The El Arc de California Statewide Equity Project
Organization: The Arc of California
Primary Contact: Joe Perales
Grant Amount: $130,000 for 12 months
Date Awarded:
Purpose
California’s network of 21 regional centers provides respite care, medical and non-medical therapies, transportation, and social and recreational services for people with developmental disabilities in the state. Of the 192,000 children served, 45 percent identify as Hispanic. Yet previous Foundation-funded research has shown that Latinx clients of the regional centers often receive half the services that White clients receive.
Through this grant, El Arc de California, a statewide collective action group of Spanish-speaking parents, professionals, and people with disabilities, aims to develop legislation that will provide insight into these racial and ethnic disparities. The grantee will train and mobilize families and coalition leaders to advocate for a new state law focused on documenting and reporting on service denials and appeals.
In addition to advocacy training, the grant will support El Arc’s legislative campaign activities, including communications, messaging, and development of a digital advocacy toolkit.