Resources for Independence Central Valley

02/27/2026

Closing out February and Black History Month with a quote from Theo W. Braddy, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living.

02/27/2026

The film "Brailled It" is premiering at the Slamdance Film Festival in Los Angeles!

Brailled IT is directed by David Grabias and follows the experiences of blind students participating in the Braille Challenge. BRAILLED IT pushes the boundaries of traditional media, equipping blind competitors with cameras to film their first-hand experiences at the International Braille Challenge Finals. Throughout the film, their struggles and triumphs tell a powerful story about identity, disability, and literacy. BRAILLED IT reimagines film accessibility through an audio-centric experience, and redefines the conventional film-making process.

Viewers can reserve and watch the film for the Wed, Feb 25th, 5:00 PM screening Landmark Theater 5. Click 👇 to reserve tickets: https://slamdance.eventive.org/schedule/6965b2ae829440a9db5e4f14

02/27/2026

02/27/2026

The Central Valley Community Foundation is excited to announce the release of the Central Valley Health Care Landscape Study, a report that explores our region's health care system across 7 Central California counties (Fresno, Kings, Mariposa, Madera, Merced, Tulare, and Kern). Consisting of insights from key stakeholders, including community residents, health care executives, policy experts, legislators, and more, the report outlines numerous aspects of health care in the Valley to educate others and inspire systematic, transformation of our health care system. This work is supported by Sierra San Joaquin Jobs, an initiative of CVCF, and funded by California Jobs First.

Our region is experiencing significant lapses in health equity — with a lack of health care access and specialists in the Valley, a scarcity of hospitals in rural areas, and a shortage of labor and delivery rooms and maternal care resources, resulting in preventable diseases being left untreated and an overall lower life expectancy compared to the state — especially for vulnerable communities such as immigrants, African Americans, and LGBTQ+ individuals. This report is a consolidation of knowledge and offers recommendations for enhancing the health of our residents.

Read the report at the link below to learn more.

https://www.centralvalleycf.org/health-equity

02/26/2026

Mark Your Calendar! The Fresno County Clerk, in partnership with Resources for Independence Central Valley, is hosting two workshops for potential voters to get experience in a Vote Center that provides accessible in-person voting options. The workshops will be held at our Fresno office on April 9th and 10th from 10am - 2pm. For more information, you can contact Rebecca Donabed at: rdonabed@ricv.org.

02/26/2026

02/25/2026

It's always a good time to prepare for an emergency. To learn more about the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program, call: (559) 221-2330.

02/25/2026

It can be confusing for individuals with disabilities, businesses, transit providers, and the public to know what rights a person with a disability has under which law, in which places, and what’s required. Join Northeast ADA Center and K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability for a free webinar, Is That a Service Animal? What Rights Apply Where, on Tuesday, March 3 from 10 to 11 a.m. (PT). This session will define service animals and assistance animals, and clarify the regulations regarding where they are allowed and where they are restricted. Click the link below to register:
https://bit.ly/4rtRObA.

02/25/2026

02/23/2026

Interested in working with a Specialist to help you build your resume, interview skills, and learn self-advocacy in the workplace?! Check out the upcoming Work Readiness Workshop held on 3/3 at 2:30pm - 3:30pm via Zoom. Feel free to call our general line with any questions at: (559) 221-2330 or contact the Specialist directly via email.

02/19/2026

Through RICV's Disability Disaster Access & Resources (DDAR) program, RICV assists individuals with disabilities and older adults in disaster readiness and recovery. This program provides information and assistance, disaster readiness training, personal preparedness planning assistance, public awareness and assessments for back up electricity support. To learn more about the program, call: (559) 221-2330.