Come and Join Us!

UDW encourages the participation of IHSS clients in all aspects of our work. In many ways clients can be the best spokespersons for the program as well as for their providers. UDW has client representatives involved on many levels; they have been invited to participate in Negotiations Committees and Labor Management Committees, and to attend our rallies, community meetings, and conventions. IHSS consumers speak very effectively at legislative hearings and before political representatives, putting a face to the people that are helped by the IHSS program.

How to Get Involved

We understand that it is sometimes difficult for these members of our community to travel. The UDW website is a place where people who are confined to their homes a great deal of the time can meet with us, find out what is going on, and get involved. This website is also a place for IHSS consumers to find resources; like how to find a homecare provider or an advocate, or where to learn more about the rules that govern your IHSS hours. See Client Resources

Your voice can make a difference!!

It is up to the entire IHSS community to fight to protect our program. We cannot just hope that legislators will “do the right thing” or rely on someone else to write a letter or attend a rally. We must all get actively involved. As a client advocate, you can help: write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, talk with your legislators or speak before your county Board of Supervisors about why IHSS is critically important for you and your community.

Statewide Rallies Left: Activist for disability rights speaks out to crowd and reporters at large rally in Los Angeles, protesting budget cuts to the IHSS program. It is important to let legislators know that the lives of IHSS consumers are literally on the line, and that cuts in the program can make a life and death difference.

Local Actions Consumers of IHSS helped win the last Riverside County contract negotiations. Both providers and consumers spoke before the Board of Supervisors during public session, creating an effective voice for IHSS and helping to win a good contract for their providers Right; consumers & providers outside the County Board of Supervisors during a rally for increased provider wages & benefits.