We are a community-based organization focused on helping make the world around us a better, happier place. Leading with the spirit and heart of Self-Advocates and Parents, on a quest to help impact our community at the grassroots level. Our work is designed to promote equity, equality and eradicate purchase-of-service disparities for Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Advocacy Interactions
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Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to thrive by providing comprehensive support, fostering inclusion, and advocating for equity. Through collaboration, education, and community-based advocacy, we strive to build a society where every individual—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
We are committed to working alongside all key stakeholders to ensure that the needs and interests of our communities are fully heard, understood, and addressed. We believe it takes a village—and when each of us does our part, we can drive the systemic change our communities deserve.
Our vision is a just and inclusive society where individuals with disabilities are valued, respected, and fully integrated into every aspect of community life. We envision a world where systemic barriers are dismantled, cultural and linguistic diversity is honored, and families—especially those from underserved and historically marginalized communities—are equipped with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive.
At ICC, we believe in a future where equity is not an aspiration but a reality—where every person, regardless of ability or background, has the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and self-determination. Through compassionate collaboration with families, self-advocates, community leaders, and public systems, we work to ensure that no one is left behind.
Together, we are building a Disability Rights Movement rooted in empathy, community, and action—one that transforms lives and reshapes systems for generations to come.
At ICC, our values are the foundation of everything we do. They guide our actions, shape our relationships, and reflect the deep commitment we hold to the communities we serve.
Empathy
We lead with empathy—honoring each individual’s lived experience, culture, and personal journey. We recognize that real change begins with listening, understanding, and walking alongside families as they navigate complex systems. We affirm the right of every person to be seen, heard, and supported as they participate fully in all aspects of social, economic, cultural, political, and spiritual life.
Respect
We uphold the inherent dignity and humanity of every individual. Our work is grounded in cultural humility, sensitivity, and mutual courtesy. We believe that respecting someone’s language, heritage, identity, and choices is essential to building authentic and lasting relationships.
Trust
We understand that trust is earned—especially in communities that have experienced harm or neglect from systems. ICC works to build and maintain trust through transparency, consistency, and accountability in every interaction.
Equity
We are committed to addressing the inequities that affect individuals with disabilities and their families—especially those from underserved, monolingual, immigrant, and BIPOC communities. We believe equity is not just about access, but about justice.
Community
We believe that real advocacy is not done in isolation. We are stronger together, and our collective efforts as families, self-advocates, and allies are what drive systemic change. We center our work in community voice, grassroots leadership, and shared purpose.
Empowerment
Our goal is not to speak for families, but to empower them to speak and lead for themselves. We strive to build capacity and confidence, supporting individuals to navigate systems, make informed choices, and shape their own futures.
2013
Formation of ICC: ICC is founded by a group of Latino parents, self-advocates, and community leaders committed to addressing disparities in California’s developmental disability system. Rooted in lived experience and cultural relevance, ICC emerges as a grassroots model of peer-to-peer advocacy and support.
First Cafecito Community Forums: ICC launches its signature weekly “Cyber Cafecitos,” informal gatherings that bring together families, advocates, and professionals to share resources, stories, and guidance in navigating the Regional Center system.
2015
First Regional Center Partnerships Established: ICC begins formal collaborations with select California Regional Centers, deepening its impact and creating a model for trust-building and culturally responsive service navigation.
2017
ICC Becomes a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization: ICC formally obtains its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, further solidifying its foundation and ability to serve communities statewide.
2018
ICC Becomes SAE Grant Recipient:The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) awards ICC a Service Access and Equity (SAE) Grant. This milestone formalizes ICC’s leadership role in reducing disparities and supporting Self-Determination Program (SDP) access.
2019
Launch of Independent Facilitator (IF) Training Program: ICC introduces its culturally grounded SDP Independent Facilitator Training, supporting hundreds of bilingual community members to become IFs and serve families across California.
2020
Creation of Specialized ICC Programs: New affinity programs are introduced:
United & Ignited (U&I): A sibling support group
Alianza de Hombres: A support group for Latino men and fathers
Young Advocates for Change (YAC): A self-advocate group that promotes leadership, advocacy, and inclusion among youth with IDD.
2021
Launch of RAD Justice Collaboration: ICC, in partnership with Stanford University, creates RAD Justice—a collaboration to support families navigating the Regional Center Appeals and Fair Hearing process.
Legislative Advocacy
SB 1092 (Hurtado): The Unfair Hearing Reform Act
AB 1147 (Addis): The Disability, Equity, Transparency, and Accountability Act (co-sponsored with DVU)
2023
Launch of Project Expressway: ICC develops and launches Project Expressway—a structured, culturally responsive model to expedite the transition of families into the Self-Determination Program (SDP).
Launch of CALIF (California Association of Latino Independent Facilitators):A statewide network to train, support, and elevate Latino Independent Facilitators is launched by ICC to professionalize and expand access to SDP services.
Legislative Advocacy
SB 1281 (Menjivar): Advancing Equity and Access to SDP (co-sponsored with DVU)
AB 1876 (Jackson): The Remote Access Bill (co-sponsored with DRC)
2024
Legislative Advocacy
SB 471 (Menjivar): Empowering the Office of the DDS Ombudsperson (co-sponsored with DVU)
2025
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At Integrated Community Collaborative, our approach is more than a method—it is a movement rooted in trust, cultural relevance, and shared lived experience.
This is a protocol that picks up where other models of outreach drop off. Where traditional systems may struggle to connect with underserved communities, ICC steps in with empathy, relationship building, language access, and community credibility. We don’t wait for families to come to us—we go to them, meeting them where they are, both literally and emotionally.
Our approach is:
We believe every individual is unique—and so are their needs. At ICC, we reject a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, we tailor our support to each person’s specific circumstances, values, and goals.
At the heart of our work are trust, respect, and integrity. These values guide every interaction and partnership as we uplift and empower our community.
We meet each individual where they are—physically, emotionally, culturally, and linguistically—with dignity and respect, fostering genuine relationships built on understanding and trust.
We help individuals and families navigate and connect with the Regional Center system in a meaningful and effective way. By bridging them to key experts and resources, we ensure access to solutions that lead to real, measurable outcomes.
We actively engage all stakeholders—individuals with disabilities, families, community partners, and system representatives—to ensure that every voice is heard. Through inclusive and culturally responsive outreach, we work to identify needs, define priorities, and foster meaningful participation that drives equitable change.
Our training is rooted in accessibility and relevance. We provide multidisciplinary instruction that is culturally informed and delivered in clear, understandable language. Whether for families, self-advocates, or professionals, our goal is to build capacity, confidence, and knowledge through hands-on, practical learning that meets participants where they are.
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