Tag: The Arc Beacon

A Major Special Education Victory and One More Action to Take

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.

California’s Final Budget Protects Many Essential Supports for Disability Community, but Work Remains

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed California’s final 2026-27 state budget, concluding months of negotiations over proposals that would have significantly impacted Californians with developmental disabilities and their families. While the final budget preserves many of the state’s core disability services, it also includes several policy changes that will require continued advocacy in the months ahead.

In last week’s Arc Beacon, Jordan Lindsey, Executive Director for The Arc & UCP California Collaboration, provides a high-level overview of the budget’s biggest wins and challenges, including the preservation of regional center services, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Adult Protective Services, and Medi-Cal Dental, along with a historic $2.4 billion investment in special education.

Jordan also discusses one of the budget’s most concerning provisions: the lowering of Medi-Cal asset limits beginning July 1, 2027, which could affect eligibility for Medi-Cal and IHSS for many Californians with disabilities.

The Arc & UCP California Collaborative has also prepared a comprehensive summary of the final budget, outlining the major provisions affecting the developmental disability community. The detailed report includes updates on regional center governance, Medi-Cal, IHSS, special education, housing, immigrant services, employment, Self-Determination, and other key policies that will shape services and supports in the coming year.

Watch the latest Arc Beacon for Jordan’s overview of the final budget, then read the full 2026-27 Budget Summary for an in-depth analysis of the provisions affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, service providers, and advocates across California.

The Arc of California Responds to Controversial Statements Made on Causes of Autism

Last week, public officials made troubling claims about the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In moments like these, words matter. They can uplift or they can cause real harm.

In this week’s Arc Beacon video message, Executive Director Jordan Lindsey speaks directly to California’s disability community about the importance of truth, science, and compassion in public discourse.

Jordan reminds us that neurodivergence and disability have always been part of the human experience, enriching our families and communities. As he powerfully states:

“We believe that a diagnosis is not a tragedy. People with autism deserve dignity, not stigma. Respect, not pity. And inclusion—not isolation.”

He also underscores a clear fact: despite recent political statements, there is no credible scientific evidence linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to autism. Suggesting otherwise risks creating stigma, guilt, and confusion for families.

At The Arc of California, we will always stand for:

    • Evidence-based policy
    • Compassionate leadership
    • The lived experience of people with disabilities

We see you. We support you. And we will continue to advocate for inclusion, dignity, and the right of every person to live a full life.

Click HERE to watch Jordan Lindsey’s full statement.

Introducing The Arc Beacon: Keeping You Informed. Empowered. Engaged.

We are very excited to launch “The Arc Beacon”: Your regular advocacy report for California’s disability community. As we face unprecedented challenges to the services and supports that Californians with disabilities and their families depend on, we are rolling out regular video updates from The Arc of California Executive Director Jordan Lindsey. Through these updates, we’ll shine a light on what’s happening at both the state and federal levels, share opportunities for you to get involved, and work together to protect the essential supports and services that so many Californians rely on.

In Friday’s video update, Jordan shares details about what changes are coming in California’s state budget for fiscal year 2025-26 and how those funding changes will impact critical disability programs.

You can submit questions to Jordan at info@thearcca.org, and he will try to answer them in the next update. Until next time, stay safe, stay informed, and stay engaged

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