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May 3, 2024

Spotlight: East Bay Legislative Coalition for Developmental Disabilities

In each newsletter edition, we highlight an organization, individual, or agency that embodies collaboration, passion, and dedication to creating a more just, equitable, and dignified world for people with IDD. This month, we introduce you to the East Bay Legislative Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (EBLC).

East Bay Legislative Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (EBLC)

The East Bay Legislative Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (EBLC) consists of five core partners, but represents ALL relevant stakeholders of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Community, including self-advocates and family advocates: 

  1. Alameda County Developmental Disabilities Planning and Advisory Council
  2. Developmental Disabilities Council of Contra Costa County
  3. Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB)
  4. Provider/Vendor Advisory Council of RCEB
  5. State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Bay Area Regional Office

Mission: 

EBLC’s mission is to inform, educate, and influence public policy through grassroots advocacy efforts. They focus on disability rights, justice, and promoting inclusive ideals. EBLC empowers individuals with IDD, their families, and community members to actively participate in advocacy.

Values:

  • Inclusion: EBLC values diverse voices and strives to create an inclusive environment.
  • Advocacy: Advocacy for policies enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities is at the core of their work.
  • Collaboration: EBLC collaborates with self-advocates, family members, service providers, and legislative staff to drive positive change.
  • Equity: Addressing disparities and ensuring equitable access to opportunities and services is central to EBLC’s values.
  • Empowerment: Empowering individuals with IDD to advocate for themselves is a key focus.

Policy Areas of Interest/Focus:

1.   Keep the Promise of the Lanterman Act: EBLC supports preserving the intent and promise of the Lanterman Act, advocating for the rights of over 460,000 Californians with developmental disabilities.

2.   Workforce Stability: EBLC advocates for improved workforce stability and fair wages for Direct Support Professionals in the IDD community.

3.   DDS System Sustainability: EBLC promotes long-term system sustainability for the IDD community.

4.   Employment Opportunities for People with IDD:

EBLC supports policies that invest in training and expand employment opportunities for individuals with IDD. This includes Competitive Integrated Employment and Paid Internships, aligned with California’s Employment First Law.

5.   Housing:

EBLC advocates for increased availability and access to inclusive living spaces for individuals with IDD, their families, and service providers.

6.   Transportation:

EBLC promotes policies that expand access to public and private transportation systems. This includes increased funding for mobility management, public transportation, and universal, accessible design.

7.   Equity and Diversity:

EBLC opposes practices that marginalize people within and outside the IDD community, emphasizing inclusion and diversity.

8.   Additional Areas of Interest:

EBLC also engages in policy discussions related to Access to Services, Aging, Healthcare, Education, Public Safety, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Technology, and Protection of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EBLC actively works to promote access, inclusion, and awareness of IDD community issues for all Californians.

To learn more about EBLC, if you wish to participate, or start your own collaboration where you live, please connect with Mike Pereira, Co- Chair, Alameda County, or Will Sanford, Co-Chair Contra Costa County. [email protected] or [email protected].

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