DISABILITY RIGHTS CALIFORNIA - ADMINISTRATION

In May, 1978 California's Protection & Advocacy, Inc. (PAI) was founded to provide the services required under the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1975. For many years it was governed by a seven member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor and advised by a state appointed Review Committee.

PAI opened its first office in Sacramento in 1978; more regional offices followed: Los Angeles, 1980; Bay Area, 1985; San Diego, 2002; Fresno, 2008. In addition, the organization has satellite offices in 26 locations throughout the state.

In 2008, the Board changed our name to Disability Rights California to more accurately describe our work.

Today, we are the largest disability advocacy agency in the nation, with 220 staff members. The Board of Directors, all of whom are now appointed by existing board members, reflect the diverse constituency of the agency and the ethnic and language community of California.

Mission Statement: Advance the rights of Californians with disabilities.Vision Statement: Our vision is a barrier free, inclusive world that values diversity, culture, and each individual.

In this world all people with disabilities have:

Equality, Dignity, Power, Freedom of choice, Independence, and

Freedom from abuse, neglect, and discrimination.

They have quality, culturally responsive, safe, affordable, accessible:

Housing, Education, Healthcare, Technology, Transportation, and

Individual and family supports that they choose and direct.

People with disabilities have the right to family, social, and intimate relationships. They are financially secure, can make life choices, and have opportunities for satisfying work, recreation, spiritual lives, and community service.

What we do -

In 2009 Disability Rights California worked to stop the cuts, minimize their impact and provide effective public education about their consequences. In two cases federal court judges halted the cuts in recognition that the State's budget crisis does not excuse violations of federal law. In one case, the court noted that "...the IHSS cuts would actually cost the State tens of millions of additional dollars" and that "IHSS caregivers reduce the need for expensive emergency room visits and hospitalizations."

This year we also helped tens of thousands of Californians with disabilities fight discrimination, prevent abuse, obtain education, benefits and other services, and made sure that thousands more had opportunities to learn about their rights. Their stories show that even in challenging times, California can become a more barrier free and inclusive place to live.

Now, we have to look beyond the immediate fiscal crisis and envision the future of California. We must look for opportunities to integrate our long term care system, reduce our reliance on institutions and promote safe, quality community living options.