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Family Voices of California Newsletter
In this issue:
✨ Olmstead is Still the Law: Family Voices National Responds to DOJ Memo
🏛️ Federal Changes Raise Questions About Special Education and Disability Rights
🎥 Share Your One-Minute Family Story
🌟 Project Leadership: Join the Next Cohort
📝 New CMS EPSDT Coverage Guide Available
🏖️ Resources for Families: CIL-Berkeley Video Series & Beach Wheelchair Rentals
Featured Article:
Family Voices National Responds to DOJ Memo on Olmstead and Community Living Rights
Family Voices National issued a response to a new Department of Justice legal opinion memo related to Olmstead v. L.C., the landmark Supreme Court decision protecting the right of people with disabilities to live in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. The response explains what the memo may mean for families, why Olmstead remains important, and why continued protection of home- and community-based services matters. 🔗 Read Family Voices National’s full response
🔗 Read Family Voices National's fact sheet on Olmstead
Federal Changes Raise Questions About
Special Education and Disability Rights
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities recently shared an important update about proposed federal changes that could impact special education and civil rights enforcement. The letter explains concerns about shifting federal responsibilities for special education and disability-related civil rights from the U.S. Department of Education to other federal agencies. For families, this raises important questions about where to go for help, how protections will be enforced, and whether disability rights will remain clear, accessible, and centered in education. We encourage families, professionals, and advocates to read the full letter and stay informed.
🔗 Read the letter
Your Story Matters:
Share a One-Minute Advocacy Video
Family Voices of California is collecting short one-minute advocacy videos from families of children and youth with special health care needs and disabilities. We know families are living the realities behind policy decisions every day. Your story can help show decision-makers why services, supports, access, and funding matter — not in theory, but in real life. Families are invited to record a short video about an issue that matters to them. This could include access to care, Medi-Cal, regional center services, IHSS, education, therapies, durable medical equipment, transportation, or any other issue affecting your child and family. Families who submit a video and give
Family Voices of California permission to use it for education, outreach, awareness, and policy-related activities will receive a $50 gift card stipend. To help you prepare, we’ve included a One-Minute Story Tool with prompts to guide your video. You do not need to be perfect or polished — just clear, honest, and yourself. 🔗 Submit your one-minute advocacy video
🔗 One-Minute Story Tool
Project Leadership - Join the Next Cohort!
Are you a parent or caregiver of a child or youth with a disability, special health care need, or developmental delay? Are you interested in learning how to share your story, advocate for your family, and create change in your community? Project Leadership is a free training program that helps parents and caregivers build advocacy, leadership, and storytelling skills. Participants learn about systems that impact children and families, how to communicate with decision-makers, and how to use their lived experience to help improve services and supports. Our next cohort will begin in Fall 2026. While registration is not open yet, families are
invited to complete our interest form to receive updates when applications become available. 🔗 Complete the Project Leadership Interest Form:
For questions, please contact:
Margarita Spataro, Program Manager.
Medi-Cal & Medicaid Matters Important updates and tips to help families understand and use their health coverage.
New CMS EPSDT Coverage Guide Available
CMS released an updated guide for states on Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment, known as EPSDT. EPSDT is the Medicaid benefit for eligible children and youth under age 21 and includes screening, diagnostic, and treatment services. The guide brings together existing federal guidance on EPSDT, including information about covered services, medical necessity, access to care, notices and fair hearings, managed care, and state reporting responsibilities. CMS notes that the guide does not create new EPSDT policy, but compiles prior EPSDT guidance into one document.
🔗 EPSDT Coverage Guide
Family Feedback Opportunities
Surveys are shared for informational purposes. Participation is optional.
Share Your Experience with Early Start Services
Families, caregivers, and early intervention partners are invited to complete the Voices from the Field: Family/Early Identification and Intervention Partners Survey. California’s Early Start program provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers ages 0–3 with developmental delays, disabilities, or who are at risk for developmental disabilities. This anonymous survey is being conducted by the Improving State Systems Committee of the California Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Intervention (ICC). The goal is to hear directly from families, caregivers, and providers about their experiences accessing early identification and intervention services, including any ongoing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Your feedback will help the ICC better advise the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) on ways to improve California’s early intervention system. Participation is voluntary, and all responses are anonymous.
🔗 Take the survey
Community Feedback Requested: Proposed Updates to the Definition of “Cost-Effective”
The California Department of Developmental Services is requesting community feedback on proposed updates to the definition of “Cost-Effective.” State law requires the Department to update this definition by August 1, 2026. The updated definition will apply across service delivery models, including traditional services, Participant-Directed Services, and the Self-Determination Program. DDS will host a webinar to review the proposed updates, methods for determining reasonable service costs, and the public comment process.
Accessibility: ASL and Spanish interpretation will be provided. Self-advocates, families, caregivers, members of the Statewide Self-Determination Advisory Committee, and other interested community members are invited to attend. 📅 June 29, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🔗 Register here
Upcoming Trainings, Workshops & Webinars
Watch the Recording: Essential Yet Out of Reach: Home Accessibility for Children with Disabilities Home accessibility can make a major difference in the safety, independence, and daily life of children with disabilities and their families. This webinar, the first in a two-part series, introduces Foundation-funded research on programs and policies across the country that support home accessibility for children with disabilities. Watch the recording to learn more about the national landscape of home
accessibility supports and why these resources matter for families.
Center for Independent Living - Berkeley Video Series
The Center for Independent Living - Berkeley has launched a video series highlighting powerful stories of service, leadership, and community commitment. In the first episode, “Lateefah Simon: A Life of Service, Leadership & Unwavering Community Commitment,” viewers hear from Lateefah Simon about her life, leadership, and dedication to advancing equity, access, and community-centered change. This is a meaningful watch for families, advocates, and community partners who care about disability rights, independent living, and building stronger systems of support.
🔗 Watch the video
Free Beach Wheelchair Rentals at Select Santa Cruz State Beaches
Planning a beach day this summer? Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks offers free beach wheelchair rentals to help make local beaches more accessible for visitors with mobility needs. Beach wheelchairs are available at select state beaches, including Natural Bridges, Seabright, Twin Lakes, Seacliff, and Sunset State Beaches. Some locations allow advance reservations, while others may have wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis. Families are encouraged to plan ahead and reserve at least five business days before their visit when possible. Beach wheelchairs are free to use, though visitors will need to complete a checkout form and provide a valid ID. 🔗Learn more and reserve a beach wheelchair
Family Voices of California (415) 282-7494
832 Folsom Street, Suite 1001
San Francisco, CA 94103
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