Advocacy
Advocacy is acting with or on behalf of an individual or group to resolve an issue, obtain a needed support or service, or promote a change in the practices, policies, or behaviors of government agencies, businesses, and others. Advocacy is essential for promoting and protecting the civil and human rights of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). All advocacy efforts by, with, and on behalf of people with IDD must be centered around the views, needs, expressed interests, and leadership of self-advocates.
Importance
Strong advocacy is necessary to support the full inclusion and participation of people with IDD in the community. Effective advocacy is also required to prevent and address abuse, neglect, discrimination, implicit and explicit bias, and any exploitation that people with IDD may experience.
You can be an advocate for people with disabilities by contacting your State and Federal Representatives. Call or email your legislator today to make a difference.
Find which State and Federal Representatives correspond with your local Arc Center! Check out the Centers and their Representatives below or click here to find your Representative by zip code.
Contact Your California U.S. Senators
U.S. Senator: Alex Padilla, D. | U.S. Senator: Adam Schiff
Arc North County
1336 Rancheros Drive
San Marcos, CA 92069
Senator: Brian Jones, R, Dist. 40
Assemblymember: Dr. Darshana Patel Dist. 76
US Congressman: Scott Peters, D, Dist. 50
Sulpizio Family Center
3030 Market Street
San Diego, CA 92102
Senator: Steve Padilla, D, Dist. 18
Assemblymember: David Alvarez, D, Dist. 80
U.S. Congressman: Juan Vargas, D, Dist. 52
The Sol and Ruth Gerber Family Center
1280 Nolan Avenue
Chula Vista, CA, 91911-3738
Senator: Steve Padilla, D, Dist. 18
Assemblymember: David Alvarez, D, Dist. 80
U.S. Congressman: Juan Vargas, D, Dist. 52
East County Training Center
1374 E. Lexington Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92019
Senator: Brian Jones, R, Dist. 40
Assemblymember: Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins, Dist. 79
U.S. Congresswoman: Sara Jacobs, D, Dist. 51