Publicly Funded Advocates

In California, several organizations provide advocacy and support for individuals with disabilities, often funded through public resources. These agencies offer a range of services, including legal advocacy, assistance with access to services, and promoting the rights of people with disabilities. Here’s a list of publicly funded advocates for people with disabilities in California:

  • Overview: DRC is a non-profit, federally funded organization that protects and advances the rights of Californians with disabilities.

  • Services: Legal services, advocacy, and community outreach, particularly around issues of access, education, and healthcare.

  • Website: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/

  • Overview: The SCDD is a state agency that advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

  • Services: Advocacy, public policy work, and community-based services aimed at improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

  • Website: https://scdd.ca.gov/

  • Overview: This federally funded organization provides legal advocacy and services to people with disabilities, particularly focusing on ensuring access to services and fighting discrimination.

  • Services: Legal representation, self-advocacy, and systemic change advocacy.

  • Website: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/ (Part of Disability Rights California)

  • Overview: The DOR is a state agency that offers vocational rehabilitation services to people with disabilities.

  • Services: Employment support, training, assistive technology, and other services aimed at increasing independence for individuals with disabilities.

  • Website: https://www.dor.ca.gov/

  • Overview: ILCs are non-profit organizations that provide advocacy and services to individuals with disabilities to live independently. They are located throughout California and funded by the state.

  • Services: Peer counseling, advocacy, housing assistance, and community-based services.

  • Website: https://cfilc.org/ (California Foundation for Independent Living Centers)

  • Overview: The Arc California is part of a national organization that advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Services: Advocacy, legislative support, and community services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Website: https://www.thearcca.org/

  • Overview: CMHACY is a state advocacy organization focusing on children and youth with mental health disabilities.

  • Services: Advocacy for children’s mental health services, policy development, and awareness campaigns.

  • Website: https://www.cmhacy.org/

  • Overview: DREDF is a national law and policy center that advocates for the civil rights of people with disabilities.

  • Services: Legal advocacy, policy work, and educational resources to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.

  • Website: https://dredf.org/

  • Overview: SILC is a federally mandated organization that works to promote independent living for individuals with disabilities in California.

  • Services: Policy advocacy, support for independent living centers, and development of independent living programs.

  • Website: https://www.calsilc.org/

  • Overview: CAP provides advocacy services to individuals with disabilities who are seeking vocational rehabilitation or independent living services from the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR).

  • Services: Advocacy in the vocational rehabilitation system, assistance in accessing services and resolving disputes.

  • Website: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/cap