The Arc of California

🚨 TAKE ACTION TODAY: BEFORE JUNE 15 DEADLINE 🚨

No one should have to live in poverty to keep their healthcare.

Governor Newsom's proposed budget would bring back strict Medi-Cal and IHSS asset limits, allowing individuals to have no more than $2,000 in savings and couples no more than $3,000.
Think about that for a moment.

A person with a disability could lose healthcare and in-home support services simply because they have a small emergency savings account, money set aside for a wheelchair repair, transportation, housing costs like a security deposit, or other basic needs.

These harmful limits would force Californians to choose between financial security and the services they rely on to live safely and independently in their communities.

The California Senate has rejected these asset caps. Now we need Assembly leadership to do the same.

📢 CONTACT CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY Speaker Robert Rivas TODAY AND URGE HIM TO:
✅ Adopt the Senate's budget proposal
✅ Reject proposed Medi-Cal and IHSS asset caps
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: 916-319-2029

Link to sample email, call script and social media messages: https://tinyurl.com/294k584p

Every call and email helps lawmakers understand how these cuts would impact people with disabilities, older adults, and families across California.

Please TAKE ACTION today and SHARE this post so others can join us.

Disability should not come with a poverty requirement.

Starting TODAY, June 1, new CalFresh work requirements are taking effect in California. While many adults ages 18–64 may be affected, it's important to know that many people with disabilities qualify for exemptions.

Understanding your rights and eligibility can help ensure you continue receiving the food assistance you need.

Our latest article explains:
✅ Who may be impacted by the changes
✅ Common disability-related exemptions
✅ What steps to take if you receive a notice from your county

Food security matters. Make sure you have the information you need.

Read Full Article and Get Resources: https://thearcca.org/calfresh-changes-take-effect-june-1-many-people-with-disabilities-are-exempt/

CalFresh Changes Take Effect June 1 Many People with Disabilities Are Exempt Beginning June 1, 2026, California is implementing new CalFresh work or community engagement rules for some food assistance recipients. These changes stem from H.R. 1, sometimes referred to as the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which was signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025.

We are stilling riding the wave of energy from last week's DisCo at the Capitol! Each year the event grows and more advocates are joining forces to protect essential services and supports. One service provider, VistAbility, hosted a fundraiser to raise money to rent a large bus that carried more than 100 people to attend the event. It's an incredible story and an example of what is possible.

Read the full story: https://thearcca.org/hundreds-of-vistability-advocates-bring-their-voices-to-the-capitol/

Hundreds of VistAbility Advocates Bring Their Voices to the Capitol VistAbility, a nonprofit organization serving adults with disabilities in Contra Costa County, rallied more than 100 program participants and staff to attend the 19th Annual DisCo at the Capitol this year, ensuring self-advocates had a voice during critical discussions around proposed cuts to Medi-C...

Well, we wrapped up another really memorable and inspiring DisCo At the Capitol: California Disability Advocacy Conference with our incredible partners ARCA - Association of Regional Center Agencies, Easterseals SoCal and United Cerebral Palsy. This is just a teaser of some of the wonderful photos from the two-day event captured by True Love Photo. There will be more to come int he next few days. Thank you to our dynamic co-hosts Jordan Lindsey and Sofia Andrea Sanchez for leading us through program yesterday!

We wanted to sincerely thank our generous sponsors and benefactors who make this event possible for our community.
Chick-fil-A for donating 600 lunches
Waymo
Pacific Homecare Services
Tierra del Sol Foundation

College of Adaptive Arts
DesertArc
Home of Guiding Hands
Pediatric Day Health Care Coalition
Public Partnerships PPL
Hope Services
Therap Services
24 Hour Home Care
Cookman Law
Faria Engineering and Surveying
Fragile X Association of Southern California
Law Offices of Chad Carlock
PathPoint
Ruzzo Scholl & Murphy
Station 16
UCP of the North Bay
Luther and Amy Nishimura
Pat and Tim Hornbecker
Felisa Strickland
Dr. Lou Vismara

Congratulations to The Kelsey for receiving this year’s California Disability Innovation in Advocacy Award at this year's DisCo at The Capitol: California Disability Community Advocacy Conference.

The award was accepted by Isaac Haney-Owens on behalf of The Kelsey and presented by Kristen Pedersen, Executive Director, The Arc San Francisco.

This award by The Arc of California, ARCA - Association of Regional Center Agencies, Easterseals SoCal and United Cerebral Palsy, recognizes leaders advancing innovation, equity, and inclusion for people with disabilities.

The Kelsey is helping reimagine what inclusive housing can and should look like by creating communities where people with and without disabilities can live, connect, and thrive together. Their leadership is helping move California closer to a future where accessibility and inclusion are built into every community from the start.

Thank you to The Kelsey for your visionary work and commitment to advancing disability-inclusive housing and community living.

Congratulations to Nic Novicki, Founder and Director of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, for receiving this year’s California Disability Innovation in Advocacy Award at the 19th Annual DisCo At the Capitol: California Disability Community Advocacy Conference.

Presented by The Arc of California, ARCA - Association of Regional Center Agencies, Easterseals SoCal and United Cerebral Palsy, this award recognizes leaders who are breaking barriers and creating meaningful pathways to inclusion and opportunity.

Through the Disability Film Challenge, Nic has helped create a global pipeline for performers, writers, directors, and filmmakers with disabilities to showcase their talents and pursue careers in entertainment. His work is helping transform representation in media and proving that authentic inclusion leads to stronger storytelling and a more inclusive industry for everyone.

Thank you, Nic, for your leadership, advocacy, and commitment to opening doors for the disability community around the world.