CAC Member Biographies

Joseph Flanagan - Chairperson

I’ve been an active advocate for people with disabilities for almost 30 years as a member of The Arc’s CAC, the client advisory councils of the Golden Gate Regional Center and the Department of Developmental Services, and as a member and later president of San Francisco People First.

I’ve never had any formal training but I have a lot of advocacy experience, so I help other people with developmental disabilities with their questions about healthcare, transportation, medication and housing, and connect them to the proper people or city departments.

I’m an advocate because people have important issues they may not be able to express and I can help them get their message across so their needs are met.

In my spare time I enjoy golf and swimming, but I really enjoy socializing and finding out new ideas from people and working on new projects.

Tatyana Boyko - Sergeant-at-Arms

I’ve been a member of the CAC for 5 years. We deal with many things, like having more social things for clients to do, and getting help to live independently. Now we have “We Gotta Dance” every month here at The Arc with music and dancing so people can see their friends and have fun.

I tell people they have to let us learn how to do things on our own—we are adults. I have learned how to do a lot of things by taking classes, working, and learning the computer. I like art and knitting and I’ve sold many of my paintings.

I am an advocate on the CAC because I want people with disabilities to have the same rights as everybody else. Last year I went to Sacramento to lobby for these rights, and it was very cool—I hope I get to go again!

John Coulter - Time Keeper

I’m a self-advocate and I have been a member of the CAC for 3 ½ years. I like to speak up for myself and I love to help people—it is very important to me. I’ve spoken at the Mayor’s Office on Disabilities and served as vice president of San Francisco People First.

Some topics I’ve presented to the CAC are on making a plan for yourself so you’ll get what you need in your life, and to fight back! We need jobs, people need a place to live—just like everybody else.

I want to continue speaking up for myself and others, and I’m learning how to use video camera equipment to create a video that talks about being an independent adult with developmental disabilities.

Elizabeth Elmore - Representative to The Arc's Board of Directors

I like to help other people and represent The Arc—that’s why I’m on the CAC. I am also a member of The Arc’s Board of Directors representing the clients. Last spring I went with people from other Arcs to see legislators in Washington D.C. We spoke about more jobs and housing for people with disabilities and I think this is a good way to get the message out. I go to workshops and trainings to be a better advocate, and I’ve gone to self-advocacy conferences to participate and learn more.

I tell people you need to speak up for yourself and have other people help you, too. I used to be shy before I came to The Arc, but if you want choices like going to school or going to work you have to learn to open your mouth! You have to commit yourself; I’m here to tell people that.

John Murphy - Seniors Services Representative

I’m a self-advocate because it is important for me to be able to do the things I like and enjoy doing. I like going to the seniors program at The Arc and seeing my friends and visiting the library.

I had to advocate to go to the Janet Pomeroy Center by myself and I also stood up for myself and said that I have a right to use my own money and take MUNI to go to the library when I want to.

For the seniors, I advocated to get new chairs at our center because the ones we had were not safe for us. Also, we asked that the vans turn off their motors when they are parked in front of our doors—the fumes are bad.

I’m here to help seniors if they need to ask for something or say something—I can do that for them.

Rory White

My name Rory White and I am 27 years old. I have successfully worked for Safeway for 8 years. I have been with The Arc about 16 months. I am on the Client Advisory Committee and I am taking classes in dance, drama and graphic design at City College. I am also in the Job Club, too. I like going to The Arc to see my new friends, all of the clients and all of the staff.