Special Families Network

06/23/2026

Urgent ask, my friends!!!

📣URGENT ACTION ALERT! On Thursday, June 25, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a hearing titled "State Medicaid Program Integrity: Examining Fraud Risks and Oversight Deficiencies."

California is one of only four states being called to testify, alongside New York, Minnesota, and Ohio. State Medicaid Directors from each state have been asked to appear before Congress as lawmakers continue a national conversation focused on Medicaid spending and allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse.

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program.

For Californians with disabilities, older adults, family caregivers, and low-income individuals, this hearing raises serious concerns.

We need everyone in the community to send emails defending Medi-Cal (Medicaid) services and programs to the Committee Chair Congressman John Joyce at [email protected] (copy us at [email protected]) ASAP and SPREAD THE WORD!

CLICK LINK FOR SAMPLE EMAIL AND FULL ARTICLE: https://thearcca.org/this-week-congressional-hearing-targets-medicaid-programs-in-california-medi-cal-on-waste-fraud-and-abuse/

Congressman Kevin Mullin, who represents constituents in the San Francisco Bay Area, is on this committee and will be representing California. To send you letter/email to Congressman Mullin, please email [email protected] and we will make sure he gets them before the hearing.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVOCACY!! Let's SAVE MEDICAID!

06/15/2026

We're pleased to invite you to the next session in our Hope in Practice Learning Series, a webinar designed to equip families, caregivers, and professionals with practical tools and renewed encouragement.

Event Details
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM (PT)
Format: Virtual Webinar
Cost: Free

What You'll Learn
Our featured speaker will guide participants through a range of topics, including:
• Understanding children's sleep needs at different stages
• Navigating common sleep challenges with confidence
• Moving from bedtime battles to consistent, restful routines
• The connection between sleep, stress, and overall family wellbeing
• Evidence-based sleep support strategies for both children and parents

About The Speaker
Lara Elfstrand — Certified Pediatric Sleep Interventionist

Lara is a nationally recognized sleep specialist whose work sits at the intersection of science and compassion. With advanced training in pediatric sleep, trauma-informed care, infant mental health, and positive behavioral supports, she has spent her career helping children with special needs and their families find their way from exhaustion to equilibrium. Her family-centered approach makes complex research accessible and genuinely actionable.

Who Should Attend
This webinar is a valuable resource for families, caregivers, educators, clinicians, service providers, and community members who support children with special needs.

We look forward to sharing this time with you. Better sleep, and brighter days, are within reach.

Hope Services
Transforming lives through Hope since 1952

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ta4_nzopQe-1X5SCo43b7w #/registration

06/10/2026

Hurray for SJC!!!

Every traveler deserves to feel comfortable taking flight💙

That's why we're excited to announce The Nest by Nutanix, a new sensory-friendly room coming this winter. This space will be designed to to help children with autism and other sensory sensitivities feel more comfortable and confident while traveling.

We're proud to partner with Nutanix and Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose to make travel more accessible for all. Learn more: flysanjose.com/news-release/sensory-room

04/21/2026

Lets go!!!

SPECIAL NEEDS MORNING AT COLOR ME MINE DALY CITY

Color Me Mine Daly City is pleased to offer a Special Needs Morning on Sunday, April 26 from 9:00–11:00 AM.

This event is designed especially for children with special needs, along with one caregiver or family member per child, to enjoy a quieter and more supportive painting experience before the studio opens to the public.

During this time, the studio will be open specifically for registered children with special needs and one accompanying caregiver, creating a calm and welcoming environment where children can explore creativity at their own pace.

To help make this event more accessible, we will be waiving our $12 studio fees for the morning.

A $10 deposit is required to reserve your spot, and that amount will be applied toward the ceramic piece you choose to paint that day.

To keep the environment comfortable for everyone, space is limited to 16 children (each with one caregiver).

If you know a family who might benefit from this experience, please feel free to share this opportunity with them.

RSVP @ https://dalycity.colormemine.com/special-needs-morning-april-19/

04/20/2026

Many Californians rely on emotional support animals and/or service animals to assist them with their disability related needs. Unfortunately, many tenants and landlords are unaware of the laws and regulations governing these assistance animals. On Tuesday, April 28 from 1 to 2 p.m., join Disability Rights California for a free webinar, Know Your Rights: Support Animals in Housing. In this session, attendees will discuss Californians’ rights to have assistance animals in their homes because of their disabilities. Spanish interpretation will be offered. Click the link below to register:
https://bit.ly/4834O0z.