[NFBSF] CDLA Day of Action Community Advocacy Packet

[Laura Millar]

*CDLA Day of Action Community Advocacy Packet*

For advocates who are blind, have low vision, are DeafBlind, are Deaf, have
disabilities, or are family members, caregivers, service providers, and
allies

May 26, 2026 | Sacramento, California

*Purpose: This packet brings together public California Disability
Leadership Alliance (CDLA) Day of Action information, National Federation
of the Blind of California (NFBC) and California Council of the Blind (CCB)
Day of Action information, public bill records, California Department of
Rehabilitation (DOR) resources, and source links from participating
organizations. It is meant to help community members choose an issue, tell
a clear story, and advocate together.*
Letter to Our Community

Dear community members, families, advocates, and allies:

Welcome to the CDLA Day of Action. NFBC and CCB are coming together as part
of the larger CDLA effort because our communities are stronger when we
advocate together.

This packet contains a lot of information. You do not need to memorize it.
You do not need to speak on every issue. A strong legislative visit can be
built around one true story, one clear problem, and one clear ask.

We have done our best to compile the available public information,
organizer-provided updates, official bill records, and links to supporting
organizations. Some items may continue to change because the legislative
process moves quickly. Please use the source links in this packet when you
want to verify the most current details.

We also want to begin with an important update. AB 2190, the internet
website accessibility bill, was ordered to the Assembly inactive file on
May 21, 2026 so that it can become a two-year bill with additional
amendments. For Day of Action advocacy purposes, this does not change
anything other than the timing of the bill. It is a call for NFBC, CCB, our
partner organizations, and our communities to come together, keep
advocating for AB 2190, keep demanding accessibility as a whole, and keep
documenting the barriers that affect daily life.

This Day of Action is about more than one bill. It is about health care,
civil rights, education, communication access, services for people who are
blind or have low vision, Department of Rehabilitation services, community
living, housing, transportation, mental health, employment, and dignity.
Choose the issue closest to your life, family, community, or heart. Your
lived experience is evidence. Your voice belongs in the Capitol.
Table of Contents

·       Start Here: How to Use This Packet <#start>

·       Day of Action Snapshot <#snapshot>

·       Critical Update: AB 2190 Is Now  a Two-Year Bill, and Accessibility
Advocacy Continues <#ab2190_update>

·       Shared Coalition Message <#coalition_message>

·       Organization and Source Map <#source_map>

·       How Legislative Visits Work <#visits>

·       How to Tell Your Story <#story>

·       Quick Scripts for First-Time Advocates <#scripts>

·       How to Participate if You Feel Overwhelmed <#overwhelmed>

·       Core Links and Resources <#links>

·       Community Note <#closing>

·       Fact Sheet 1. Digital Accessibility and AB 2190 <#issue1>

·       Fact Sheet 2. AB 2135: Accessible Long-Term Care Transfer and
Discharge Notices <#issue2>

·       Fact Sheet 3. OIB and Related Community-Based Services for People
Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision <#issue3>

·       Fact Sheet 4. Department of Rehabilitation, Blind Field Services,
Orientation Center, and Order of Selection <#issue4>

·       Fact Sheet 5. Medi-Cal, IHSS, HCBS, and Health Access <#issue5>

·       Fact Sheet 6. Education, IDEA, Civil Rights, and Language Access
<#issue6>

·       Fact Sheet 7. Voluntary Mental Health Supports and Non-Police
Crisis Response <#issue7>

·       Fact Sheet 8. Housing, Homelessness, Transportation, and
Infrastructure <#issue8>

·       Fact Sheet 9. Employment, Telework, and Economic Security <#issue9>

·       Plain-Language Glossary <#glossary>
Start Here: How to Use This Packet

This packet is designed for community advocacy. Read the opening AB 2190
update first, then choose the issue or issues that connect most directly to
your life or community.

·       Choose one issue. You do not need to speak about every priority.

·       Prepare one story. Use a short example from your life, your family,
your work, or your community.

·       Make one clear ask. Ask the legislator or staff member to protect,
support, fund, fix, or monitor the issue.

·       Use source links. Each fact sheet includes links so you can verify
details or share more information.

·       Document barriers. After the Day of Action, keep notes about
inaccessible websites, delayed services, inaccessible notices,
transportation barriers, or other problems. Documentation helps the
coalition continue advocacy.

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Day of Action Snapshot

CDLA is holding its second annual Day of Action at the California State
Capitol. The event brings disability and Deaf-led organizations, community
members, and allies together for a resource fair, rally/program, and
legislative visits.

·       Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

·       Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific time.

·       Main location: California State Capitol, West Steps, 1315 10th
Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

·       Legislative visit location: Capitol Annex Swing Space, 1021 O
Street, Sacramento, CA.

·       General Day of Action contact: cadlalliance at gmail.com.

·       CCB coordination: Regina Brink, Regina.brink at ccbnet.org.

·       NFBC coordination: Tiffany Manosh, tmanosh at gmail.com.

*Planned flow for the day:*

·       10:00 AM: Resource fair and gathering begin at the West Steps.

·       11:00 AM: Program, speakers, and rally begin.

·       12:00 PM: Midday break.

·       1:00 PM: Participants head toward the legislative meeting area.

·       1:30 PM to 4:00 PM: Legislative visits with offices.

*Accessibility information:*

·       Public CDLA materials list ASL, CART or live captions, and
Spanish-language interpreting.

·       For urgent access questions, contact cadlalliance at gmail.com as soon
as possible.

·       If you are attending with an organization, follow the meeting and
transportation details provided by your group contact.

*Source links:*

·       CDLA Day of Action event page
<https://cadisabilityalliance.org/events/>

·       DRC/CDLA Day of Action press release
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/press-release/the-california-disability-leadership-alliance-invites-you-to-join-us-for-the-2nd>

·       DREDF Day of Action event page
<https://dredf.org/event/california-disability-leadership-alliance-day-of-action-at-the-capitol/>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Critical Update: AB 2190 Is Now  a Two-Year Bill, and Accessibility
Advocacy Continues

AB 2190 is the internet website accessibility bill that many advocates who
are blind or have low vision expected to raise during the Day of Action.
Official California Legislative Information records show that AB 2190 was
ordered to the Assembly inactive file on May 21, 2026. Nothing about our
advocacy has changed for purposes of this bill other than the timing. We
still want to raise awareness about this bill so that Senators and
Assemblymembers can support it when it is addressed next term.

The message for the community is not that the accessibility fight is over.
The message is that NFBC, CCB, and our partner advocacy organizations are
coming together, continuing to advocate for AB 2190, and continuing to
demand accessibility across websites, apps, online forms, public portals,
documents, notices, health care systems, education systems, transportation
systems, and government services.

AB 2190 faced organized opposition from Amazon.com and the Chamber of
Commerce. Our coalition message is that people with disabilities who use
these systems every day must be at the center of accessibility policy. The
community can respond by staying united, documenting barriers, and
insisting that accessibility policy be shaped with Californians who are
blind, have low vision, are DeafBlind, are Deaf, have disabilities, or are
older adults at the table.

*What advocates can say now:*

·       AB 2190 will not be voted on this term while it goes through
amendments, but digital barriers continue every day.

·       Californians who are blind or have low vision still need equal
access to websites, apps, forms, benefits systems, health care portals, job
applications, school platforms, transportation tools, and emergency
information.

·       Legislators should continue working with advocates who are blind,
have low vision, are DeafBlind, have disabilities, or represent older adult
and community organizations on enforceable digital accessibility solutions.

·       Community members should document inaccessible websites and apps,
including the date, website or app name, access technology used, what
blocked access, and what harm resulted.

·       Accessibility is not a side issue. It is civil rights,
independence, privacy, employment, education, health care, and public
safety.

*Source links:*

·       Official AB 2190 bill record
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2190>

·       AB 2190 official bill text
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2190>

·       DOJ fact sheet on Title II web and mobile app accessibility
<https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Shared Coalition Message

The shared message for the Day of Action is simple: California must make
policy with people with disabilities, not for people with disabilities.
Nothing about us without us means people with disabilities, people who are
Deaf, people who are blind, people who have low vision, people who are
DeafBlind, older adults, families, caregivers, and service providers must
be part of decisions that affect our lives.

The issues in this packet are connected. When health care is cut, people
lose community living. When transportation fails, people miss work, school,
medical care, and civic participation. When websites are inaccessible,
people lose privacy and independence. When notices are inaccessible, people
cannot protect their rights. When rehabilitation services are delayed,
people lose time, training, and opportunity.

The coalition is stronger when each person speaks from what they know. You
do not have to carry every issue. You can support the coalition by telling
the truth about one issue and connecting it to the larger need for access,
services, and civil rights.

*Source links:*

·       CDLA Day of Action event page
<https://cadisabilityalliance.org/events/>

·       DRC/CDLA Day of Action press release
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/press-release/the-california-disability-leadership-alliance-invites-you-to-join-us-for-the-2nd>

·       DREDF Day of Action priority page
<https://dredf.org/cdla-day-of-action-2026/>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Organization and Source Map

This packet uses public sources from organizations led by people with
disabilities, organizations led by or serving people who are blind or have
low vision, state agencies, official legislative records, and policy
organizations. A source link shows where information was found. It does not
mean every organization has taken the same position on every bill or issue.

·       CDLA: Day of Action framing, cross-disability coalition priorities,
event information, and the public call to rally for rights and services.

·       Disability Rights California (DRC): Day of Action press release,
public policy priorities, bill positions, budget concerns, and disability
rights framing.

·       Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF): Day of Action
event priorities, civil rights framing, and expanded cross-disability issue
list.

·       NFBC and CCB: Community participation by people who are blind or
have low vision, AB 2190 and AB 2135 advocacy context, OIB and related
service priorities, legislative visit coordination, and community
storytelling guidance.

·       LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Community-based
services for people who are blind or have low vision, protecting access,
timely service access, and transparency around waitlists and service
availability.

·       California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR): Official
descriptions of OIB, Blind Field Services, Orientation Center for the
Blind, vocational rehabilitation, and Order of Selection.

·       California Legislative Information, Digital Democracy, California
Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR), and U.S. Department of Justice
(DOJ): Official bill text, bill summaries, resident-rights information, and
accessibility guidance.

*Source links:*

·       National Federation of the Blind of California (NFBC)
<https://nfbcal.org/>

·       California Council of the Blind (CCB) <https://ccbnet.org/>

·       LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
<https://lighthouse-sf.org/>

·       Department of Rehabilitation <https://www.dor.ca.gov/>

·       Disability Rights California (DRC) public policy page
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/public-policy>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
How Legislative Visits Work

Legislative visits are usually short. You may meet with a legislator, a
legislative aide, or another staff member. Staff meetings matter. Staff
often brief the legislator and track constituent concerns.

*A simple meeting structure:*

*1. *Introduce yourself: name, city, organization or community connection,
and that you are there for the CDLA Day of Action.

*2. *Name the issue: choose one priority, or briefly name two if they are
connected.

*3. *Tell one short story: explain the real-life impact in one to two
minutes.

*4. *Make one clear ask: support, protect, fund, oppose cuts, continue
working on the bill, or meet with advocates.

*5. *Offer a source link or follow-up: tell the office you can send the
packet or source links after the meeting.

*6. *Thank them: ask for the best email for follow-up and thank them for
their time.

*Questions you can ask a legislative office:*

·       Will your office continue working with organizations led by people
with disabilities on this issue?

·       Who on your staff handles disability, health, education, housing,
or civil rights issues?

·       Can we send examples of access barriers from constituents in your
district?

·       How can our organizations stay in contact with your office after
the Day of Action?

·       Will you support protecting services and accessibility in budget
and policy decisions?

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
How to Tell Your Story

Personal stories help lawmakers understand how policy works in real life.
This section is adapted from Regina Brink’s guidance, “How to Tell Your
Story.” The core message is that real stories from real people matter,
especially when people with disabilities are underrepresented in
legislative spaces.

*Use this structure:*

*1. *Start with who you are. Example: My name is [name]. I live in [city],
and I am blind.

*2. *Name the issue. Example: I am here to talk about digital accessibility.

*3. *Give one specific example. Keep it short and concrete.

*4. *Explain the impact. Say what was delayed, denied, made unsafe, made
inaccessible, or made more costly.

*5. *Make the ask. Say what you want the legislator to do.

*6. *Close with thanks. Ask for follow-up if needed.

*Editing your story:*

·       Choose two or three points at most.

·       Remove details that do not help the listener understand the policy
issue.

·       Protect privacy. Do not share another person’s name or private
details unless you have permission.

·       Practice out loud and time yourself. Aim for one to two minutes.

·       Ask a trusted friend, colleague, or organizer to help you shorten
the story if needed.

A strong story does not have to be dramatic. It only has to be true, clear,
and connected to the issue.

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Quick Scripts for First-Time Advocates

*General opening script:*

Hello. My name is [name], and I live in [city]. I am here with the CDLA Day
of Action and with advocates who are blind or have low vision from NFBC and
CCB. I am asking your office to protect disability rights, accessibility,
and services that help Californians with disabilities live, work, learn,
and participate in our communities.

*AB 2190 script:*

AB 2190 has been ordered to the inactive file, which means it will not be
acted on this year. We are asking your office to keep working with
organizations led by people who are blind or have disabilities on AB 2190
and on strong digital accessibility protections. Digital accessibility
affects health care, employment, education, transportation, housing,
benefits, and privacy.

*AB 2135 script:*

People cannot protect their rights if they cannot read or use the notice
they receive. Please support accessible long-term care transfer and
discharge notices so residents who are blind or have low vision and their
representatives can understand what is happening and respond in time.

*OIB and community-based services script:*

OIB and related community-based services for people who are blind or have
low vision help people learn the skills and tools needed to stay safe,
independent, and connected. Funding for services to adults who are blind or
have low vision in California covers only about 3 percent of need, and
recent reductions of approximately two-thirds make timely access even
harder. These programs rely heavily on federal funding, but the state still
has a role: DOR must claim all available federal funds, including Social
Security reimbursement dollars, and the Legislature must provide state
funding to supplement federal money.

*DOR and Order of Selection script:*

DOR services help people with disabilities prepare for work, keep work,
learn skills, and build independence. Order of Selection means some
eligible people may have to wait for services. DOR has been transparent in
recent community settings about Order of Selection, and we are asking for
continued transparency. Please support sufficient service capacity, DOR
action to claim all available federal funds including Social Security
reimbursement dollars, and state funding to help prevent avoidable waiting
lists and delays.

*Medi-Cal, IHSS, and HCBS script:*

Medi-Cal, IHSS, and home and community-based services keep Californians
with disabilities safe at home and out of institutions. Please oppose
harmful cuts and protect the services people need to live in their
communities.

*Closing script:*

Thank you for meeting with us. What is the best email address for
follow-up? We would like to send source links and stay connected with your
office on disability rights, accessibility, and community services.

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
How to Participate if You Feel Overwhelmed

It is normal for this to feel like a lot. The Day of Action includes many
issues because people with disabilities live full lives across many
systems. You do not need to become an expert before you participate.

*One good way to participate:*

*1. *Pick the issue that feels closest to your life, family, community, or
heart.

*2. *Read that one issue section.

*3. *Choose one talking point.

*4. *Prepare one short story or example.

*5. *Ask for one clear action.

*6. *After the meeting, write down anything the office said and share it
with your organizer.

You can also support the Day of Action by being present, listening, helping
someone navigate the building, sharing source links, taking notes, posting
accurate updates, or documenting barriers after the event.

If you do not know the answer to a staff question, it is fine to say: I do
not want to guess. I will follow up with the correct information.

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Core Links and Resources

These links are included so community members, organizers, and legislative
offices can verify information and learn more. Links are active in the
electronic Word document.

*Day of Action and coalition sources:*

·       CDLA Day of Action event page
<https://cadisabilityalliance.org/events/>

·       DRC/CDLA Day of Action press release
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/press-release/the-california-disability-leadership-alliance-invites-you-to-join-us-for-the-2nd>

·       DRC Day of Action event page
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/latest-news/cdla-day-of-action-at-the-capitol>

·       DREDF Day of Action event page
<https://dredf.org/event/california-disability-leadership-alliance-day-of-action-at-the-capitol/>

·       DREDF Day of Action priority page
<https://dredf.org/cdla-day-of-action-2026/>

·       Disability Rights California (DRC) public policy page
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/public-policy>

Organizations and services for people who are blind or have low vision:

·       National Federation of the Blind of California (NFBC)
<https://nfbcal.org/>

·       California Council of the Blind (CCB) <https://ccbnet.org/>

·       LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
<https://lighthouse-sf.org/>

·       LightHouse Protect Access Day of Action page
<https://lighthouse-sf.org/we-need-you-protect-access-join-us-in-sacramento-on-may-26/>

·       DOR Older Individuals who are Blind program
<https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/OlderIndividualsWhoAreBlind>

·       DOR Blind Field Services
<https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/BlindFieldServices>

·       DOR Orientation Center for the Blind
<https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/OrientationCenterForTheBlind>

·       DOR Order of Selection <https://dor.ca.gov/Home/OrderOfSelection>

·       DOR How to Apply for Services <https://dor.ca.gov/Home/HowToApply>

·       DOR Job Seeker and Consumer services
<https://dor.ca.gov/Home/JobSeekerConsumer>

*Bills and legislative records:*

·       Official AB 2190 bill record
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2190>

·       AB 2190 official bill text
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2190>

·       DOJ fact sheet on Title II web and mobile app accessibility
<https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/>

·       AB 2135 official status
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2135>

·       AB 2135 official bill text
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2135>

·       Digital Democracy AB 2135 bill page
<https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260ab2135>

·       CANHR legislation page <https://canhr.org/legislation/>

·       CANHR transfer and discharge rights information
<https://canhr.org/factsheets/transfer-discharge/>

*Health care, IHSS, and HCBS sources:*

·       LAO IHSS budget analysis
<https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5166>

·       DRC Governor's proposed budget summary
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/latest-news/disability-rights-californias-summary-of-the-governors-proposed-2026-27-budget>

·       AB 2081 official bill page
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2081>

·       SB 987 official bill page
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB987>

·       SB 1422 official bill page
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB1422>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Community Note

Thank you for showing up. Your presence matters, whether you speak in a
meeting, support another advocate, share a story, document a barrier, or
help keep the coalition connected. The Day of Action is one day. The work
continues after we leave the Capitol.

When we come together across organizations and disability communities, we
make it harder for decision-makers to ignore the real impact of
inaccessible systems, service cuts, delayed rehabilitation, inaccessible
notices, unaffordable housing, transportation barriers, and health care
barriers. We are stronger together.
Fact Sheet 1. Digital Accessibility and AB 2190

Plain-language summary: Digital accessibility means websites, apps, forms,
portals, kiosks, and online documents can be used by people with
disabilities, including people who are blind, people who have low vision,
people who are DeafBlind, keyboard users, caption users, people who use
speech input, and people who need plain language or accessible formats. AB
2190 will not be acted on this year, but the accessibility problem remains
urgent.

*Why this matters:*

·       Websites and apps are now public doors to health care, benefits,
employment, education, transportation, housing, voting information,
banking, shopping, emergency information, and civic participation.

·       Inaccessible systems can force people to depend on others, give up
privacy, miss deadlines, lose benefits, or be blocked from services.

·       The AB 2190 inactive-file action shows why the community must keep
documenting barriers and keep showing lawmakers that digital accessibility
is not optional.

*What to ask for:*

·       Continue working on AB 2190 or a strengthened digital accessibility
path with users with disabilities at the table.

·       Require enforceable accessibility standards for public-facing
websites, apps, forms, portals, and digital documents.

·       Preserve meaningful civil rights remedies and require real-world
testing with users with disabilities.

·       Ask offices to collect examples of access barriers from
constituents.

*Talking points:*

·       AB 2190 will not be acted on this year, but digital exclusion
continues every day.

·       Digital accessibility is civil rights infrastructure.

·       A website that cannot be used with a screen reader is not equally
open to users who are blind.

·       Digital access affects health care, jobs, housing, education,
transportation, and privacy.

·       Legislators should keep working with our organizations on strong
digital accessibility solutions.

*Story questions:*

·       Have you been blocked from applying for benefits, making an
appointment, ordering medication, completing a job application, or using
transportation because a website or app was inaccessible?

·       What access technology were you using, and what happened?

·       What was the cost to your time, privacy, health, work, or
independence?

*For More Information: *

Staff: Colin Hawley, Legislative Director

916-319-2047

Colin.Hawley at asm.ca.gov

*Source links:*

·       Official AB 2190 bill record
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2190>

·       AB 2190 official bill text
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2190>

·       DREDF Day of Action event page
<https://dredf.org/event/california-disability-leadership-alliance-day-of-action-at-the-capitol/>

·       DOJ fact sheet on Title II web and mobile app accessibility
<https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Fact Sheet 2. AB 2135: Accessible Long-Term Care Transfer and Discharge
Notices

Plain-language summary: AB 2135 addresses transfer and discharge notices in
long-term care facilities. In plain language, the bill is about making sure
residents and their representatives receive clear, timely, usable
information before a facility moves or discharges a resident. It includes
accessible-format and translated-notice protections.

*Why this matters:*

·       People cannot protect rights they cannot read, understand, or use.

·       Unsafe or confusing discharges can lead to homelessness,
hospitalization, loss of medication, loss of belongings, or loss of care.

·       Residents who are blind or have low vision need notices in formats
they can use in time to respond or appeal.

*What to ask for:*

·       Support strong transfer and discharge notice protections.

·       Require accessible formats and translated notices when requested.

·       Protect resident appeal rights and strengthen consequences when
facilities do not follow notice rules.

·       Include residents, families, ombudsman programs, disability
advocates, and older adult advocates in implementation.

*Talking points:*

·       A discharge notice that a resident cannot read or use is not
meaningful notice.

·       Accessible notices protect health, housing, safety, and due process.

·       Long-term care residents have the right to receive information in a
way they can act on.

·       Accessible communication should be built into the system, not
treated as an extra.

*Story questions:*

·       Have you or someone you know received medical, housing, or facility
paperwork in a format you could not use?

·       Did inaccessible notice create fear, delay, missed deadlines, or
safety risks?

·       What would have changed if the notice had been accessible from the
beginning?

*Source links:*

·       AB 2135 official status
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2135>

·       AB 2135 official bill text
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2135>

·       Digital Democracy AB 2135 bill page
<https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260ab2135>

·       CANHR legislation page <https://canhr.org/legislation/>

·       CANHR transfer and discharge rights information
<https://canhr.org/factsheets/transfer-discharge/>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Fact Sheet 3. OIB and Related Community-Based Services for People Who Are
Blind or Have Low Vision

Plain-language summary: Older Individuals who are Blind, or OIB, supports
people age 55 and older who are blind or have low vision and need
independent living services. This section also addresses related
community-based services for people who are blind or have low vision. These
services help people learn skills for safe travel, technology use, daily
living, self-advocacy, adjustment to blindness, and community participation.

*Why this matters:*

·       Many people lose vision later in life and need training, tools,
counseling, and peer connection to stay independent.

·       Community-based services reduce isolation and help people remain at
home and connected to family, work, health care, and community life.

·       Delays or funding shifts can mean people wait longer to travel
safely, manage medication, cook, use technology, read information, or stay
connected.

·       Day of Action organizer review reports that funding for services to
adults who are blind or have low vision in California covers only about 3
percent of the need.

·       Day of Action organizer review also reports that these funding
levels have now been reduced by approximately two-thirds, putting even more
pressure on community-based services.

·       These reductions make transparency, federal funding, state
supplemental funding, and timely access even more urgent. These programs
rely heavily on federal funding, but Day of Action advocates are also
making state budget asks because state support can help protect access when
federal funds do not meet the full need.

*What to ask for:*

·       Protect and strengthen OIB and related community-based services for
people who are blind or have low vision.

·       Support timely access for people with high needs, including older
adults, rural communities, people who are DeafBlind, and people with
multiple disabilities.

·       Ask for transparency about waitlists, service delays, and funding
changes.

·       Balance system-level funding with direct community-based services
that people actually use.

·       Ask DOR to act to claim all available federal funds, including
Social Security reimbursement dollars.

·       Ask the Legislature to provide state funding to supplement federal
money so OIB and related community-based services for people who are blind
or have low vision can meet more of the need.

*Talking points:*

·       Services for people who are blind or have low vision are
independence services.

·       OIB and related community-based services help community members who
are blind or have low vision remain safe, connected, and independent.

·       Funding for services to adults who are blind or have low vision in
California covers only about 3 percent of the need.

·       These funding levels have now been reduced by approximately
two-thirds.

·       DOR must act to claim all available federal funds, including Social
Security reimbursement dollars.

·       The Legislature must provide state funding to supplement federal
money, even though these programs rely heavily on federal funding.

·       Community-based training can prevent isolation, injury, and
unnecessary institutionalization.

·       Service delays have real consequences for daily life.

*Story questions:*

·       Did OIB or a community-based service for people who are blind or
have low vision help you or a family member travel, cook, use technology,
read mail, manage medication, or stay independent?

·       What would have happened without that support?

·       Have you experienced delays or barriers trying to get services for
people who are blind or have low vision?

Source basis: DOR public pages describe OIB and Blind Field Services.
LightHouse public Day of Action materials describe funding shifts, reduced
access, delays, and the need for transparency. The 3 percent and two-thirds
figures come from Day of Action organizer review. Organizer feedback also
notes that DOR has provided transparency about Order of Selection in recent
community settings, including the CCB State Convention and the May Blind
Advisory Commission meeting.

*Source links:*

·       LightHouse Protect Access Day of Action page
<https://lighthouse-sf.org/we-need-you-protect-access-join-us-in-sacramento-on-may-26/>

·       DOR Older Individuals who are Blind program
<https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/OlderIndividualsWhoAreBlind>

·       DOR Blind Field Services
<https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/BlindFieldServices>

·       DOR Orientation Center for the Blind
<https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/OrientationCenterForTheBlind>

·       National Federation of the Blind of California (NFBC)
<https://nfbcal.org/>

·       California Council of the Blind (CCB) <https://ccbnet.org/>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Fact Sheet 4. Department of Rehabilitation, Blind Field Services,
Orientation Center, and Order of Selection

Plain-language summary: The California Department of Rehabilitation, or
DOR, provides vocational rehabilitation and independent living support for
Californians with disabilities. For community members who are blind or have
low vision, DOR programs can include Blind Field Services, Orientation
Center for the Blind training, assistive technology, mobility-related
support, career planning, and employment services. Order of Selection is a
process DOR must use when it does not have enough resources to serve all
eligible applicants right away.

*Why this matters:*

·       DOR services help people prepare for work, find work, keep work,
learn technology, and build independent living skills.

·       Blind Field Services provides specialized employment-focused
support for Californians who are blind or have low vision.

·       The Orientation Center for the Blind provides intensive blindness
skills training, including cooking, travel, Braille and communication,
assistive technology, work readiness, and residential or day training
options.

·       Order of Selection can create waiting lists. DOR states that people
with the most significant disabilities are served first, then people with
significant disabilities, then people in the disability category, and
people are served by application date within each category. Organizer
feedback notes that the DOR team has been transparent about Order of
Selection in recent community settings, including the CCB State Convention
and a May Blind Advisory Commission meeting. Advocates are asking for
continued transparency as funding decisions and service access evolve.

*What to ask for:*

·       Protect timely access to DOR services for Californians who are
blind, have low vision, or have other disabilities.

·       Ask for continued transparency about Order of Selection, waiting
lists, priority categories, 90-day notices, and service availability.

·       Support sufficient funding, staffing, and community partnerships so
eligible people are not left waiting for essential employment and
independent living services.

·       Make all DOR communications, applications, meetings, and notices
accessible to applicants who are blind, have low vision, are DeafBlind, are
multilingual, or have disabilities.

·       Ask DOR to claim all available federal funds, including Social
Security reimbursement dollars.

·       Although these programs rely heavily on federal funding, ask the
Legislature to provide state funding that supplements federal funds and
helps prevent avoidable waiting lists, service reductions, and delays.

*Talking points:*

·       Rehabilitation services are not optional extras. They are the
bridge to work, independence, and community participation.

·       Order of Selection means people may have to wait for services even
after they are found eligible.

·       Waiting for training, technology, or employment services can mean
lost income, lost opportunity, and deeper isolation.

·       California should protect DOR capacity so people can move toward
employment and independence without unnecessary delay.

·       DOR must claim all available federal funds, including Social
Security reimbursement dollars, so eligible people are not left without the
services they need to work and live independently.

·       The Legislature must provide state funding to supplement federal
money when federal funding is not enough, while recognizing that vocational
rehabilitation and OIB programs rely heavily on federal funds.

*Story questions:*

·       Have DOR services helped you prepare for work, learn technology,
receive training, or become more independent?

·       Have you experienced delays, inaccessible communication, confusing
processes, or a waiting list?

·       What would timely service access make possible for you, your
family, or your community?

*Source links:*

·       DOR Order of Selection <https://dor.ca.gov/Home/OrderOfSelection>

·       DOR How to Apply for Services <https://dor.ca.gov/Home/HowToApply>

·       DOR Job Seeker and Consumer services
<https://dor.ca.gov/Home/JobSeekerConsumer>

·       DOR Blind Field Services
<https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/BlindFieldServices>

·       DOR Orientation Center for the Blind
<https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/OrientationCenterForTheBlind>

·       DOR Older Individuals who are Blind program
<https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/OlderIndividualsWhoAreBlind>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Fact Sheet 5. Medi-Cal, IHSS, HCBS, and Health Access

Plain-language summary: Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services, and home and
community-based services help people with disabilities, older adults,
children with disabilities, and families get care and support at home and
in the community. Cuts, delays, new eligibility barriers, or inaccessible
systems can quickly become health, housing, and safety crises.

*Why this matters:*

·       IHSS helps eligible Californians receive support with personal
care, household tasks, and other needs that make it possible to live safely
at home.

·       Medi-Cal is the health-care foundation for many Californians with
disabilities, including people who use long-term services and supports.

·       Home and community-based services help prevent unnecessary
institutionalization and help families remain stable.

·       Health coverage changes or cuts can disproportionately harm people
with disabilities, older adults, immigrants, and low-income families.

*What to ask for:*

·       Reject harmful Medi-Cal, IHSS, and home and community-based service
cuts.

·       Protect services that allow people to live in their own homes and
communities.

·       Support health access and waiver programs that reduce
institutionalization and waiting lists.

·       Make health program notices, portals, applications, and appeals
accessible and multilingual.

*Talking points:*

·       Care at home is what keeps many Californians with disabilities
safe, housed, and part of their communities.

·       Cuts to Medi-Cal and IHSS are disability-rights issues, family
issues, and public-health issues.

·       People should not be forced into institutions because community
services were cut or delayed.

·       Accessible health care includes accessible communication,
accessible digital systems, and language access.

*Story questions:*

·       How do Medi-Cal, IHSS, or home services help you or your family
stay safe?

·       What would happen if those supports were cut, delayed, or harder to
access?

·       Have inaccessible forms, notices, phone systems, or portals made
health care harder to use?

*Source links:*

·       DRC/CDLA Day of Action press release
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/press-release/the-california-disability-leadership-alliance-invites-you-to-join-us-for-the-2nd>

·       DREDF Day of Action event page
<https://dredf.org/event/california-disability-leadership-alliance-day-of-action-at-the-capitol/>

·       Disability Rights California (DRC) public policy page
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/public-policy>

·       LAO IHSS budget analysis
<https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5166>

·       DRC Governor's proposed budget summary
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/latest-news/disability-rights-californias-summary-of-the-governors-proposed-2026-27-budget>

·       AB 2081 official bill page
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2081>

·       SB 987 official bill page
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB987>

·       SB 1422 official bill page
<https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB1422>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Fact Sheet 6. Education, IDEA, Civil Rights, and Language Access

Plain-language summary: Education advocacy for the Day of Action includes
protecting the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, strengthening
special education, supporting inclusive schools, protecting civil rights,
and ensuring that students and families receive information in languages
and formats they can use.

*Why this matters:*

·       Students with disabilities need services, accommodations,
accessible materials, qualified staff, and inclusive learning environments.

·       Families need notices, meetings, records, and dispute-resolution
information in accessible formats and languages they understand.

·       Students who are Deaf, are hard of hearing, are DeafBlind, are
blind or have low vision, or are multilingual need meaningful communication
access and language access.

·       Education access affects employment, independence, health, and
civic participation later in life.

*What to ask for:*

·       Protect IDEA and special education funding and enforcement.

·       Support inclusive education and early, effective services for
students with disabilities.

·       Require accessible and language-appropriate school communication
for families.

·       Include students, parents, educators with disabilities, Deaf
educators, educators who are blind, and community advocates in education
policy.

*Talking points:*

·       Students cannot learn from services they cannot access.

·       Families cannot advocate from information they cannot understand.

·       Civil rights protections in education must be preserved and
enforced.

·       Inclusion must include communication access, accessible materials,
language access, and qualified support.

*Story questions:*

·       Did accessible materials, communication access, assistive
technology, or an accommodation change your education or your child’s
education?

·       Have you received school information in a format or language you
could not use?

·       What support would help students with disabilities thrive instead
of merely survive?

*Source links:*

·       CDLA Day of Action event page
<https://cadisabilityalliance.org/events/>

·       DREDF Day of Action event page
<https://dredf.org/event/california-disability-leadership-alliance-day-of-action-at-the-capitol/>

·       Disability Rights California (DRC) public policy page
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/public-policy>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Fact Sheet 7. Voluntary Mental Health Supports and Non-Police Crisis
Response

Plain-language summary: CDLA Day of Action priorities include voluntary,
community-based, peer-led mental health supports, Medi-Cal navigation, and
non-police crisis response. The priority is support that protects safety
and rights, rather than defaulting to forced treatment, unnecessary law
enforcement interaction, incarceration, or institutionalization.

*Why this matters:*

·       People in crisis need support that protects safety, dignity,
autonomy, and civil rights.

·       Coercive systems can make people afraid to ask for help and can
especially harm Black, Brown, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, unhoused, disability,
neurodivergent, and psychiatric disability communities.

·       Peer support, non-police response, housing, benefits navigation,
and voluntary care can prevent crises from becoming criminalization or
institutionalization.

*What to ask for:*

·       Support voluntary, peer-led, community-based mental health services
and supports.

·       Invest in non-police crisis response and peer navigators, including
Medi-Cal navigators.

·       Oppose policies that expand forced treatment, unnecessary
institutionalization, or law-enforcement-centered response.

·       Center people with lived experience in mental health policy design
and oversight.

*Talking points:*

·       People should not have to give up their rights to get help during a
mental health crisis.

·       Voluntary support works best when it is trusted, accessible,
culturally responsive, and community-based.

·       Non-police crisis response can reduce harm and connect people to
services.

·       Mental health policy should be shaped by people with lived
experience.

*Story questions:*

·       Have you or your community experienced a crisis response that
helped or harmed?

·       What would a safe, voluntary, accessible crisis response look like?

·       What community-based supports would prevent crisis before it
becomes an emergency?

*Source links:*

·       DREDF Day of Action event page
<https://dredf.org/event/california-disability-leadership-alliance-day-of-action-at-the-capitol/>

·       Disability Rights California (DRC) public policy page
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/public-policy>

·       DRC/CDLA Day of Action press release
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/press-release/the-california-disability-leadership-alliance-invites-you-to-join-us-for-the-2nd>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Fact Sheet 8. Housing, Homelessness, Transportation, and Infrastructure

Plain-language summary: Disability policy is also housing, transportation,
and infrastructure policy. People need affordable accessible housing, safe
streets, reliable transportation, accessible public buildings, and services
that do not punish disability or poverty.

*Why this matters:*

·       A person cannot stay healthy without a stable place to live.

·       Accessible housing is scarce, and homelessness systems are often
not designed for people with disabilities.

·       Broken sidewalks, inaccessible transit, unsafe crossings,
inaccessible shelters, and inaccessible public spaces can isolate people or
put them at risk.

·       Transportation barriers limit access to employment, education,
health care, family life, and civic participation.

*What to ask for:*

·       Support affordable, accessible housing and homelessness programs
that work for people with disabilities.

·       Make transportation, sidewalks, crossings, public buildings, and
infrastructure accessible from the start.

·       Oppose policies that criminalize homelessness or disability-related
survival behavior instead of providing housing and services.

·       Require people with disabilities to be included in planning,
design, funding decisions, and oversight.

*Talking points:*

·       Accessibility is not only a ramp. It is whether people can get
housing, transportation, services, and safety without being excluded.

·       Transportation access is independence access.

·       Housing and homelessness policies must account for disability needs.

·       Accessible infrastructure benefits everyone and prevents isolation.

*Story questions:*

·       Have housing or transportation barriers kept you from medical care,
work, school, family, or civic participation?

·       Have you encountered inaccessible shelters, transit stops,
sidewalks, forms, or public buildings?

·       What would safe and accessible community infrastructure make
possible?

*Source links:*

·       CDLA Day of Action event page
<https://cadisabilityalliance.org/events/>

·       DREDF Day of Action event page
<https://dredf.org/event/california-disability-leadership-alliance-day-of-action-at-the-capitol/>

·       Disability Rights California (DRC) public policy page
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/public-policy>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Fact Sheet 9. Employment, Telework, and Economic Security

Plain-language summary: Employment access includes fair hiring, accessible
job applications, accommodations, telework when appropriate, accessible
workplace technology, transportation access, benefits rules that do not
punish work, and rehabilitation services that understand
disability-specific barriers.

*Why this matters:*

·       People with disabilities can be blocked from work by inaccessible
applications, inaccessible technology, transportation barriers, and denial
of accommodations.

·       Telework can be a critical accommodation for some workers with
disabilities when it allows equal participation and stable employment.

·       Job seekers who are blind or have low vision may need specialized
technology, training, mobility support, employer education, and accessible
workplace tools.

·       Economic security is connected to health care, housing,
transportation, education, and DOR access.

*What to ask for:*

·       Support fair accommodations, including telework when it is an
effective accommodation.

·       Protect accessible hiring, training, and workplace technology.

·       Strengthen DOR and community-based employment supports for job
seekers who are blind or have disabilities.

·       Make employment policy work for people with fluctuating
disabilities, chronic illness, mental health disabilities, caregiving
responsibilities, and transportation barriers.

*Talking points:*

·       Work access means more than wanting a job. It means the tools,
accommodations, transportation, and services that make work possible.

·       Accessible employment systems help people contribute, earn income,
and participate in community life.

·       Telework should be available when it is an effective disability
accommodation.

·       Rehabilitation and employment supports are investments in
independence.

*Story questions:*

·       Have inaccessible job applications, software, interviews, or
workplace tools blocked you from work?

·       Has telework or another accommodation made work possible for you?

·       What training, technology, transportation, or support would help
you succeed at work?

*Source links:*

·       Disability Rights California (DRC) public policy page
<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/public-policy>

·       DOR Job Seeker and Consumer services
<https://dor.ca.gov/Home/JobSeekerConsumer>

·       DOR Blind Field Services
<https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/BlindFieldServices>

·       DOR Orientation Center for the Blind
<https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/OrientationCenterForTheBlind>

·       DREDF Day of Action event page
<https://dredf.org/event/california-disability-leadership-alliance-day-of-action-at-the-capitol/>

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>
Plain-Language Glossary

*AB / SB: *AB means Assembly Bill. SB means Senate Bill.

Accessibility: Designing spaces, programs, websites, apps, documents,
meetings, transportation, and services so people with disabilities can use
them.

*Accessible format: *Information provided in a format a person can use,
such as Braille, large print, electronic text, audio, plain language,
captions, ASL, tactile communication, or another needed format.

CDLA: California Disability Leadership Alliance, an alliance led by people
with disabilities and people who are Deaf working on cross-disability
advocacy in California.

*CCB: *California Council of the Blind.

*NFBC:* National Federation of the Blind of California.

*DOR: *California Department of Rehabilitation.

*DRC:* Disability Rights California.

*DREDF:* Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund.

*CANHR:* California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.

*DOJ:* U.S. Department of Justice.

Blind Field Services: DOR services focused on employment and rehabilitation
support for Californians who are blind or have low vision.

*Orientation Center for the Blind: *A DOR training center that teaches
blindness skills such as travel, cooking, Braille and communication,
assistive technology, and work readiness.

*OIB: *Older Individuals who are Blind, a program for people age 55 and
older who need independent living support related to blindness or low
vision.

Order of Selection: A vocational rehabilitation process used when DOR does
not have enough resources to serve all eligible applicants right away.
People are served by priority category and application date. Advocates are
asking for continued transparency about this process.

*Inactive file: *A place where a bill can be placed when it is not moving
forward through the normal process. For AB 2190, advocates should explain
that the bill will not be acted on this year. This does not mean the
accessibility issue is over.

*IHSS: *In-Home Supportive Services, a California program that helps
eligible people receive support at home.

*Medi-Cal: *California’s Medicaid program, which provides health coverage
and related services for eligible Californians.

*HCBS: *Home and Community-Based Services, which help people live in their
homes and communities instead of institutions.

*HCBA waiver: *Home and Community-Based Alternatives Waiver, a Medi-Cal
waiver for people with high care needs who may otherwise need
facility-level care.

*IDEA: *Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the federal special
education law.

*Peer-led support: *Support designed or delivered by people with lived
experience of disability, mental health disability, crisis, or system
navigation.

*Non-police crisis response: *Crisis support that does not default to law
enforcement as the first or only response.

*Language access: *Providing information and services in the languages and
communication methods people use.

Click here to go back to Table of Contents. <#toc>


Laura Millar MPH, M.A., MCHES (She/Her)
Sexuality Educator, Consultant, Coach & Community Organizer
Contact # (925)-321-8804
Www.Lauramillar.Com
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