassroots Organizer, The Arc of California

I was inspired, informed, and challenged by attending the El Arc de California Latino Disability Leadership Summit in Los Angeles last week. I was inspired by meeting and listening to the co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, Dolores Huerta. I had the privilege of working with her and Cesar Chavez during the Grape Boycott (Huelga) march to Washington, D.C. in the late 1960’s. She was the organizer of the marches, and still inspires me at age 93! “Our voice matters” Dolores exclaimed! “We had a lot of power because of our numbers during the boycotts. Poor people can organize. Every person is an activist, every moment is an opportunity to give hope and transform. We need to love and organize more!” Her messages are still the same. Our presence and our voices are needed in these times of racism, inequality, and injustice. She had all of us raising our fists shouting, “Si, Se Puede”, Yes We Can!

Dolores’ opening speech at the second Leadership Summit of 2023 undoubtedly had a profound impact on the assembled leaders. As a legendary civil rights activist, Dolores bought a wealth of experience and wisdom to the gathering. Her speech likely served as a powerful catalyst for the leaders, inspiring them to engage in meaningful action and advocacy.

Dolores’ focus on the themes of power building, organizing for systemic change, and addressing disparities resonated deeply with the leaders. Her emphasis on creating power through unity and collective action encouraged the leaders to consider their own roles in effecting change within their respective communities. By emphasizing the importance of organizing and advocating for systemic change, she challenged the leaders to think strategically and proactively about their advocacy efforts.

Overall, Dolores left an indelible impact on the summit’s attendees, fueling their sense of purpose, solidarity, and commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities to Latinos with disability community in California.

Grace Huerta, daughter in law of Dolores, opened the Summit as the Chairperson of El Arc de California. “What is important to us and what are our challenges? We deserve a unique platform, and El Arc will provide this support with you,” Grace said. She emphasized the lack of support and respect, lack of communication and access to available services. “We won’t stay silent. We have rights. We are leaders, intelligent and brave with voices to change these disparities!”

If the voices of these two women weren’t enough, the Summit was facilitated by Ana Garcia-Ashley. She is Executive Director for the Gamaliel Foundation, where a young Barack Obama learned how to be a community organizer. But Gamaliel teaches there are no permanent friends or enemies in organizing. She was arrested with 1,000 families at the White House protesting Obama deporting more immigrants than any other President!

Ana clarified that El Arc is a grassroots movement of Latino disability advocates to build power, develop leaders and encourage change. To accomplish these outcomes, the over 40 leaders met together and worked in three separate groups. She facilitated and constantly challenged each of these groups. Group #1 – Relationship Building with DDS, Group #2 – Communicating Stories of the Latino disability community, Group #3 – Building Relationships with Legislators about the needs of the Latino disability community.

Thank you to our host, Emilio Sosa, Chief Executive Officer at The Arc of Los Angeles & Orange Counties for their meeting room, transportation, as well as meals provided by their Culinary Arts Program. They were an example of organizing families and informing their elected officials about their successes and challenges. Attending the evening reception was the Mayor of Downey, Claudia Frometa, as well as the Mayor Pro-Tempore Mario Trujillo. Also, the City of Downey Councilmember Hector Sosa and 64^th district Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco recognized and welcomed El Arc de California leaders!

An Important and Momentous Day for California’s Latino Disability Community

By Grace Huerta, Vice President, The Arc of California Board of Directors and Chair, El Arc de California Advisory Committee

Attendees of El Arc de California’s Latino Disability Leadership Summit held on August 24, 2023 in Sacramento, CA described how they felt after the event as determined, empowered, inspired, equipped, energized, and informed.

The evening before the summit we hosted a welcome reception that included a variety of guests who are advocates for the Latino disability community, including several members of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, as well as statewide professionals and family members of individuals with developmental disabilities. All attendees share in the vision of creating a world where all Spanish-speaking individuals with disabilities and their families have full access to supports and services.

The Department of Developmental Services disparity data continues to show that we must identify and reduce barriers for Spanish-speaking families of children with disabilities. El Arc de California was established to give Spanish-speaking parent leaders, professionals, and individuals with disabilities an action-driven platform to get involved, exercise their leadership and shape policy.

We kicked off the Latino Leadership Summit at the California State Capitol, where I proudly accepted a Resolution by Assembly Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon and presented by Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula, recognizing El Arc de California and its coalition members for their outstanding work in leading the disability rights movement to advance inclusion and equity for all Latinos with developmental disabilities and their families.

A special thank you to Assemblymember Arambula, who has been a long-time champion of disability rights in California. As I stood on the Assembly Chamber floor to receive the Resolution, I “spiritually” brought with me the thousands of Spanish-speaking families and individuals with disabilities who are counting on us to keep leading the charge.

The Latino disability rights movement has begun, and we aim to eliminate the many barriers to access and equality for the Spanish-speaking community. I hope that being part of this extraordinary event has inspired everyone in attendance to continue to get more involved with our advocacy efforts.

The Latino Disability Leadership Summit in Sacramento was made possible by the California Equitable Recovery Initiative, a grant by the California Department of Public Health.

If you want to get involved, please CLICK HERE to Sign up for the El Arc de California news and updates. Sign Me Up!

View images on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=a.791091119686547

El Arc de California Recognized by the California Latino Legislative Caucus

On August 24, leaders from the Spanish-speaking disability community across the state joined El Arc de California at the State Capitol to accept a Resolution by Assembly Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon, and presented by Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula, recognizing their outstanding work in leading the disability rights movement to advance inclusion and equity for all Latinos with developmental disabilities and their families.

Grace Huerta, Vice President of The Arc of California Board of Directors and Chair of the El Arc de California Advisory Committee, accepted the Resolution presented by Assemblymember Arambula, who has been a long-time champion of disability rights in California.

Several members of the California Latino Legislative Caucus showed support by attending a reception the evening prior with El Arc de California and its coalition members.

“I hope that being part of this extraordinary moment has inspired everyone in attendance to continue to get more involved with our advocacy efforts for the Latino community,” said Huerta.

Following the presentation at the State Capitol, Ana Garcia-Ashley, Executive Director of Gamaliel, facilitated the first in a series of California Latino Disability Leadership Summits, leading discussions on building a powerful coalition and taking action. The summit was intended to share ideas and garner alignment on priorities that will spark change and ultimately improve the quality of life for California’s Spanish-speaking disability community.

Click HERE to view more pictures from the special occasion.

The Arc of California Awarded Grant Funding to Strengthen California’s Spanish-Speaking Disability Community

The California Department of Public Health has awarded The Arc of California a grant as part of the California Equitable Recovery Initiative (CERI), a program to advance an equitable pandemic recovery through policy, systems, and environmental changes.

The funded project, named the “Colaboración Comunitaria para Acción Colectiva,” will create an equitable and resilient future for Spanish speaking Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and do so by building political power through community organizing and cross-organizational collaboration. The effort will build upon and scale the actions of El Arc de California to launch a fully statewide movement that is native in language and culturally aware in outreach for the community.

This El Arc de California statewide coordinating project proposes to fill an important need in the Spanish speaking disability community by creating an organizing platform for all local and regional efforts to coordinate a movement across the state that achieves the goals as established at our first statewide summit:

Eliminate disparities in health and social services by improving our systems of support and services so that it prioritizes quality, inclusion, and equity for ALL Californians with disabilities;
Organize political power for the Latino disability community.

WE ARE HIRING for a Director of El Arc de California who will oversee this grant project and more. Click HERE to download job description.

Click HERE to Apply

Equity and Power are Priorities at Summit of Latino Disability Community Leaders

Last Saturday, September 10th, leaders from across California convened in Sacramento for a summit of leaders in the Latino disability community as a first-of-its-kind effort to organize local and regional activities into a coordinated statewide movement. The summit was a result of a year-long planning by the Advisory Committee of El Arc de California, which is chaired by Grace Huerta, Executive Director of the Exceptional Family Center and Vice-President of The Arc of California.

The day was kicked off by Mike Madrid, a nationally recognized expert on Latino voting trends, and facilitated by Ana Garcia-Ashley, Executive Director of the national Gamaliel Foundation. Attendees were led into a discussion to establish goals, strategies, and actions for the community and entered robust conversations about the needs of the community, the inequities they encounter, and the potential for change. The day was filled with passion, energy, and hope.

The summit will lead to action items and further organizing efforts across the state. CLICK HERE to stay connected with the movement!

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