[NFBC-Info] Save the dates: Oct 28 DOR crisis webinar and Nov 4 advocacy storytelling training

[Laura Millar]

Hello blind Californians, advocates, and allies,

Please save two dates for joint online programs hosted by the *National
Federation of the Blind of California (NFBC)* and the *California Council
of the Blind (CCB)*. These are opportunities to understand the growing
concerns surrounding California’s Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and to
learn concrete ways to advocate for accessible services and greater
accountability.

*Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Pacific*

*Order of Selection, California’s Rehabilitation Crisis: A Call for Action*

DOR is operating under Order of Selection because of insufficient
resources. People may still apply, but eligible new applicants, including
those with the most significant disabilities, will be placed on a waiting
list rather than beginning services. Meanwhile, the blind community and
service providers have raised additional concerns about rehabilitation
access, interruptions and delays, and funding for the Older Individuals Who
Are Blind (OIB) program. We want to distinguish what is verified from what
needs further documentation.

The evening will be a *webinar with submitted audience Q&A*, not an
open-microphone meeting. We plan a brief history of how the situation
developed, an explanation of the current policy and budget issues, what
experiences and information still need to be documented, and practical ways
to reach legislators.

*Our overarching advocacy request is for a joint legislative oversight
hearing* to examine DOR service access, finances, and accountability.
Related priorities include sustainable funding and service protections,
including OIB; a funded path to reopen Category 1; and transparent data and
public reporting.

*Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Pacific*

*From Experience to Advocacy: Storytelling and Legislative Engagement*

Join us for a follow-up skill-building session on preparing a concise
personal story, explaining its impact, and presenting a clear request to
legislators. Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson of Hand in Hand has confirmed her
availability to help with the storytelling training. Session details are
being finalized.

*Zoom joining information:* The organizers are still finalizing the zoom
link and all information will be distributed to chapter list serves.

*Background resource, optional:* Watch the September 14 fireside
discussion, *California Blind Advocacy: Order of Selection and What Comes
Next*, featuring Bryan Bashin, Patricia Leetz, and Chris Fendrick:
https://youtu.be/RJy5-KIGUeo. It helps explain the history and community
response, but you do not need to watch it before attending.

Please share these dates with blind and low-vision Californians, DeafBlind
community members, service providers, friends, families, and allies. We
hope you’ll join us and help build a coordinated, informed response.

Warmly,

Laura Millar, MPH, MA
Pronouns: she/they


Public Health Professional, Sexuality and Consent Educator, Consultant,
Coach, and Community Organizer
Millar Consulting Services LLC


Board Member, National Federation of the Blind of California
Second Vice President, NFB San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Phone: 925-321-8804
Email: laura at lauramillar.com
Website: https://lauramillar.com/