On Friday, April 11th in Novato, community advocates, public officials, and passionate families came together for a powerful meeting centered on one urgent message: Keep the promise of quality services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Our community gathered to stand up for the rights and futures of people with I/DD, and keep the important principles of the Lanterman Act intact. The message was clear: California must honor its promise to this community, and it starts with quality care, adequate funding, and the continued commitment of our elected leaders.
Quality Care Starts with Investment
Advocates emphasized the vital need for adequate funding to ensure a skilled and consistent workforce that can provide the support individuals with I/DD need to live independently and have the opportunity to lead full lives. When we invest in quality care, we’re not just meeting a legal obligation, we are upholding human dignity.
Upholding California’s Promise
The Lanterman Act guarantees access to essential services and supports for Californians with I/DD, but as funding uncertainty looms, so does the potential rollback of hard-won rights. One of the greatest shared sentiments of parents with a child with I/DD can be quoted by Lifehouse parent, Martin Weil, “Who will care when we are gone?” This is not just about budgets, it’s about people, families, and futures.
Investing in Our Shared Future
Supporting service providers doesn’t just benefit those directly receiving care, it strengthens the very fabric of our communities. Families can thrive. Individuals can work, live, and contribute more fully. A well-supported disability services system uplifts everyone.
A Strong Showing of Support from Elected Officials
We were honored by the presence of committed leaders, including:
Congress Member Jared Huffman
Assembly Member Damon Connolly
Novato Mayor Tim O'Connor
Novato Council Members Mark Milberg and Kevin Jacobs
San Rafael Council Member Rachel Kertz
Congressman Huffman offered a transparent and detailed update on the federal budget and the looming challenges around Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California). He didn’t shy away from the tough news, highlighting that there are Republican holdouts ignoring pleas from constituents worried about the future of Medi-Cal. His advice? Keep speaking out. Share your stories. Encourage friends and family in those districts to contact their representatives.
Assemblymember Connolly, alongside Huffman, showed genuine care and dedication to the I/DD community. Their presence—and their candor—was deeply appreciated. They reminded us that disability rights are not a partisan issue. This is about dignity, access, and equality. Values we all share.
The Path Forward
This meeting was more than a discussion—it was a call to action. If we want California to fulfill its promises, we must:
Contact our representatives and make our voices heard.
Share real-life stories of how funding and services impact daily lives
Encourage others in our networks to get involved
Demand transparency and accountability as budget decisions unfold
Together, We Make the Difference
Every voice counts. Every story matters. With our collective strength and the support of leaders who truly care, we can ensure California delivers on its promise to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Because your decision matters—and so does theirs.
