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By Jim Frazier, Director of Public Policy, The Arc & UCP California Collaboration
AB 2383 (State Department of Developmental Services: Training Program and Services for Children with Developmental Disabilities), a bill introduced by Assembly Member Wendy Carrillo and proudly sponsored by The Arc & UCP California Collaboration, has moved through the legislative process with unanimous support in both the Assembly and Senate and is now making its way through the Senate Committee on Health to be heard on Wednesday June 26. This bill creates the necessary training protocols at birthing centers and Regional Centers to inform families waivers and pathways to care for their children that are born medically fragile. This bill was inspired by the life and legacy of Darby Jean who was born in August 2017 with Trisomy 13. There was little hope that she would be able to breath on her own when she was born. However, Darby surprised everyone by breathing on her own when she was born and continued to teach lessons of love, hope, compassion, and strength for the short 15 months that Darby got to spend with her family.
Often, private health care systems don’t provide opportunities for the appropriate compassionate care of the family and their child that is needed during a difficult time. If passed, this bill with implement a training requirement with an emphasis on family centered care – a welcomed and much needed resource for families. Please lend your support by calling or emailing the members of the Senate Health Committee sharing your strong support for AB 2383 “Darby’s Legacy” bill.