Ask an Expert: Julie Eby-Mckenzie
Our August Neurodiversity Night was hosted by Julie Eby-McKenzie, a local expert with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD.) As part of her presentation, Julie gave an overview of the SCDD and why it matters.
Julie defines developmental disability by state and local guidelines
The SCDD is an independent state agency. It is completely separate from DDS and the Department of Education. Its primary purpose is to make sure that individuals with developmental disabilities have what they need to be full participating members of communities. That includes:
getting people the services and support that they need.
helping the community understand what it’s like to have these people in their communities
ensuring that the system that supports them does it effectively
The SDCC will talk to DDS regarding trends, which creates constructive relationships that get the systems to work better. The Ukiah SDCC office shares regional responsibility with Redwood Coast Regional Center. Because SCDD only has two people doing the work for four counties, they rely heavily on other organizations with shared interest. The SDCC’s 12 offices provide technical assistance to individuals (technical assistance means they answer your questions.)
They don’t do individual advocacy. Instead, they monitor the systems and pull together other professionals who have shared interests. Also works on projects to improve systems.
What Does Systems Advocacy Look Like?
Asking questions like “Is what you’re doing accessible?” “Are the jobs that you’re trying to create ones that anyone can do with reasonable accommodations?”
Notes and further reading:
Please fill out the 2027-2031 Development Survey! The survey is live until October 15th.
The council is recruiting for the North Coast seat to fill our state council seat! Visit SDCC’s website to learn more
Get involved in the regional advisory committee made up of advocates, etc. They help Julie and her staff understand issues going on at the regional level. That shapes the work SDCC does in our region.
Questions from Attendees:
Question 1: How do I advocate for my child with the school? How do I get the school to communicate more effectively with me?
Rule #1: Anything that is important, or COULD be important, write it down. Always make sure you can prove that people heard/read/received what you communicated.
When it comes to important meetings, make sure that everyone who is supposed to be at the table is present. That includes people like: the general ed teacher, the special ed teacher, and any therapists involved in their education.
If you have a conversation, write down the substance of the conversation and communicate that back to the person you spoke to. Example:
“Dear so and so, here’s what we talked about. My understanding is X will be happening. Please let me know if that is your understanding as well.”
Question 2: My child was just diagnosed and approved for services. Now she’s going to be getting assessed through the school. What can I expect?
When you request assessments, they must give you an assessment plan. They have to do assessments in all suspected areas of disability.
Assessment can be especially difficult for children who are very bright but have a disability. Just because a child is progressing from grade to grade and doing well, doesn’t mean they don’t need support.
Question 3: When will the federal cuts affect us?
We probably won’t know the full impact for a couple of years. Most cuts won’t come down until after midterm elections (so we’re looking at 2027 probably). We do know there will be way less money for MediCal, and that CalFresh and school lunches are also facing cuts.
