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Community Corner

Easter Seals Honors Assemblymember Brian Maienschein with Assembly Advocate Award

Easter Seals Southern California awarded Assemblymember Brian Maienschein with the Easter Seals Assembly Advocate Award. Maienschein put forth two important pieces of legislation that support individuals with disabilities. AB 1335 tackles issues of sexual abuse against individuals with disabilities by increasing sentences for perpetrators and AB 1626 promotes gainful employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities by increasing placement rates and assuring regional center services continue until employment is secured. 

“Easter Seals is extremely thankful to Assemblymember Maienschein for his legislative work on behalf of people with disabilities,” said Carlene Holden, executive vice president, Easter Seals Southern California. “The legislation, if passed and made in to law will make a tremendous difference in the lives of people with disabilities and help to ensure that they are able to live their lives to the fullest. We are grateful that he is taking a leadership position on these important issues.”

AB 1335, a public safety bill, adds specified sex crimes committed against individuals of a specified age, who are blind, have a mental disorder or developmental or physical disability and are incapable of giving legal consent to provisions of existing law and gives increased sentencing to rapists who commit crimes against disabled victims. AB 1626 increases the hourly rate paid to providers of individualized and group-supported employment services and increase the fees paid to the interim program providers.

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 “Assemblymember Maienschein’s commitment to people with disabilities, seniors and veterans makes him a leader that Easter Seals is proud to honor,” Holden added. 

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In 2012, Maienschein was elected as Assemblymember for the 77th Assembly District in the California Legislature which includes the communities of 4S Ranch, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Carmel Valley, Clairemont, Del Dios, Del Mar Heights, Fairbanks Ranch, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Santa Fe, Sabre Springs, San Carlos, San Pasqual Valley, Scripps Ranch, Sorrento Valley, and Tierrasanta. Prior to being elected as an Assemblymember, Maienschein was selected as San Diego’s first Commissioner on Homelessness and served two terms on the San Diego City Council.

 

About Easter Seals

Through autism therapy, employment, independent living and early education services, Easter Seals has provided life-changing solutions to adults and children with developmental disabilities and other special needs for nearly 100 years. Easter Seals is committed to creating a world of inclusion, dignity and independence so people can live, learn, work and play in their communities.  Learn more about Easter Seals and how you can help empower individuals in your community at www.EasterSeals.com/southerncal and www.WorkFirst.us
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