Disability Voices United

Education & TrainingIn 2022, Disability Voices United trained thousands of people with disabilities, families, and professionals. DVU led the Emerging Leaders Program to train self-advocates and family members, particularly people of color, on leadership and systemic advocacy skills. DVU trained thousands of people on California's Self-Determination Program through bi-monthly meetings and a statewide conference. DVU also led monthly meetings around ensuring access to communication supports for people with communication disabilities.

Narrative ChangeIn 2022, Disability Voices United led efforts to change the narrative around a range of disability issues and eliminate societal ableism. DVU worked to change the perception of people with disabilities and conservatorship by joining with the #FreeBritney movement to show that people with disabilities can make choices through supported decision-making. DVU appeared extensively in the media to expose abusive conservatorship and highlight success stories. DVU also issued a report called "Unfair Hearings: How People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Lack Access to Justice in California".

AdvocacyIn 2022, Disability Voices United educated the public and advocated for systemic changes, including reforming the fair hearing system and California's conservatorship system. DVU built and led coalitions around these major issues and achieved legislative success by enacting conservatorship reform and supported decision-making in state law. DVU also advocated for elimination of persistent racial and geographic disparities in the developmental disabilities system and increased oversight and accountability over systems that serve people with developmental disabilities. DVU testified before various legislative committees and Little Hoover Commission to call for equity, accountability and transparency.