Arc of Alameda County Discusses State Budget and Its Impact on The Lanterman Act

March 10, 2009 - PRLog -- The Arc of Alameda County, the East Bay’s largest provider of services for people with developmental disabilities, announced today that the Executive Director of Arc California will be the featured presenter at a Public Forum March 18, 2009.   The meeting will be held at The Arc of Alameda County’s headquarters from 6 to 8 p.m. at 2700A Merced Street in San Leandro.  

Tony Anderson, Executive Director of The Arc of California, will offer thoughts about the Lanterman Act in light of the recently adopted State Budget that severely cuts funds for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).  The Arc of Alameda County is funded through the Regional Center of the East Bay with money that comes from DDS.

The Lanterman Act, passed in 1969, guarantees that people with developmental and intellectual disabilities will receive the services they require.

“The Lanterman Act is California’s promise that people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families will receive the services they desperately need.” said Ronald Luter, Executive Director of The Arc of Alameda County. “With a $100 million cut in the Department of Developmental Services, we question whether the promise is being upheld.”

The Forum also features Leslie Morrison, an investigator for Disability Rights California.  Ms. Morrison's research indicates that people with a disability are 4-10 times more likely to be crime victims. She will share additional information and discuss legislation to alleviate the problem.

Bob Perotti  President of the Arc of Alameda County Board of Directors and Luter  will discuss the steps they are taking to maintain programs with less money in the next fiscal year.

The Forum is designed for those who are members of The Arc of Alameda County but is open to the public and is free of charge.

# # #

About The Arc of Alameda County: We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides life skills, vocational training and job placements to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Our goal is for clients to lead rich, fulfilling lives by empowering them to utilize their abilities and community resources to reach their chosen potential. With five distinct programs and facilities in San Leandro, Hayward, Union City and Livermore, The Arc provides meaningful opportunities for clients to grow and learn. We also have a day care facility for children with or without special needs. The organization traces it roots back to 1950 when parents banded together to obtain services for their developmentally disabled children. Information regarding programs may be found at www.arcalameda.org.