Tag: The Arc Beacon

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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