ADVOCACY
OBJECTIVES
believes that individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), as well as the existing system of community services in California, are constantly at risk and under scrutiny.
The Alliance
The Alliance strives to:
• Expand and enhance eligibility for services
• Promote person-centered ideals by placing decision making authority with the person served and their circle of support
• Reduce bureaucracy, to streamline the system for the benefit of those served and their families
• Improve the availability and encourage the expansion and innovation of community services
• Continue to promote the autonomy of the IDD workforce, opposing mandates to organize
To uphold and strengthen the foundational elements of California’s service system authorized under the Lanterman Act and to prevent the further erosion of the system, The Alliance has established eight specific “advocacy objectives”:
OUR MISSION
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#1
Defend, preserve, and strengthen the IPP and the IPP process.
California law has established the right of individuals with IDD to establish their own goals, make their own choices, and determine their own futures through an IPP process. The State Supreme Court affirmed this right in 1985.
#2
Prevent categorical service reductions or categorical redirection of funds from one type of community service to another.
#3
Prevent the implementation of statewide purchase of service standards.
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#4
​​Preserve and strengthen all existing community services.
Existing community services, guaranteed to individuals with IDD via their IPP/IFSP, have been marginalized and are in danger of collapse due to chronic underfunding. These services are the safety net without which the future of people with IDD in California is in jeopardy.
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#5
Advocate for additional funding (and/or re-direction of funds from State Developmental Centers) for development of new/additional community services and supports to meet the current and changing needs/goals of individuals with developmental disabilities.
While the Department Centers are now largely closed (except for those committed for forensic reasons) the existing volume and array of services and supports is insufficient to meet the current and changing needs/goals of individuals with IDD in California.
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#6
Advocate for greater work opportunities in integrated
competitive settings for people with IDD of working age.
Working age adults with IDD face chronic unemployment or under-employment and experience disproportionately high levels of poverty. Legislation that took away
Californians’ ability to work for less than Minimum Wage under federal Fair Labor Standards statute 14c has resulted in a collapse of employment opportunities for people with IDD.
#7
Preserve the option for people with disabilities to pursue work opportunities under federal and state special wage certificates.
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#8
Stop any legislative or administrative effort to force unionization upon workers in the field of IDD in California via legislative or administrative mandate or incentive.
Employees have the right to determine, by a secret ballot vote, whether they wish to be represented by a union.