FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2022
Contact: Liz Odendahl, Supervisor’s Communications Director
O: (213) 974-4444, C: (213) 379-6301, lodendahl@bos.lacounty.gov
RELEASE: Supervisor Hahn Reappoints Disability Rights Advocate Cynde Soto to LA County Personal Assistance Services Council
Los Angeles, CA – LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn has announced her reappointment of disability rights advocate and Long Beach Resident Cynde Soto to the County’s Personal Assistance Services Council, the body charged with improving the Department of Public Social Services’ In-Home Supportive Services program.
“Our In-Home Supportive Services program is a lifeline for our County’s older adults and residents with disabilities and improving it is a matter of accessibility for all,” said Supervisor Hahn. “Cynde Soto has dedicated her life and career to improving services provided to individuals of different abilities and with different needs. I have no doubt she’ll continue this great work on our Personal Assistance Services Council.”
Soto is a native Californian born with Arthrogryposis, a connective tissue disorder that significantly limits her physical movement. She currently works as a System Change Advocates for Communities Actively Living Independent & Free, a non-profit organization that provides advocacy programs and services for people with disabilities in South and Central Los Angeles County. Prior to that, she volunteered with Long Beach Transit on their Accessibility Advisory Committee and participated in sensitivity training for bus operators.
“My appointment to the Personal Assistance Services Council enables me to work with community members, elected officials and DPSS to improve the lives of people with disabilities and older adults who wish to live independent lives with the assistance of caregivers from In Home Supportive Services,” said Soto.
The goal of the County’s Personal Assistance Services Council is to improve In-Home Supportive Services provided to LA County residents. To this end, it provides referrals and training for IHSS consumers and providers as well as provides an array of support services to improve the IHSS program in general.