California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities

04/07/2026

Join California ABLE Act Board for a free informative webinar, Your Money, Your Future: Financial Literacy with CalABLE on Wednesday, April 15 from 2 to 3 p.m. In this session, attendees will learn how CalABLE works, and how to take positive steps toward financial independence. Click the link below to register:
https://bit.ly/4bLxvAe.

04/06/2026

April 5th marked the anniversary of the beginning of the 1977 "504 Sit-In". For 26 days, over 100 activists across different disabled communities staged a sit-in to demand the signing and enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the first federal civil rights protections for people with disabilities. The 504 sit-in was one of the greatest displays of civil disobedience. Click the link below to watch the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) documentary about this powerful historic event, The Power of 504:
https://bit.ly/4svETXA.

04/02/2026

04/01/2026

New: 2026 Legislative Update:

The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities is tracking key bills that impact Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

✔️ We support a strong slate of bills across civil rights, education, health, and community supports
❗ One bill is listed with an oppose position

This work is part of our mission to disrupt systems—making them more effective, efficient, agile, and accountable for Californians with IDD and their families.

📖 Read the full Legislative Update: https://conta.cc/3PxvzUv

04/01/2026

Join California Department of Developmental Services and North Los Angeles County Regional Center for a free hybrid event, Inclusion in Action: Bridging Access to Regional Center Services, on Tuesday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In this session, attendees can learn about community services, conservatorship, aging adults, and self-determination. For more information, contact: outreach@nlacrc.org or (818) 534-5606.

In person: 9200 Oakdale Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311
Virtual: Zoom link will be provided after registration.

Click the link below to register by March 31:
https://bit.ly/41uo3fy

03/26/2026

03/26/2026

Build stronger teams! Join DOR Disability Access Services for a FREE webinar, Effective Supervision for All Employees, Part 3 in the Building Business Better Webinar Series on Inclusive Workplaces, on Wednesday, April 8 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. In this session, attendees will learn practical, low-cost strategies for confident, inclusive supervision. American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting and Real-Time Captioning will be provided. Click the link below to register:
https://bit.ly/46Tsu70.

03/23/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 20, 2026

Governor Newsom proclaims Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 2026 as "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month."

The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

PROCLAMATION

California is proud to join states around the country, raising awareness about the many ways in which people with intellectual and developmental disabilities contribute to strong, diverse communities across our state. This March, we shine a light on the work underway to drive the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and reaffirm our collective commitment to breaking down the barriers they face in connecting to the communities where they live.

Over the last decade, California has worked to provide the nearly 500,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the resources and support they need to live and thrive in the community. We are the only state that provides developmental services as an entitlement and prioritize home and community-based care – avoiding institutional settings. We support strong career pathways for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities through investments in education, new laws encouraging earlier career planning, and ending sub-minimum wage.

California is also building a more accountable, transparent, and person-centered developmental disability services system informed by the Master Plan for Developmental Services: A Community Driven Vision. The Master Plan recognizes that California’s developmental services system is deeply connected to other health and social systems. It seeks to create and strengthen bridges between critical systems across the state and other systems and services, including education, housing, employment, transportation, and public safety. We’re centralizing service provider information in a first-ever state directory so families can find services more easily.

We are taking a whole-of-government approach, one driven by communities themselves and delivered in partnership with the private sector, to realize a more equitable, person-centered, and data-driven developmental services system. We’ll continue working across sectors and disciplines to ensure that all Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities can thrive and contribute to all facets of life in their neighborhoods and communities. And this month, we also take the opportunity to celebrate the value and gifts that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities contribute to the Golden State.

NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim March 2026, as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 11th day of March 2026.

GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California

03/19/2026

Join DDS on World Autism Day on April 2, 2026, for a celebration of autistic Californians!

The Department is celebrating April as Autism Month with an event featuring community voices & honoring the strengths and experiences of autistic people across California.

· This special event will feature a panel of autistic advocates who will share their lived experiences, insights, and hopes for an inclusive future.
· We will explore challenges, highlight accomplishments, and honor the diverse stories that shape our community.
· This free event offers a space for connection, reflection, and celebration.

Who Should Attend?
· Anyone interested in learning more about Autism.
· ASL and Spanish interpretation will be provided.

DETAILS: Thursday, April 2, 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, Via Zoom

REGISTER: https://cal-dds.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pqw8afvWQHyLXw11EcffxA #/registration

10/02/2025

Celebrate 80 years of National Disability Employment Awareness Month and 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a unique and insightful virtual event, Paws to Purpose: Trainers and Owners on Service and Emotional Support Animals.
The webinar takes place on Wednesday, October 8 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Attendees will hear from owners and trainers on how their service and support animals empower them to bring their full talent and value to the workplace.
ASL interpretation and CART provided.
To register, click the link below:

https://dor-ca-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/6517544235772/WN_Dway_QHwTLmNSpGMUiaW3g #/registration

10/02/2025

The California Disability Caregivers Conference is a free 3-day virtual event for families, advocates & professionals, co-presented by The Arc of California and Parents Helping Parents Tuesday October 7 - Thursday, October 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This conference will offer expert sessions, resources and connections to support caregivers statewide. Click the link below for more details and to register:
https://www.caringfutures.org/conference.