The Arc of California

11/19/2025

A very important recognition for our community!

Why is the IDEA important? For millions of parents, like Juliet Barraza, mother of Ben, it has been essential to a full life: "Without the IDEA, Ben's life and our life would have been dramatically different. IDEA was a light that shined on his educational needs and transformed his life and ours."

Learn more from the Center for American Progress on IDEA at 50 Week of Action at: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/idea-at-50-resources-to-support-students-with-disabilities-during-the-week-of-action/

11/19/2025

Many immigrant families avoid applying for public benefits, and miss out on thousands of dollars in support that their children are qualified to receive.

Attend a FREE online presentation for immigrant families on Thursday, November 20 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.. ALL are welcome regardless of immigration status.

If your loved one has a diagnosis or disability, come hear from attorney Nghi Huynh of Asian Law Alliance, who will present on:

• Know your rights to apply for and receive public benefits!
• Plan for your loved one's financial future.
• Advocate for your family!
• Access support available to you!

Register now and bring your questions! Parents Helping Parents

11/18/2025

Last week, members of The Arc of California attended The Arc of the United States National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking the organization’s 75th anniversary. "It was energizing to be surrounded by chapter leaders, self-advocates, families, and partners from across the country who are all working to advance the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities," Jordan wrote in his reflection of this year's convention. Read his full recap at the following link: https://thearcca.org/reflections-on-the-arcs-75th-anniversary-national-convention/

Last week, I had the privilege of attending The Arc of the United States’ National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking the organization’s 75th anniversary. It was energizing to be surrounded by chapter leaders, self-advocates, families, and partners from across the country who are a...

11/14/2025

November is National Family Caregivers Month — a time to honor the incredible people who give their hearts and energy to help others thrive. Here’s to every caregiver whose compassion makes the world a little brighter. 💫 🫶💜

11/14/2025

National Disability Employment Awareness Month may be over, but celebrating the achievements of workers like Cathy Prior should happen all year long.

For nine years, Cathy has thrived at Salesforce with support from The Arc San Francisco's Supported Employment program — showing the power of perseverance, partnership, and purpose at work.

“Cathy’s joy for her work is infectious. She’s a reminder that with the right support and an inclusive employer, people can truly flourish in their careers.” — The Arc of San Francisco

👏 Join us in celebrating inclusive employment, where talent is recognized, effort is celebrated, and every employee is valued for who they are.

Read Cathy’s full story: https://thearcca.org/community-spotlight-on-catherine-prior-soaring-with-confidence-at-salesforce/

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, The Arc of California proudly celebrates Catherine “Cathy” Prior, whose nine-year career at Salesforce reflects the power of inclusion, perseverance, and partnership between employers and The Arc of San Francisco’s Supported Employment progr...

11/10/2025

This month, we celebrate the love, strength, and resilience of family caregivers everywhere — especially those caring for loved ones with disabilities.

Read Felisa Strickland’s beautiful reflection on what caregiving truly means and how Caring Futures has built a community of support and hope: https://thearcca.org/celebrating-the-love-and-strength-of-family-caregivers/

November is National Family Caregivers Month — a time to honor the millions of parents, family members, and friends who provide care and support to loved ones with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related needs. It’s also a time to reflect on the shared strength, resilience, and love that...

11/07/2025

Check your EBT cards! Due to a court order, the federal government has begun to fully fund CalFresh (SNAP) benefits for November. This means Californians who use CalFresh, including many in the developmental disabilities community, will once again receive the food assistance they’re eligible for. If you do not see the funds on your EBT card, please don't hesitate to utilize a local food bank or visit Calfresh.org

11/05/2025

Sign up for the next future planning class for Caregivers of a family member with a disability. Class starts November 12 at Noon. Limited space available. https://www.caringfutures.org/classes

11/05/2025

November is National Family Caregivers Month—a time to recognize, uplift, and support the millions of caregivers who make a difference every day in the lives of their family member with a disability.

To support caregivers in our community, we’re proud to have developed a FREE six-week online class series to help parents and caregivers plan for the future. Together, with other caregivers, we will walk you through a step-by-step process for creating a solid future plan in the event something should happen to you, or to help with major life transitions that are unavoidable.

It's always better to be prepared and we have the tools to assist you.

Sign up NOW to hold your place in the next Future is Now class that starts Wednesday, November 12 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. The class is weekly and will run through Wednesday, December 17th.

Learn more and register: https://www.caringfutures.org/classes

11/03/2025

⏰📆Tomorrow is the November 4 Special Election. You can visit the California Secretary of State website to get the following information https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ :
1️⃣If you voted early by mail, you can find out if your ballot has been counted at "Where's My Ballot". 📬 https://california.ballottrax.net/voter
2️⃣Find your nearby polling place if you need to drop off your ballot or vote in person.
3️⃣Check your voter registration status.
4️⃣ If you have not registered to vote, you can do so in person tomorrow at your polling location.
5️⃣Learn more about the special election to decide Prop 50
6️⃣To view an easy voter guide in several languages visit: https://cavotes.org/easy-voter-guide/
7️⃣ To learn more about available supports for voters with disabilities, such as polling place accessibility, etc. visit https://disabilityvoteca.org/

California has one of the largest disability populations in the nation — and every accessible ballot, mail-in option, and curbside voter assistance site expands that civic voice. It is reported that 1 in 4 voters has a disability. Let's demonstrate the power of our collective voice in tomorrow's election!

📣Get out and vote!

10/30/2025

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we shine a spotlight on Russell Kantun, a 21-year-old who has turned determination and opportunity into a story of success - thanks to the support of Gold Coast Transit District and The Arc of Ventura County.

For Russell, the job is more than a paycheck. “I like it because I earn money and now understand the value of a dollar, ” he shares proudly.

We appreciate and value the companies like Gold Coast Transit District for their inclusive hiring practices. Diversity in the workplace benefits everyone!

Read about Russell's inspiring employment journey: https://thearcca.org/celebrating-inclusion-russells-journey-to-employment-success-at-gold-coast-transit-district/

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce and the employers who champion inclusion. Today, we shine a spotlight on Russell Kantun, a 21-year-old who has turned determination and opportunity into....