Why Advocacy Matters Across Systems

Chris Arroyo, Deputy Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, reminds families that even when budgets move in the right direction, advocacy still matters. He encourages parents to keep learning their rights, build strong IEP strategies, and use trusted resources. Advocacy skills, he explains, are transferable—and once you build them, they support you across every system your child navigates.

Want to learn more about advocacy? Check out our What to Know about California’s Budget Proposal for 2026-27.