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By Grace Miranda Huerta, Parent, The Arc California, Vice President; El Arc de California, Chair, Co-Founder, The Exceptional Family Center
Like many parents, the journey began upon the diagnosis of both of my children, Micaela and Roman. The urgent desire for knowledge of what to do for my children became a priority. I was invited to join the board of Kern Regional Center (KRC) by another mother. I was very resistant, I didn’t think I had anything to contribute, I had very little knowledge, much less about being a board member. Upon my first meeting as a visitor, they were so welcoming, the rest is history, the knowledge they were sharing with me became my passion. The KRC board introduced me to The Arc of California (The Arc) and invited me to apply for the Partner in Policymaking. What a wonderful introduction to advocacy! I met like-minded parents and individuals with developmental disabilities; together we shared the desire to learn the skills needed to use our voice effectively. The Arc trainers increased our skills, confidence and more importantly the need to advocate for others.
Today, I serve on the Board of Directors of The Arc of California. This year, The Arc opened the doors to the Spanish speaking community by launching El Arc de California, a statewide collaborative action group of professionals, Spanish-speaking families, and individuals with developmental disabilities. A reflection of The Arc giving the underserved a platform to advocate for the needs of their unique community.
Together, my family remains committed to supporting The Arc. Last year, 2021 my daughter, Micaela, got married to Diego Cruz. Together, they advocate strongly for each other. My son, Roman continues to work in the community through a vocational training program and loves participating in the Special Olympic athletic program. My husband Fidel is the medical director for the Kern Regional Center. They are the champions that give me the daily dose to keep on advocating locally and statewide with The Arc. Together as parents, you too can make a difference. The Arc is part of your community, where the voices of the families and participation of individuals with developmental disabilities continues to be the central focus of The Arc. Join us!