Advocacy plays an important role in helping Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) access the services and support they need to live and thrive in their communities.
On August 5, California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) Executive Director Aaron Carruthers testified before the California Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services about California’s continued transition away from developmental centers and the importance of strong community-based supports.
According to SCDD and Carruthers’ testimony, the Council tracked 585 people who left California developmental centers beginning in 2015 and reported that only 11 returned, representing a return rate of less than 2%. Canaan Cares is sharing these figures as reported by SCDD.
This is an important reminder that community living is about more than where someone lives. People need access to individualized services, resources, and ongoing support that promote choice, independence, and meaningful participation in their communities.
At Canaan Cares, we believe the voices and experiences of people with all abilities and their families should remain at the heart of conversations about the policies and services that affect their lives.
When people have the right support, communities become places where everyone has greater opportunities to belong, participate, and thrive.
