Partners at March on Capitol

Posted by Jim Lockwood on April 29, 2009 under Partners in Action | Be the First to Comment

Jennifer Allen at Capitol march

Jennifer Allen at Capitol march

On April 22nd, several Partners in Policymaking graduates participated in the march at the California State Capitol to tell the legislators to stop cutting important services to persons with disabilities.  Included among the marchers were graduates David Simerley, Jill Ames, Maryann Cantone, David Engberg, Jennifer Allen, and John Matthias.

John Matthias at Capitol march

John Matthias at Capitol march

It is estimated that more than 500 self-advocates, family members, and supporters marched on to the Capitol as legislators discussed cutting state support by another $100 million.  The march began at 13th & K street and ended at the north sidewalk at the Capitol.  There was a P.A. system at the march for speakers and others to voice their concern.

It was nearly impossible to walk through the dense crowd as everyone carried signs or yelled their sentiment of “No more cuts!”  For more information on proposed cuts and related legislative hearings, visit Advocacy Without Borders at http://www.cdcan.us/.

We are Here to Speak for Justice

Posted by Jim Lockwood on April 9, 2009 under General Information | Be the First to Comment

Nine years ago KCET aired a one-hour documentary titled “We are Hear to Speak for Justice” that told the story of the effort to change California developmental services and create the Regional Center system that exists today.  The film introduces us to family members and individuals who, through relentless advocacy, were able to change an entire system and create a service delivery model that respects the needs and dignity of  those it serves.

The film was produced and directed by award winning filmmaker Theodore Braun, senior lecturer at USC’s School of Cinema-Television. It was made through a partnership between Union Bank of California, Lanterman, Golden Gate and Harbor Regional Centers, and The University of Southern California School of Cinema-Television.

Unfortunately, the video that has been available for purchase in the past is not currently being sold.  However, the Lanterman Regional Center has just recently made the video available for free online.  To view the video online, visit http://www.lanterman.org/video_werehere.html.  The streaming video is just over an hour long.

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