The International Foundation for Electoral Systems’ Post

For better or worse, I found reading this article interesting. It illustrates examples of some of the complex angles that exist around disability and accessibility, and advocacy, in our society. The title is a little misleading but also an important part of the story. https://lnkd.in/gvynqXme

As ever, the Debrief mailbag has insights from around the world. This edition explores in particular appreciation - and critique - of our coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict, the status of disability advocacy, and much more. https://lnkd.in/e5FsMHuX

RAISE YOUR VOICES TO REJECT GOVENOR NEWSOM’S PROPOSAL TO CUT $1 BILLION IN FUNDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SERVICE SYSTEM. Last year, the California legislature addressed the deepening direct support professional workforce crisis and increased wait lists for disability services and supports by moving the final implementation date of the disability rate study from July 1, 2025, to July 2024. They accomplished this, with overwhelming bipartisan support, through an investment of $613 million in state general funds that reached $1 billion in total funds when the Federal Medicaid match is added. However, Governor Newsom has proposed to balance the 2024-25 budget at the expense of the quality of life for people with disabilities, their families, and the direct support professional workforce serving them, by removing that investment and moving the final implementation date back to July 2025. Without the $1 billion investment that was promised to go into effect in a few short months, individuals with disabilities will continue to live in crisis, families will struggle to receive adequate regional center services, and the ongoing DSP workforce crisis will continue to grow. This is one of the largest and most significant proposed delays or cuts in the Governor’s 2024-25 state budget. With an ever-increasing shortage of direct care staff, this delay threatens to destabilize the support system that people with developmental disabilities need to safely live, work and play in their communities. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AT THIS LINK:

Discover our FREE advocacy services for individuals living with disabilities at ADEC. From personalized support to systemic change, we are here to empower you every step of the way. Our advocacy program is designed to ensure that everyone has a voice and can access the support they need to improve their situation. ✨ What We Offer: 1. Individual Advocacy Support: Personalized assistance to address specific issues and find effective solutions. 2. Family Advocacy Support: Tailored assistance for carers and families to advocate for their loved ones' needs. 3. Self-Advocacy Support: Empowering training and information sessions to help individuals advocate for themselves or their loved ones. 4. Systemic Advocacy Support: Working towards a more inclusive community by advocating for legislative and policy changes that benefit people with disabilities. Speak to us in your preferred language today and find out how ADEC can assist you or your loved one to live better. 📞Phone: (03) 9480 7000 🌐Website: www.adec.org.au 📧Email: info@adec.org.au #AdvocacyServices #DisabilityRights #Empowerment #ADECAdvocacy #disability #disabilitysupport #disabilityinclusion #disabilityaustralia #ethniccommunities #ethnicbackgrounds #careraustralia #capacitybuilding #artability #ADEC

Share an advocacy success story to inspire. Let's celebrate a remarkable success in disability advocacy: the story of a Canadian community that rallied to make public transportation more accessible. Advocates, including individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and allies, united to push for comprehensive changes. Their relentless efforts led to the introduction of low-floor buses, audible stop announcements, and improved shelter accessibility, significantly enhancing the daily mobility and independence of people with disabilities in the community. This victory not only transformed local transportation but also ignited further advocacy efforts, proving how collective action can lead to tangible improvements. Easy Task: Inspired by this story? Share a success story from your own community or a reaction to this achievement on social media or within your circle. Highlighting these victories can motivate others to engage in advocacy, creating a ripple effect of positive change across communities.

Discover our FREE advocacy services for individuals living with disabilities at ADEC. From personalized support to systemic change, we are here to empower you every step of the way. Our advocacy program is designed to ensure that everyone has a voice and can access the support they need to improve their situation. ✨ What We Offer: 1. Individual Advocacy Support: Personalized assistance to address specific issues and find effective solutions. 2. Family Advocacy Support: Tailored assistance for carers and families to advocate for their loved ones' needs. 3. Self-Advocacy Support: Empowering training and information sessions to help individuals advocate for themselves or their loved ones. 4. Systemic Advocacy Support: Working towards a more inclusive community by advocating for legislative and policy changes that benefit people with disabilities. Speak to us in your preferred language today and find out how ADEC can assist you or your loved one to live better. 📞Phone: (03) 9480 7000 🌐Website: www.adec.org.au 📧Email: info@adec.org.au #AdvocacyServices #DisabilityRights #Empowerment #ADECAdvocacy #disability #disabilitysupport #disabilityinclusion #disabilityaustralia #ethniccommunities #ethnicbackgrounds #careraustralia #capacitybuilding #artability #ADEC

l look forward to this discussion and opportunity to break down stigma further. #stigma #inclusion #advocacy

Please join us today for the KEEP THE PROMISE RALLY!! Californians with Disabilities to Rally this Friday, May 31, from 10-Noon Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are rallying in opposition to Governor Newsom's budget proposal to delay rate model implementation for intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services WHEN: Friday, May 31, 2024 TIME: 10 a.m. until noon WHERE: 1350 Front St. in San Diego WHO: Participating organizations include Noah Homes, San Diego Regional Center, The Arc of San Diego, California Disability Services Association, Home of Guiding Hands, ARCA, A Better Life Together, Inc., Adjoin, DDPN San Diego and California Community Living Network. WHAT: Keep The Promise Rally OVERVIEW: • Governor Newsom has proposed to delay a $1 billion increase in critical funding for Californians with developmental disabilities until 2025. • For a community that has been underfunded for decades, keeping rates the same will have the impact of a cut. • This increase is imperative to ensure reliable access to services for people with disabilities and their families. • 150,000 caregivers in California are anticipating a wage increase between $2-$4 per hour in July which is essential to retain and recruit qualified caregivers. • As of May 29, 2024, the Legislature released a budget proposal rejecting any delays or cuts to disability service funding. Advocates are encouraging the governor to accept this proposal. ON-SITE INTERVIEWEES: • Tim, a long-time resident of Noah Homes and SDRC Board member, will speak at the event. • Kim Keane, Director of Program Development for Noah Homes, is available to connect. More about Noah Homes: Based in Spring Valley, Calif. Noah Homes is a nonprofit organization committed to providing exceptional care and services to adults with developmental disabilities maximizing their lifelong independence in a community environment. Its 11-acre community in San Diego County has 10 beautiful homes where 90 adult residents are supported socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Learn more at noahhomes.org.

Gratitude fuels our journey, and together, we shine brighter. 🌟 Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, let's pause to embrace the beauty of each moment and express gratitude for the blessings that surround us. 🌟 But remember, the true magic happens when we come together, united in purpose and passion, to create meaningful change. 💫 Bright IDEA Consulting is more than just a service provider; we're a community dedicated to empowering individuals through education. Whether it's special education advocacy training or tailored services, we're here to support and uplift. ✨ Visit our linktree to explore the plethora of ways we can make a positive impact together: https://lnkd.in/e9ZVu5x5 🌈 Spread the word, share the love, and join us on this journey of growth and transformation. Together, we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone. 💖 #Gratitude #Unity #Empowerment #TogetherWeCan #specialeducation #disabilities #specialneedskids #specialneedsparents #specialneeds #specialneedsawareness #collaborativeadvocacy #advocacy #inclusion #diversity #equity #accessibility #brightideaco #brightideaed

ICYMI: there's an awesome blog post about being Think College Policy Advocates: https://buff.ly/441alkJ Grace and Kelly learned about disability policy and advocacy, they flew across the country, they met other TCPA teams from around the country, and they talked to their elected officials on Capitol Hill! Sound good? YOU could be a Think College Policy Advocate, too. Learn more here; applications are due May 17. https://tcollege.me/TCPA #TCPA #InclusiveHigherEd #DisabilityPolicy #AUCD #ThinkCollege #ChangingExpectations #IncreasingPossibilities