California Disability Services Association

09/25/2025

So grateful that representatives of local elected officials like Assemblymember Tasha Boerner joined us in Carlsbad to celebrate our exceptional DSP Empowerment Award winners! Please join us in thanking the district staff who spent their evening learning more about the the incredible impact our DSPs make for Californians with disabilities every day. Listening and carrying the message makes a difference too.

The California Disability Services Association gathered in Carlsbad for a three-day conference with over 100 organizations dedicated to supporting Californians with disabilities.

was proud to celebrate Direct Support Professionals—the heart of this work — whose initiative, adaptability, and resilience ensure outstanding care every day. 🌟👏

09/14/2025

09/13/2025

09/13/2025

As DSP Recognition Week draws to a close, we reflect with gratitude on all the talented direct support professionals (DSPs) who empower Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.

This year, CDSA was thrilled to hold our second annual DSP Empowerment Awards, honoring 5 extraordinary DSPs. Their dedication, compassion, and advocacy light the way toward stronger, more inclusive communities across California. Our members’ nominations also gave us the opportunity to share more inspiring DSP stories, in partnership with California Department of Developmental Services.

Though DSPRW is ending, our appreciation for the direct support workforce never does.

To every DSP: thank you for the life-changing impact you make every single day.

09/12/2025

Direct Support Professional Empowerment Award winner Shakendra Burks has worked for Futures Explored since 2006, providing excellent person-centered support to Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for 19 years.

Shakendra lives by the principle of “nothing about us without us,” empowering the people she supports to make their own choices and live authentically. She creates a space where individuals feel respected and valued adapting activities to fit their goals and celebrating their strengths.

Beyond her day-to-day support, Shakendra fosters meaningful relationships, organizes community and social events, and mentors her coworkers with creativity and reliability. Shakendra doesn’t just support people—she empowers them.

We are proud to honor her as one of this year’s DSP Empowerment Award winners.

09/11/2025

09/11/2025

Direct Support Professional Empowerment Award winner Camryn Storvold is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Options For All, where she has become a cornerstone for her program and a model of excellence.

Camryn brings unmatched compassion, professionalism, and dedication to her role. By building trust with clients, families, and team members alike, she embodies what it means to be an exceptional DSP.

She notices the small moments, when someone hesitates before trying a new activity or wants to take the lead. She offers encouragement that lets them shine. Camryn empowers people to make choices, take risks, and celebrate successes, while creating opportunities for meaningful connections and friendships.

We are proud to celebrate Camryn Storvold as a DSP Empowerment Award winner. Thank you, Camryn, for all that you do!

09/10/2025

Direct Support Professional Empowerment Award winner Magdalena Cuevas has been an integral part of Fontana Resources at Work for the past three years, bringing warmth, patience, and dedication to every aspect of her role.

Magdalena adapts activities to fit everyone’s needs, from slowing down during exercises to helping someone speak up in a group. She celebrates their strengths, honors their choices, embodying the idea of meeting everyone where they are at.

Her impact goes beyond her clients. She mentors new group leaders and creates a collaborative environment for everyone around her. Her presence inspires trust, comfort, and respect, building bonds that positively impact the lives of Californians with disabilities.

CDSA is proud to celebrate her extraordinary dedication and heart. Thank you, Magdalena, for everything you do!

09/09/2025

CDSA has long been grateful for the leadership of Dr. Joaquin Arambula on behalf of Californians with disabilities, their families, and the workforce that supports them. It was a pleasure working with Dr. Arambula again to sponsor HR 70, honoring the direct support workforce and declaring DSP Recognition Week 2025 in California.

READ HR 70: https://bit.ly/CAHR70

09/09/2025

Direct Support Professional Empowerment Award winner Gilda Carrillo is a DSP and Life Enrichment Day Program Coordinator at Noah Homes who has reimagined what quality of life looks like for aging adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and dementia.

Through compassion and creativity, Gilda designs meaningful activities that honor each person’s abilities and choices. She empowers individuals to stay engaged, build connections, and experience joy in person-centered ways.

Her leadership has transformed the Life Enrichment Program into a space where independence, dignity, and purpose thrive. Gilda is a trusted advocate, a consistent presence, and an inspiration to peers, families, and the people she serves.

Join us in celebrating Gilda for her dedication, innovation, and lasting impact!

09/08/2025

09/08/2025

We're highlighting each of our five Direct Support Professional (DSP) Empowerment Award winners every day this ! Kicking things off with Camelia Smith, who has been serving as an Independent Living Skills (ILS) Instructor at Thrive Support Services, Inc. since 2023.

In a short time, she’s gone above and beyond to help individuals live more independent, fulfilling lives. Camelia empowers the people she supports to set their own goals, build confidence, and embrace new challenges.

She also excels at helping Californians with disabilities strengthen their self-worth, set healthy boundaries, and create meaningful relationships. One standout example is an individual, who, with Camelia’s guidance, gained confidence, embraced self-love, and now participates in community life with pride.

Thank you, Camelia, for everything you do!