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Advocacy & Legal Support
People ask, “What are the rights for people with disabilities?” The answer is: the same rights as everyone else; individuals with disabilities are human beings with the same rights. Additionally, more rights are protected under the Lanterman Act and the American With Disabilities Act (ADA). Read below to find out more about important rights and legislation:
The ARC of California: The Arc of California monitors the implementation of legislation affecting its citizens in order to assure that the administration of these programs produces measurable benefits that reinforce the values of the association.
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund: The mission of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund is to advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, training, education, and public policy and legislative development.
People First of California: Trains, informs, and supports all people with developmental disabilities to help our peers learn to:
· Speak up for themselves
· Know our rights and responsibilities
· Make decisions and solve problems
Disability Rights California: Advocates, educates, investigates and litigates to advance and protect the rights of Californians with disabilities. Oficina de Defensa de los Derechos de los Clientes
Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act
The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act (“Lanterman Act” or “the Act”) is the law that gives people with developmental disabilities in California the right to services and supports that will allow them to live a more independent and normal life. The Lanterman Act begins with section 4500 and runs through section 4846 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. The services and supports must meet both the needs and the choices of each person individually. §§ 4501, 4512(b). To learn more about the Lanterman Act, click here or open the updated 2021 version here.
Youth With Disabilities Organizing Regional Self-Advocacy Meetings: North Bay Regional Center, Area IV Board, and the Office of Client Rights sponsors three meetings per year for self-advocates in Napa/Solano and Sonoma Counties. The purpose of the group is to share their issues with each other and to receive information on their issues. If self-advocates want more information contact Cindy Ruder at Area IV Board, Annie Breuer at Office of Client Rights.
State Council on Developmental Disabilities- North Bay The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is established by state and federal law as an independent state agency to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and supports they need. Give them your input- the State Council is developing it’s new State Plan and wants to hear from you: State Plan Meeting Announcement
Crime Rate Triples for People with Disabilities
- The California Early Start Library is a specialized collection of early intervention resource materials and information.
Comments are welcome: NBRC Welcomes Your Comments
