February 2025 Action Needed
In case you missed it, The Arc of the United States hosted an informative webinar last week on “Medicaid Advocacy in 2025”, and is now available to watch! The webinar included the basics about Medicaid and the programs it funds, as well as the growing concern of potential cuts to Medicaid and what you can do NOW to protect it. Click HERE to watch.
This week, the Congress is discussing a proposed plan to cut Medicaid by $2.3 Trillion. Medicaid funds about 70% of California's Medi-Cal programs. Medi-Cal is the state's name for Medicaid. This is a VERY SERIOUS CONCERN! Should these cuts get passed by Congress, 505,000 Californians with developmental disabilities, their families, and those who provide their vital services and supports will be severely impacted. In Home Support Services (IHSS), Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), the Self-Determination Program (SDP), Early Intervention, employment programs, independent living services, heath care services, and so much more, are all funded by Medicaid.
We need EVERY person in the disability community to CONTACT THEIR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS NOW! Emailing your members takes two minutes and is only one click away!
*with thanks from our collaborative partner, The ARC
Medicaid resources:
1. Hesperia Rally, Congressman Obemolte's District, NBC - https://youtu.be/bROHcOoGny
2. Pasadena Disability Services Provider Rallies Support Against Proposed Medicaid Cuts
3. Medicaid Resource Center (ANCOR)
4. The Arc: What is Medicaid, Why it Matters
5. The American Network of Community Options and Resources (Service Providers): Preserve I/DD Services—Tell Congress Protect Medicaid
6. Self-Advocates and Families: The Arc of the United States: Tell Congress: Medicaid Is a Lifeline for People With Disabilities
7. Autistic Self-Advocacy Network: Tell Your Legislators: Protect Medicaid!
Update from the Department of Developmental Disabilities:
Discover the Early Childhood & Transition Resource Lookup Map for Families
Navigating early childhood and transition resources just got a little easier! The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) launched the Early Childhood & Transition Resources Lookup. It’s a user-friendly, interactive map designed to support families as they access critical services for their children.
What does this map offer?
- It’s a one-stop tool to locate essential early childhood and transition resources in your community. Just add your zip code, address, or city, and you can locate contact details, addresses, and websites for:
- Regional Centers
- Family Resource Centers
- Childcare Providers
- School Districts
- Head Start Programs
- Family Empowerment Centers
In California, early childhood resources are for children ages birth to 3 and transition resources are for children ages 3-5. The Early Childhood & Transitions Lookup can help save time and reduce the frustration of searching multiple sites, when navigating services and resources for your child.
Explore and share the Early Childhood & Transition Resource Lookup today at dds.ca.gov/childhood!
Upcoming Meetings for the CA. Master Plan.
Click HERE
The meeting will include a review of the main themes from recent public input, an overview of the Working Group Framework that will be used moving forward, and planning discussions by the working groups.
When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 10:00- 3:30 p.m. (Registration for online participation)
In-Person Location: CA Lottery 700 North 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
Upcoming Master Plan Workgroups meeting dates, times, and how to register:
- Workgroup 1 (Person-Centered Services): February 20, 2025 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm (Registration)
- Workgroup 2 (Service Systems): February 25, 2025 from 11 am to 2 pm (Registration)
- Workgroup 3 (Workforce): February 28, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (Registration)
- Workgroup 4 (Data & Outcomes): March 5, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (Registration)
- Workgroup 5 (Lifelong Services): February 21, 2025 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (Registration)
Check with your local Regional Center if they are hosting Town Halls such as the upcoming one at North LA Regional Center, 2/25/25:
You are CORDIALLY INVITED to a
LEGISLATIVE VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
February 25th, 2025
From 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M
Hosted by the North Los Angeles County Regional Center
The North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLACRC) is excited to invite you to our Legislative Virtual Town Hall—a chance to connect, learn, and advocate for the disability community. As the 2025 legislative season begins, this event will focus on how decisions made in Sacramento can continue to shape and improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in our region.
This year, California faces a challenging budget climate, and your voice is more important than ever. Together, we can advocate to protect the progress we’ve made under the Lanterman Act and ensure future success for our community.
What to Expect:
- Hear directly from state legislators about the actions being taken to support individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Learn how you can get involved and make a difference during this critical legislative session.
- Share your experiences and questions in a collaborative space that prioritizes your voice.
The Virtual Town Hall will take place via Zoom on February 25, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. This is an opportunity to engage with decision-makers, share your perspective, and learn how you can contribute to strengthening our community.
For your convenience:
Click here to RSVP
Click here to access the flyer
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