Hands Across SF and CA

The Arc advocates and self-advocates joined hands this past Sunday to raise awareness of budget cuts and tuition increases (from $26 to $66 per unit) to Community Colleges across the state. Services and classes for students with disabilities have been cut by 41%! Many of our clients take computer and other classes at City College, as well as City College instructor Bob Fitch teaches classes at The Arc. Our advocates literally joined Hands Across California with other groups and celebrities, including MC Hammer, Arsenio Hall, and Ryan Seacrest! “We joined with over 200 other volunteers from the City College of San Francisco downtown campus and Paul Johnson, Department Chairperson for the Disabled Students Programs and Services”, according to Joseph F., chair of The Arc Client Advocacy Committee. Other self advocates included Clinton, Gina, Andrew, Chloe, and parents Ron Bixler, Sally Spencer, Pat Napoliello, and myself, lined up and down Market Street holding The Arc Banner and smaller signs “Why Hold Hands? To Save Our Community Colleges!”

Tim Hornbecker