The Arc of California

02/20/2026

📣 Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Future.

On Monday, February 23 at 2:00 p.m. (PST), join the LantermanCoalition for the next conversation in "Keeping California’s Promise" featuring Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction and candidate for Governor.

The disability community is one of the largest voter blocs in California. That means our voices matter — and being informed matters.

This non-partisan candidate interview series gives our community the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to lead our state about their commitment to protecting the Lanterman Act and preserving vital disability services.

The conversation will be led by:
• Barry Jardini, Executive Director, California Disability Services Association
• Amy Westling, Executive Director, California ARCA - Association of Regional Center Agencies
• Nicole Adler, Human Rights Advocate and Speaker, Nicole For Love

As we head toward the June primary elections, it is our civic responsibility to understand each candidate’s priorities and plans. Join the conversation. Ask questions. Spread the word.

🗓 Monday, February 23
🕑 2:00 p.m. (PST)
💻 Live Online
🔗 Register: thelantermancoalition.org/events

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Keep California’s promise.

02/20/2026

Proud to stand alongside leaders who are fighting to protect diversity, equity, and inclusion across California.

Our Public Policy Director, Julie Schurman, spoke at today’s press conference hosted by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, lifting up why DEI efforts are essential to the disability community because equity means access, representation, and real opportunity for people with disabilities and their families.

Amongst legislators present were Assemblymember Mia Bonta, Assemblymember Chris Ward, Assembly Majority Leader Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Senator María Elena Durazo, Assemblymember Mike Fong, and Senator Caroline Menjivar — united in support of SCR 89 and a more inclusive California.

For the disability community, DEI isn’t optional — it’s how we ensure no one is left out or left behind.

02/20/2026

Today, we honor the quiet strength, fierce advocacy, and unwavering love of caregivers across our state. 🫶

On National Caregivers Day, The Arc of California recognizes the parents, siblings, grandparents, spouses, and family members who show up — every single day — to support a loved one with a disability. You are the steady presence when systems fall short.

Caregiving is powerful. It is also demanding and requires a level resilience that is immeasurable.

You are seen.
You are valued.
You are deeply appreciated. 🙏

Our work is stronger because of you. Our community is stronger because of you. And the future we are building together depends on your voice, your love, and your leadership.

Today — and every day — we thank you! 💙

02/19/2026

There is a new bill, AB 1900 (Kalra), you should know about. The Arc of California is proud to support AB 1900. For individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, access to health care is not optional — it is essential. Yet too many Californians still face high premiums, deductibles, surprise bills, and immense medical debt.

👉Learn more about this important legislation here: https://thearcca.org/health-care-for-every-californian-understanding-ab-1900-and-the-calcare-proposal/

We will share more ways to get involved and advocate for the passage of AB 1900 in the coming days. Ash Kalra

On February 12, 2026, Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) has introduced AB 1900 CalCare in the California State Assembly. AB 1900 would create a single payer, universal health care system for every person who lives in California.

02/18/2026

Take some time for YOU tomorrow! On Thursday, February 19 at 9:30 a.m.(PST), parents and caregivers of a family member with a disability are invited to join our next Caring Conversation featuring licensed psychotherapist, relationship and life coach Dr. Zoe Shaw, This is a great time join together as a community and have meaningful dialogue on caregiving. This is a free webinar on Zoom.

Please register to hold your space: https://tinyurl.com/DrZoeShaw

02/18/2026

It’s happening tomorrow, February 18 at 1 PM (PST) via zoom. Members of the disability community are encouraged to attend. Register at https://thelantermancoalition.org/events

02/18/2026

If you’re a parent or caregiver supporting a family member with a disability and finding it hard to prioritize your own well-being, Self-Care Matters is for you. This two-class online series offers space to connect with other caregivers and explore simple, realistic strategies to support your health and emotional well-being.

The class Includes a 7-Day Self-Care Challenge with small, doable practices you can actually fit into daily life.

Classes are Wednesdays, February 18 and 25
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Online | Supportive & interactive

This is your chance to reset, reflect, and build habits that support you — because your well-being matters.

REGISTER NOW: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/8pgm7n3

02/17/2026

Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18 at 1 PM, we invite members of the disability community to join a live online conversation with Antonio R. Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles and candidate for California Governor.

Leadership matters. Accountability matters. Disability rights matter.

Through Keeping California’s Promise, the LantermanCoalition is asking every candidate for Governor the same questions about how they will protect the Lanterman Act and preserve vital disability services in California.

Upcoming confirmed interviews include:
📅 February 18 at 1 PM – Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles
📅 February 23 at 2 PM – Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction
📅 March 25 at 11:30 AM – Tom Steyer, business executive and philanthropis

Your vote is powerful. Make it informed.
ASL and Spanish interpretation available.

Register at thelantermancoalition.org/events

02/13/2026

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/5sysx9m

02/13/2026

“People with developmental disabilities should not lose access to essential services because a family is facing a crisis,” said Jordan Lindsey, Executive Director of The Arc of California. “This legislation reinforces the promise of the Lanterman Act by ensuring individuals can have a representative when they need one most. By creating clear processes and safeguards, SB 1052 protects access to vital regional center services and provides stability during some of the most vulnerable moments a family can face. We thank Senator Gonzalez for her leadership in advancing this critical protection.”

California State Council on Developmental Disabilities

No family should live in fear of what happens to their loved one with a disability if they are suddenly no longer able to be there to provide support – but with increased immigration enforcement, more and more people are concerned that their support systems are at risk.

I’m authoring SB 1052 to create a commonsense safeguard that allows the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to appoint a “contingent” authorized representative who can step in to help a person with developmental disabilities advocate for their needs if their family member is detained, deported, or unable to help.

Learn more: https://sd33.senate.ca.gov/legislation

02/13/2026

CAMBIO DE FECHA: La entrevista de la Coalición Lanterman con Xavier Becerra, candidato a Gobernador de California, se ha cambiado al viernes 13 de febrero a la 1:00 p.m. Si usted ya se registró, no necesita volver a registrarse. Solo tome nota de la nueva fecha y hora. El enlace de Zoom seguirá siendo el mismo.
Si aún no se ha registrado, invitamos a los miembros de la comunidad de discapacidad de California a asistir y conocer a cada uno de los candidatos a Gobernador y sus prioridades para la comunidad de discapacidad. Tome una decisión informada en las urnas aprendiendo más sobre los candidatos. Habrá interpretación en ASL y en español disponible.
¡Regístrese ahora!
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/5sysx9m
***Para obtener más información sobre la serie de entrevistas Keeping California’s Promise, visite thelantermancoalition.org/events. Todos los candidatos han sido invitados a participar en la serie y la programación continúa.
POR FAVOR CORRA LA VOZ compartiendo este evento y las otras entrevistas que se realizarán próximamente. ¡Gracias!