This publication is paid for with private donations.
No images? Click here
Family Voices of California Newsletter
In this issue:
✨ Thank you - FVCA Health Summit
🗣️ Family Feedback Opportunities
📝 Medi-Cal & Medicaid Matters
📅 Upcoming Trainings, Workshops & Webinars
🏛️ Family Advocacy Day at the Capitol
Thank You for Joining the 2026 FVCA Health Summit
Thank you for being part of the 2026 Family Voices of California Health Summit. It was an honor to bring our community together in person and virtually to share a space rooted in learning, connection, and advocacy.
We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors—Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, National Health Law Program (NHeLP), California Children’s Hospital Association, Pediatric Day Health Care Coalition (PDHCC), Children’s Specialty Care Coalition, and the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD). Your support makes it possible for families and professionals across California to come together and strengthen this work.
We also want to recognize our Planning Committee and presenters, whose time, expertise, and dedication made this event meaningful and impactful.
And most importantly—to the families who showed up, shared their stories, and personal experiences—thank you. Your voices are the heart of this work, and they continue to drive change across our state.
If you attended, we’d love your feedback as we plan for next year’s summit:
English: Take the Survey
Español: Complete la Encuesta
Want to relive the experience? View photos and highlights from the summit here:
🔵Facebook Post Link
We’ll be sharing session recordings in the coming weeks. In the meantime, stay connected for upcoming trainings, workshops, and advocacy opportunities by subscribing to our newsletter.
Thank you again for being part of this community.
Warmly,
Family Voices of California
Family Feedback Opportunities
Share your voice. Shape what comes next.
Protect IHSS for People with Disabilities Campaign
We’re sharing information about the statewide Protect IHSS for People with Disabilities campaign. Individuals can learn more, sign the Change.org petition, or contact their legislators through Muster.
👉Change.org petition
👉Muster Campaign
Share Your Input: Accessible Changing Tables at Airports
The U.S. Access Board is seeking input on new standards for adult-size changing tables in major airports, required under the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act.
🗓️ Deadline to submit comments: April 20, 2026
💬 Open to individuals and organizations
Share Your Experience with CCS
The National Health Law Program is inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences with CCS, including access to services, denials or reductions in care, and grievances or appeals.
🎁 Participants will be entered to win one of three $50 gift cards
🗓️ Deadline: April 30, 2026
Please share with other families who may want to participate.
Surveys are shared for informational purposes. Participation is optional.
🌟 Medi-Cal & Medicaid Matters
Important updates and tips to help families understand and use their health coverage.
Keep your Medi-Cal Coverage Active
Did you get mail from DHCS or your local Medi-Cal office? Complete the renewal form and make sure you include all the information requested. If you have questions, free help is available.
⭐ Upcoming Trainings, Workshops & Webinars
Project Leadership Updates
The Project Leadership English cohort begins April 8 at 6 PM and will be led by Nancy Netherland. Registered participants will receive details soon, including the Zoom link and materials. Click here to register.
The next Spanish cohort is planned for June—more information coming soon.
Family Voices Leadership Conference (FVLC2026)
FVLC2026 is the nation’s premier conference for family leaders and family engagement professionals to learn, network, and build their skills to support family engagement in systems of care. The conference will be virtual, with keynote speaker Dr. Nakela Cook, Executive Director of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).
📅 Date: April 15 - 16, 2026
👉 Learn More
⭐ Family Advocacy Day at the Capitol
Families from across California came together in Sacramento for Family Advocacy Day, bringing their voices directly to the Capitol. Parents and caregivers met with their Senate and Assemblymember offices to share real experiences and urgent concerns impacting children with special health care needs.
For many, this was their first time participating in advocacy at this level. They showed up with honesty, courage, and a deep commitment to improving systems that their children rely on every day.
These conversations matter. When families speak, policymakers listen—and the stories shared help shape decisions that affect services, access, and support for children across our state.
We are deeply grateful to the families who made the journey, took the time, and trusted us with their stories.
**This communication is supported by private funding.
