The Arc of California

03/10/2026

More than 70 organizations across California have raised concerns about a proposal in the Governor’s January budget that could add new work requirements and eligibility checks every six months for certain state-funded Medi-Cal enrollees.

Health providers, disability advocates, civil rights organizations, and community groups warn the proposal could increase administrative costs and create barriers to care without improving employment outcomes.

The Arc of California and El Arc de California have joined this effort.

Learn more about the proposal and read the full letter urging legislative leaders to reject the Governor's proposal HERE:

In January, Governor Gavin Newsom released a proposed state budget that includes changes to Medi-Cal eligibility rules for certain Californians. The proposal would impose work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks, every six months, on individuals enrolled in the state-only funded Medi-C...

03/10/2026

LAST CALL TO REGISTER! Tomorrow, March 11 at 1:00 p.m. (PST), we will be offering our "Future is Now" class in Cantonese thanks to a partnership with Golden Gate Regional Center. The class is open to all Cantonese-speaking parents and caregivers of family member with disabilities receiving regional center services in California.

The FREE six-week online class series occurs weekly from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, starting tomorrow!

The future planning class helps parents and caregivers design a support plan for their family member with a disability so they are ready at any time caregiving needs to shift to a successor. Being preparing for sudden life changes, or a planned transition of care, is important. The class series includes:
• Step-by-step process to help you design a plan for the future care of your family member
• Small and welcoming learning environment for a personalized experience
• Classes taught by trained instructors, ensuring a supportive learning experience
• Developed in collaboration with the Institute on Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago
• Classes taught in English with Cantonese interpreters and materials.

Register now and PLEASE SHARE: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cbtggma

03/09/2026

Stay informed and educated. Don't miss this webinar.

Immigration detention can have serious consequences for people with disabilities. When medications, assistive devices, communication support, or continuity of care are disrupted, the risks are immediate and real.

Access Living, Disability Rights California, and The Arc Minnesota are hosting a community conversation about what these harms look like and defending civil rights under escalating enforcement.

Being an Immigrant and Disabled in the U.S.: Defending Civil Rights Under Escalating Federal Enforcement: Wednesday, March 11, 11:00am PT | 1:00pm CT | 2:00pm ET

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hG2kuGtqSDu7gdOqy5qgPA

03/05/2026

Announcing new legislation to strengthen special education advocacy in California.

The Arc of California is proud to sponsor AB 2189, the California Special Education Parent Advocacy and Training Act, introduced by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen.

This bill will help ensure families have access to training, resources, and a statewide network to advocate for students with disabilities.

In this Arc Beacon video, Executive Director Jordan Lindsey explains why AB 2189 matters and how it will empower parents across California.

🎥 Watch the video and then add your name in support.

✍️ SIGN ON TO SUPPORT AB 2189 at specialed.thearcca.org or https://form.jotform.com/260500402597047

Together we can strengthen parent advocacy and protect the rights of students with disabilities.

03/03/2026

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT! We are proud to partner with Golden Gate Regional Center to bring our Caring Futures class, the Future is Now, to Cantonese-speaking parents and caregivers of a family member with disabilities. The six-week online class series starts Wednesday, March 11 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. (PST).

The Future is Now class helps parents and caregivers design a support plan for their family member with a disability. The class series includes:
• Step-by-step process to help you design a plan for the future care of your family member
• Small and welcoming learning environment for a personalized experience
• Classes taught by trained instructors, ensuring a supportive learning experience
• Developed in collaboration with the Institute on Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago
• Classes taught in English with Cantonese interpreters and materials.

Register now: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cbtggma

03/03/2026

🚨 Take Action to Protect Medi-Cal Dental 🚨

California is facing $1 billion in proposed cuts to Medi-Cal Dental — putting critical care at risk for 15 million children and adults with disabilities, seniors and low-income families.

Julie Schurman, Esq., Director of Public Policy for The Arc & UCP California Collaboration, recorded a short explainer video so you can better understand what's at stake and what you can do to stop it.

If these cuts move forward on July 1, 2026, more than half of dentists who currently accept Medi-Cal Dental (AKA Denti-Cal) will no longer take Medi-Cal patients and access to care will shrink even further. Waitlists will grow!

TAKE ACTION NOW TO SAVE MEDI-CAL DENTAL:
- Watch our 6-minute Arc Beacon with Julie Schurman to learn more.
- Use the Action Center at saveourdentalcare.org/take-action to contact your legislator.
- Share your story and help lawmakers understand why this matters.

It only takes a few minutes to speak up — but the impact could protect dental care for thousands. PLEASE SHARE!

Now is the time to act! https://www.saveourdentalcare.org/

03/02/2026

ACTION ALERT! California is on the brink of devastating cuts to Medi-Cal Dental (AKA Denti-Cal).

Unless Governor Gavin Newsom and the Legislature act, a $1 billion cut — one-third of the program’s funding — will take effect July 1, 2026, putting dental care out of reach for millions.

Medi-Cal Dental (Denti-Cal) serves 15 million Californians, yet these cuts would roll funding back to 1990s levels, forcing more than half of dentists to stop accepting Medi-Cal patients. This will undeniably be catastrophic by causing even longer waits for appts., hundreds of thousands unable to get basic dental care, and driving preventable dental emergencies into already strained ERs.

The proposed cut is short-sighted, disproportionate and harmful to the state’s most vulnerable residents.

PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR LEGISLATOR, WRITE, CALL OR VISIT THEIR OFFICE URGING THEM TO STOP THE CUT TO MEDI-CAL DENTAL! THIS IS URGENT!

PLEASE SHARE:

A Coalition to Save Our Dental Care

02/26/2026

In case you missed it! Find the recording of our latest Caring Conversation with Dr. Zoe Shaw on our YouTube channel.

Dr. Zoe Shaw shared some practical ways that you can offer yourself the same care you offer your loved ones when it feels impossible.

https://youtu.be/VExj1V9lcOY?si=3VtOosAVCUthT_c1

In this webinar Dr. Zoe Shaw joined us to talk on caring for yourself while caring for others. Learn practical ways to offer yourself grace, manage the harde...

02/23/2026

We love to highlight the incredibly meaningful work being done at our Arc chapters across the state. Earlier this month, participants in the adult day program at The Arc of Ventura County made friendship bracelets that were delivered to the monks on their final day of the "Walk for Peace" across the United States in Washington, D.C. Read the full story: https://thearcca.org/a-small-act-with-a-big-message-of-peace/

In late December, adult participants at The Arc of Ventura County came together for a meaningful day of bracelet-making—filled with music, conversation, and connection.

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.