Hearing Request Letter Campaign
Act Now!
Dear blind, low vision, and DeafBlind Californians, families, chapters, blindness organizations, service providers, educators, and allies:
Please submit a letter today through the Hearing Request Letter Campaign:
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/hearing-request?source=direct_link
This campaign automatically sends your letter to Governor Newsom, your State Senator, and your Assemblymember. It calls for an urgent joint legislative oversight hearing to review California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) operations, the impacts on clients, and practical solutions to address these critical issues.
What is happening? The California DOR is currently operating under an Order of Selection because it claims it lacks the resources to serve everyone who is eligible. All three priority categories are currently closed to newly eligible applicants:
Category 1: Individuals with the most significant disabilities
Category 2: Individuals with significant disabilities
Category 3: All other eligible individuals with disabilities
Newly eligible applicants are being placed on waiting lists with no published reopening date. DOR must serve these categories in order, and within each category, individuals are served based on their original application dates.
If you already have a signed plan: Individuals with an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) signed before this implementation should continue receiving services.
Why you should still apply: Application dates determine your place on the waitlist within your priority category, so delaying an application could mean waiting even longer once services resume.
Why does this matter? Vocational rehabilitation connects people to assistive technology, Braille instruction, Orientation & Mobility training, higher education, transportation, and employment support—essential services needed to prepare for, obtain, and retain employment.
Delays in these services cost people jobs, income, independence, critical skills, and momentum. This is not merely a budget or administrative oversight; it directly impacts physical and mental health, family stability, and community inclusion for Disabled Californians.
Why a coordinated campaign? Individual complaints are easily dismissed as isolated cases. A unified, coordinated campaign proves to elected officials that this is a widespread failure requiring an immediate, systemic legislative response.
How you can help today California residents: Submit the campaign letter today, and personalize it with your own DOR experience if applicable. Organizations & Agencies: Share this campaign through your email lists, newsletters, and social media networks. Community members: Forward this message and campaign link directly to blind, low vision, and DeafBlind community members across California. Out-of-state allies: Share this with your California contacts, colleagues, and partner organizations. Submit or share the campaign here: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/hearing-request?source=direct_link