California: Governor Newsom proclaims Ed Roberts Day 2026

~ Sacramento, CA - Governor Gavin Newsom has declared January 23, 2026 as Ed Roberts Day in honor of the late disability rights advocate. The proclamation was issued today and recognizes Roberts' significant contributions to the disability community in California and beyond.

Ed Roberts, also known as the "Father of Independent Living," was paralyzed after contracting polio as a child. Despite facing discrimination and being deemed "unemployable" by the California Department of Rehabilitation, Roberts fought to overturn this decision and went on to attend the University of California, Berkeley.

As the first student to use a wheelchair at UC Berkeley, Roberts began his lifelong work as an advocate for people with disabilities. In 1972, he founded UC Berkeley's Physically Disabled Students Program, which served as a model for other centers for independent living across the country.

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Governor Newsom highlighted Roberts' leadership and advocacy by appointing him to lead the state's Department of Rehabilitation in 1983. This was particularly significant as it was the same department that had previously denied him support for attending university. Under his leadership, California's In-Home Support Services were nationalized through the addition of a Home Service option to Medicaid.

In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Roberts was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2011. Governor Newsom's administration continues to advance his vision of community living for all by strengthening developmental services, home and community care, inclusive education, career pathways, accessible voting, and more.

On what would have been his 87th birthday, Governor Newsom reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access and opportunities for all Californians. He stated that "we recognize Ed Roberts for his unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive world for those with disabilities."

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The proclamation also highlights Governor Newsom's recent announcement that California has become the first state to join a World Health Organization-coordinated international network. This move strengthens rapid detection and response to emerging public health threats, especially in light of the Trump administration's withdrawal from the WHO.

At the World Economic Forum, Governor Newsom also announced that California has surpassed its clean car goal, with over 2.5 million zero-emission vehicle sales. This achievement showcases the state's commitment to stable climate policy and its positive economic impact.

In addition, Governor Newsom unveiled a new privacy tool that allows Californians to block the sale of their personal information. This tool, launched by the California Privacy Protection Agency, empowers individuals to have more control over their data.

As California continues to lead in progressive policies and initiatives, Governor Newsom's proclamation of Ed Roberts Day serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities for all individuals.

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