Letter to Community đź’™
Dear Families,
Welcome to the first version of the California Disability Guide. This resource was brought to life through the Integrated Community Collaborative (ICC): a community-based organization that works to promote equity and equality, and eradicate purchase-of-service disparities for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. We are a community of families, parents, and self-advocates who have been through the systems you will read about in this guide. At the core of ICC is the Integradorat or Integrator. We believe every person deserves to be supported exactly where they are, physically, emotionally, culturally, linguistically, and with respect. There is no “one size fits all” approach, so we make organic, genuine connections with our families. Through System navigation and integration, we promise to take you by the hand and make sure you have a system of support. We understand that there is currently no transparent, comprehensive menu of the services available to families. This guide exists to help you and your family navigate California’s regional center system.
Elizabeth Gomez – Parent, ICC Co-Founder-Director
Fernando Gomez – Parent, ICC Co-Founder
Katherine He – Sibling, Advocate
The Integrated Community Collaborative (ICC)
Acknowledgements: This guide was made possible with the lived experiences and endless support of many families in the ICC Community.
- Rubi Saldana, Parent - Integradora
- Maria Lopez, Parent - Integradora
- Josefina Romo-Sharp, Parent - Integradora
- Gladys Lizarraga, Parent - Integradora
- Miguel Lugo, Self-Advocate - Integrador
- Nester Nieves, Self-Advocate - Integrador
- Dora Contreras, Family Member - Integradora
- Marta Alvarado, Parent - Integradora