Family Voices of California

Webinar from IDAofCal: Best Practices in Serving Toddlers in Dual Language and Culturally Diverse Contexts Friday, April 9; 12:30-2pm This event will cover: Different kinds of dual language learning; Early language development of monolingual and bilingual toddlers; Language difference vs delay/disorder; and Differences in culturally-based beliefs, values, and attitudes about caretaking of toddlers with regard to service delivery considerations.

In honor of Cesar Chavez Day yesterday, we’d like to spotlight California Agrability! The University of California-Davis California AgrAbility Program’s mission is to promote independence in farming and rural living for people with injuries, disabilities, and illnesses California AgrAbility provides bilingual (English and Spanish) service capacity through innovative educational programs designed to advance individual capabilities, adapt new technologies, and deliver program content through appropriate educational venues. Program staff conduct workshops and seminars for health, rehabilitation, and other professionals on rehabilitating farmers and workers. Follow the link to read how Francisco Castro partnered with Cal Agrability to access services and manage his chronic illness.

As a member of the Western States Regional Genetics Network , Family Voices of California was excited to be a part of the development of this FREE online telehealth training course for family advocates and other program staff to help families access services by telehealth and use them well.

Happy Cesar Chavez Day from Family Voices of California! Check out this blog from a couple years back from Ability Tools: bit.ly/3ueyhOF Chavez worked to promote and enforce the civil rights of farm workers and, with Dolores Huerta, was co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America. While his work is usually viewed through the lens of organizing for Latinos, there is a significant disability component to his work

Important information today at 2 p.m.!

Know Your Rights regarding Hospital Visitation for Patients with Disabilities during #COVID19 Information available in multiple languages. Created by DRC and Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) Read more here: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org//coronavirus-covid-19-h

Sharing news from Department of Health Care Services To our Stakeholders: Gov. Gavin Newsom on June 15, 2020, appointed Will Lightbourne to serve as Director of the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). ... Lightbourne returns to state service after leading the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as Director from 2011 to 2018. In that role he oversaw another large and complex Department with a crucial role in California’s safety net, supporting transparency and collaborative approaches to improve the way services are delivered to millions of vulnerable Californians. As at DHCS, the people served by CDSS include low-income populations, people experiencing homelessness, tribal communities, individuals and families facing challenges related to immigration, and adults and children coping with chronic or complex physical and behavioral health issues. Lightbourne received a Bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University and worked starting in 1975 at Catholic Charities in San Francisco in multiple roles, including chief executive. From 1990 to 2011, he led the human services agencies in Santa Cruz County and San Francisco City and County, and the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency. He also has served as an advisor to Gov. Newsom on issues of homelessness. Thank you, DHCS

Congratulations Project Leadership grad Tracey Chew-Bullock on your advocacy success!

In response to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing actions taken globally to limit the spread of the virus, FVCA has decided to move the 2020 Health Summit to an online format. Thank you for your patience as the Advisory Committee evaluates potential alternative plans. We will reach out again soon with more information about session details and schedules. Stay tuned!