their supervisor. In an effort toward brevity, the case summaries have been greatly reduced to reflect just a sampling of the types of cases that OCRA handled. A longer Advocacy Report is available upon request. The summaries from July 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013, are compiled and attached as Exhibit C. These advocacy examples demonstrate the variety of the cases OCRA handles. Recent changes to law have increased the demand for assistance by people living in restrictive settings. The transition to Medi-Cal Managed Care has also resulted in increased cases. Generic resources like IHSS, SSI, and special education continue to be areas of need by OCRA callers. All of these cases show the impact and importance of OCRA. A few examples of the advocacy: I.R. Moves From Locked Setting to the Community. I.R. is a 42-year-old woman who had been living in a locked setting since 2007. I.R. wanted to live in the community. She had made tremendous progress in her program. OCRA assisted I.R. and her parents in requesting that regional center find an appropriate community placement. After several IPP meetings and a letter to regional center administrators, I.R. was placed in a small community group home. I.R. is now living in her new group home, has her own bedroom, has made new friends and is living a more independent life. School Provides Plethora of Services after OCRA’s Representation at IEP Meetings. When OCRA first met J.M., she was non-verbal, had significant behaviors, and was academically at a standstill. After repeated and great difficulties at school, her mother was attempting to home-school her. However, it was acknowledged by all that J.M. had stopped gaining academic skills altogether. Despite the loss of skills, the school had determined there was no need for updated assessments. The communication device that had previously been approved had not been purchased by the school. OCRA attended the IEP and successfully advocated for the school to place J.M. back in the classroom. It was agreed that J.M. would
their supervisor. In an effort toward brevity, the case summaries have been greatly reduced to reflect just a sampling of the types of cases that OCRA handled. A longer Advocacy Report is available upon request. The summaries from July 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013, are compiled and attached as Exhibit C. These advocacy examples demonstrate the variety of the cases OCRA handles. Recent changes to law have increased the demand for assistance by people living in restrictive settings. The transition to Medi-Cal Managed Care has also resulted in increased cases. Generic resources like IHSS, SSI, and special education continue to be areas of need by OCRA callers. All of these cases show the impact and importance of OCRA. A few examples of the advocacy: I.R. Moves From Locked Setting to the Community. I.R. is a 42-year-old woman who had been living in a locked setting since 2007. I.R. wanted to live in the community. She had made tremendous progress in her program. OCRA assisted I.R. and her parents in requesting that regional center find an appropriate community placement. After several IPP meetings and a letter to regional center administrators, I.R. was placed in a small community group home. I.R. is now living in her new group home, has her own bedroom, has made new friends and is living a more independent life. School Provides Plethora of Services after OCRA’s Representation at IEP Meetings. When OCRA first met J.M., she was non-verbal, had significant behaviors, and was academically at a standstill. After repeated and great difficulties at school, her mother was attempting to home-school her. However, it was acknowledged by all that J.M. had stopped gaining academic skills altogether. Despite the loss of skills, the school had determined there was no need for updated assessments. The communication device that had previously been approved had not been purchased by the school. OCRA attended the IEP and successfully advocated for the school to place J.M. back in the classroom. It was agreed that J.M. would