May 31, 2002

Dear Mr. Ramirez,

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your recent segment on Health
Literacy on your Health Dialogues program.

Obviously, programs assisting people with disabilities are vital.
But it is important to recognize the need for successful programs that fully
integrate those with disabilities with the daily challenges of everyday
life.

It is only through meaningful interaction that we will be able to shift
societal norms so that people living with disabilities will be treated as
full and productive members of society.

The Legislature cannot pass a bill forcing people to change their attitudes
and perceptions toward people with disabilities. But it can put into use
policies that include people with disabilities - policies enabling them to
become productive Californians.

There currently are 21 community-based regional centers for those with
developmental disabilities. These services, such as case management and job
training, help people live at home and play an active role in our community.
They are not separated from the rest of us, but instead are integrated and
expected to lead as normal a life as possible. Rather than segregating
people, the historic Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act
guarantees services to those with developmental disabilities.

One of the goals of the program is to raise awareness about how people with
disabilities are otherwise no different than anyone. It is this shift that
will increase tolerance of living, working and interacting with people with
disabilities. This change must occur not only within the health care
community, but throughout society. With time and contact, growth in our
social norms will come -- and prejudice will become part of the past.

Thank you again for the allowing me to respond.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Hertzberg
Assembly Speaker Emeritus