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California is taking an important step toward strengthening special education advocacy for families. Now, we need your help securing another critical investment for students with high support needs.
In this special edition of the Arc Beacon, The Arc of California Executive Director Jordan Lindsey shares the news that California has approved $2.4 million over three years to establish the California Special Education Parent Advocacy Network.
The funding advances the central goal of AB 2189, legislation sponsored by The Arc of California and authored by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, who is the parent of a child with a developmental disability.
“This is great news for California’s disability community,” Lindsey said. “Thank you to all the advocates who took action in support of AB 2189. Your voices were heard.”
The funding will go to the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, which will administer a three-year grant to develop statewide organizing, leadership and advocacy training. The network will help parents build the knowledge and collective power needed to influence the local, state and federal systems that shape special education.
This achievement shows what is possible when families, advocates, organizations and policymakers work together. But our work is not finished.
Take Action for AB 2526
AB 2526, authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, is now on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. The Arc of California is calling on Governor Newsom to sign the bill into law.
School districts must provide the services and supports included in each student’s Individualized Education Program. However, the funding districts receive does not always cover the actual cost of those services, particularly for students with high support needs.
AB 2526 would create a pathway for California to provide additional special education funding for students who are eligible to take the state’s alternate assessments. These students may require intensive instructional support, specialized staff, therapies, equipment and other services throughout the school day.
“AB 2526 would provide additional funding, especially for students with high support needs,” Lindsey said in the Arc Beacon.
Governor Newsom needs to hear directly from California’s disability community. Please take a few minutes today to quick email, call and share the action alert on social media: actnow.thearcca.org.
Together, we can celebrate meaningful progress while continuing to advocate for the resources every student with a disability needs to learn and succeed.
