The Arc of California

08/27/2026

California’s shortage of qualified special education teachers is real, and students and families are feeling the impact. But how we respond to that shortage matters.

The Arc of California opposes AB 2490, which would create a new pathway allowing substitute teachers with limited experience and preparation to remain in a general or special education classroom for up to 70 days, nearly 40% of the school year.

We recognize the difficult staffing challenges facing schools and the importance of consistency for students. At the same time, students with disabilities deserve educators who are appropriately prepared to understand and implement IEPs, provide specialized instruction and accommodations, and support their individual communication and behavioral needs.

California needs long-term solutions that recruit, prepare and retain qualified special education teachers while protecting the educational rights of students with disabilities.

Read more about AB 2490 and why The Arc of California is urging Governor Gavin Newsom to veto the bill:
https://thearcca.org/why-the-arc-of-california-opposes-ab-2490

08/26/2026

You didn’t know that I knew. … You didn’t know that I was smart.”

For years, Yanling believed her nonspeaking son with autism, Yi, did not fully understand what was happening around him.

Then Yi found a reliable way to communicate through augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), spelling and typing.

In our latest Community Voices guest blog, Yanling reflects on the painful assumptions her family once made, what Yi taught them, and why we must never equate the inability to speak with the inability to think, understand or feel.

Today, Yi is a published author, student, writer, presenter and advocate. His abilities were always there. What changed was his access to communication.

“Everyone deserves to communicate!” — Yi

Read “You Didn’t Know That I Was Smart” and Yanling’s powerful lesson about communication, assumptions and presuming competence: https://thearcca.org/you-didnt-know-that-i-was-smart/

08/21/2026

📣 Help shape The Arc of California’s priorities for the coming year.

The 2026 Disability Community Impact Survey is now open. We want to understand how California’s disability community is doing, including:

✅ What services and supports are working well
✅ Where people are experiencing barriers
✅ How policy changes are affecting the community
✅ What The Arc of California should prioritize next

The anonymous survey takes approximately 10 minutes and is intended for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, caregivers, professionals, advocates and others directly connected to the disability community.

Every response strengthens our ability to advocate effectively and communicate what our community needs and values to California’s legislative leaders.

Complete the survey:
English: https://form.jotform.com/262176452411048
Spanish: https://form.jotform.com/262307050495151

Please share this post and help us hear from communities throughout California.

08/20/2026

📣 Which disability bills are still moving in Sacramento?

A major legislative deadline has passed, and several bills supported by The Arc & UCP California Collaboration are one step closer to the Governor’s desk.

The good news: Key bills addressing special education, home and community-based services, autism care, the direct support professional workforce, special needs trusts, and timely payments to nonprofits are still moving forward.

But not every priority made it through, and AB 2490, a bill we oppose because of concerns about the extended use of substitute teachers in special education classrooms, also advanced.

With only a few weeks left in California’s 2026 legislative session, the decisions happening now could have a real impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, and the workforce that supports them.

🔎 Which bills advanced? Which stopped for the year? And what are we advocating for next?

Read the full August Legislative Update from Julie Schurman, Esq., Director of Public Policy for The Arc & UCP California Collaboration, at https://thearcca.org/news-room/blog/

08/18/2026

🎙️ What drives someone to become a disability advocate?

For Julie Schurman, Esq., Director of Public Policy for The Arc & United Cerebral Palsy California Collaboration, it’s both professional and deeply personal.

Julie recently joined Melissa Fitch on the Raising Ryan podcast for a candid conversation about her journey into disability advocacy, including her family’s experience navigating a system with significant gaps after her husband experienced a traumatic brain injury.

They also dive into some of the biggest issues facing California’s disability community right now, including:

🔹 Strengthening the voice of parents and self-advocates in special education policy
🔹 The future of special education advocacy in California
🔹 Protecting IHSS and regional center services
🔹 Changes to Medi-Cal eligibility and asset limits
🔹 Why organizing and sharing our stories matters in Sacramento

It’s a great opportunity to get to know Julie beyond the Capitol and hear more about the passion and personal experience she brings to her work on behalf of Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
🎧 Listen to the conversation at https://open.spotify.com/show/56uNj5wdmcFeXISHRQS5Ak

Check out this week’s show!!! Julie Schurman- Director of Public Policy, The Arc Of California & United Cerebral Palsy California Collaboration joins host Melissa Fitch for a conversation about disability policy, special education, parent advocacy, and why families need a stronger Voice in Sacramento. Every Voice matters every story matters! 👉Follow “Raising Ryan” for more conversations about the issues that matter! Link in bio!

08/05/2026

Caregivers deserve support, too. 🙌

The Arc of California is proud to announce the return of the National Disability Caregivers Conference, a FREE, two-day virtual event taking place October 6-7, 2026.

This year, we're excited to partner with Caring Across Generations to bring together family caregivers, self-advocates, professionals, and experts from across the country for two days of education, connection, and practical resources that support every stage of the caregiving journey.

💙 Registration opens in September.

BECOME A CONFERENCE SPONSOR! 🙏

We're currently seeking corporate, foundation, individual and community partners who share our commitment to supporting family caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As a sponsor, you'll help keep this national educational event free and accessible while demonstrating your organization's commitment to strengthening families and building more inclusive communities.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? We'd love to connect.

📧 Contact Tyler Hershey at [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities. Learn more at https://www.caringfutures.org/conference

08/04/2026

Free online college classes are available to adults with disabilities throughout California! Deadline to apply is August 10th🎓

Through North Orange Continuing Education’s Online Access Pass, eligible California residents age 18 and older can take tuition-free classes from home while building skills for employment, independence and community participation.

Fall classes cover:
✅ Employment and workplace communication
✅ Computers and digital skills
✅ Independent living
✅ Social and communication skills
✅ Self-advocacy and decision-making
✅ Reading and writing

Students also receive personalized support with enrollment and registration. Fall classes begin Aug. 10, so interested students are encouraged to apply soon.

Learn more and apply: https://noce.edu/programs/disability/dss-oap/

North Orange Continuing Education The Arc of Riverside County Easterseals SoCal

08/03/2026

Extreme heat is affecting communities across California. ☀️🌡️
People with disabilities, older adults and anyone who relies on electricity for medical or mobility equipment may face additional risks. Take steps now to stay safe:
✅ Stay in an air-conditioned place whenever possible
✅ Drink plenty of water
✅ Charge phones, mobility equipment and backup batteries
✅ Know the warning signs of heat-related illness
✅ Check on family members, friends and neighbors who may need support
✅ Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke

Need a safe place to cool down? The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services has a list of the cooling centers and local resources near you: https://www.news.caloes.ca.gov/cooling-centers-and-resources-4/

View the extreme heat safety tips at
https://www.listoscalifornia.org/disaster-readiness/extreme-heat/

Please share these resources. They could help someone stay safe.

07/31/2026

Caregiving takes heart, energy, and resilience — and caregivers deserve care, too.

It's never too late to start investing in your well-being with "Self-Care Matters", a two-class online series created especially for parents and caregivers of family members with disabilities. Together, with the guidance of a parent-educator with lived experience, we’ll explore meaningful self-care strategies and participate in a 7-Day Self-Care Challenge focused on small, nurturing steps.

🗓 Thursdays, August 13 & August 20 | 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. (PST)
👉 Learn more & register: https://www.caringfutures.org/classes

07/30/2026

💙 As Disability Pride Month comes to a close, we're honored to share the final story in our Community Voices: What Disability Pride Means to Me series.

Meet Shannon Bishop, whose journey is a testament to resilience, friendship and the power of believing in yourself. From overcoming barriers to embracing new adventures, Shannon reminds us that disability does not define a person's potential.

"I learned that I'm just like everybody else," Shannon said.

Read Shannon's inspiring story and celebrate the many voices that make our disability community stronger: https://tinyurl.com/e5hsa7fs

Thank you to our community partners at UCP+ Central California for sharing Shannon's story with us.