California Disability Community Action Network - Advocacy Without Borders
Commentary, Writings and Words and Interview Videos Christal Hopkins Video Interviews
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 Christal
Hopkins, who has developmental and physical disabilities, is a long time
advocate who currently lives in Fresno, California. We came to
know each other at a disability rights rally in Fresno in March 2004 -
she spoke just before me (Marty Omoto), and since then we have become
family - she's my sister, and I'm her brother. Christal is also an advocate beyond her own words - but words followed closely by action. For example, on her own, she made an effort - that succeeded - in getting into a Fresno event on March 26, 2006, that featured California First Lady Maria Shriver. Not only that, she actually got to meet Shriver - the moment that was recorded by a photo in the Fresno Bee, when she gave her a copy of my commentary "The Other California" (written March 2005). The "Other California" commentary is on the CDCAN website under "Marty Omoto Commentary" . The First Lady promised Christal Hopkins - who is a strong part of CDCAN - that she would read the commentary. Christal is a strong and respected advocate on disability and other civil rights. She comes from a strong family background in Fresno and that is reflected in her work as an advocate and as a writer. She has been a strong and important part of the California Disability Community Action Network over the years and her advice, ideas and words have had tremendous impact. She has been a frequent guest speaker and panelist on the CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings - that thousands of people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors, community organizations and others have participated in since 2003. After five years of writing. her first book is coming out November 17, 2009, "Shattering Myths and Fears" which is about her life experiences growing up as a child with disabilities. A link to order the book will be on this page in the coming days. Here she shares some of her writings (including drafts of several chapters of her book). CHRISTAL HOPKINS VIDEO INTERVIEWS Note: videos are long and can take several minutes to download - need Windows Media Player or Real Player NEW! VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTAL HOPKINS AUGUST 14, 2009 (WITH MARTY OMOTO) VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTAL HOPKINS DECEMBER 1, 2008 (WITH MARTY OMOTO) CHRISTAL HOPKINS - VARIOUS WRITINGS Fresno Bee Guest Editorial (February 14, 2004) Draft of Chapter 1: Raising A Healthy Disabled Child Draft of Chapter 2: School Days Draft of Chapter 3: Growing Up and Moving On
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CHRISTAL
DENISE HOPKINS
