Cal-TASH

17/10/2025

The Call for Proposals for the Cal-TASH 2026 Conference Building Bridges Breaking Barrriers in Sacramento February 26-27, 2026 has been extended! The new deadline is Friday October 24, 2025.

For more information and to submit your proposal, please visit: https://www.caltash.org/call-for-proposals2026

14/10/2025

📣ACTION ALERT!!📣 From The Arc of the United States :
Take Action: Cuts to Special Education Protections Are Happening NOW
The rights of students with disabilities are under serious threat.

The Administration has just gutted the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), the Department of Education office responsible for enforcing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive the services and support they need to succeed in school. This team also manages the vocational rehabilitation system that helps youth with disabilities transition to employment.

Without people in place to enforce the law, states could ignore their responsibilities to students with disabilities. This puts millions of students at risk.

OSERS plays a vital role by:

*Enforcing IDEA and making sure schools follow the law
*Funding programs to train and support special education teachers
*Helping parents understand their rights and advocate for their children
*Overseeing programs that assist employment for youth and adults with
disabilities

We need Congress to act now. Tell your lawmakers to protect the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Students with disabilities can't afford to lose these essential supports.

Take action NOW using this quick and easy online form:

https://action.thearc.org/BPzcfsy?p2asource=email-2025-1014

Alt Text: Alt-text: Collage of four statements from The Arc of the United States on an orange background, discussing support and advocacy for children with disabilities. Transcribed Text: Top Left: The Arc of the United States
Behind every one of these jobs was a lifeline for children and families. These offices exist because, not so long ago, millions of children with disabilities were shut out of school. Top Right: The Arc of the United States
esent our nation's promise that every child deserves an education and a future. With these offices gutted, families will have nowhere to turn when schools fail to meet their obligations under federal law. Bottom Left: The Arc of the United States Children with disabilities will be left behind, not because they cannot learn, but because the systems that help them succeed are being taken away. Bottom Right: The Arc of the United States Our nation's commitment to education for all is being tested. The Arc was there when students with disabilities first won the right to learn, and we will do everything in our power to defend it.

11/10/2025

The Ride Ahead team has a new educational webinar series "Our Ride Ahead."

To kick off the series, they will be hosting two webinars for disabled youth on dating, relationships, romance, and s*xual health.

Join them for part 1 on October 24 at 4pm PT / 7pm ET to discuss disability and dating with award-winning educator and s*xologist Bianca I. Laureano,PhD (She/Her) and s*x educator of Cripping Up S*x Evan Sweeney (He/They). Open to everyone ages 16 and up.

They will be continuing the conversation in part two on November 6 at 3:30pm PT / 6:30pm ET to discuss disability, romance, and s*xual health. Bianca I Laureano will be returning to moderate a panel featuring s*xuality educators Bethany Stevens, Cherry Kaufman, and Rise. Open to everyone ages 18 and up.

Our Ride Ahead webinars are free and open to the public. Live captioning and ASL interpretation will be provided. RSVP at rideaheadfilm.com/webinars! Even if you can't attend live, register to receive a recording after the webinar.

[Image Description: A navy, yellow, and orange promotional graphic for two "Our Ride Ahead" webinars. Text reads "Part 1: Disability & Dating. October 24, 7pm ET. Ages 16+" with headshots of Bianca I Laureano and Evan Sweeney. Below text reads "Part 2: Disability, Romance, & S*xual Health. November 6, 6:30pm ET. 18+" with headshots of Bethany Stevens, Cherry Kaufman, Rise, and Bianca I Laureano. Below text reads "RSVP for free at rideaheadfilm.com/webinars"]

Introducing... Our Ride Ahead! A new educational webinar series from the team behind The Ride Ahead.

To kick off the series, we're hosting two webinars for disabled youth on dating, relationships, romance, and s*xual health.

Join us for part 1 on October 24 at 4pm PT / 7pm ET to discuss disability and dating with award-winning educator and s*xologist Bianca I. Laureano,PhD (She/Her) and s*x educator of Cripping Up S*x Evan Sweeney (He/They). Open to everyone ages 16 and up.

We'll be continuing the conversation in part two on November 6 at 3:30pm PT / 6:30pm ET to discuss disability, romance, and s*xual health. Bianca I Laureano will be returning to moderate a panel featuring s*xuality educators Bethany Stevens, Cherry Kaufman, and Rise. Open to everyone ages 18 and up.

Our Ride Ahead webinars are free and open to the public. Live captioning and ASL interpretation will be provided. RSVP at rideaheadfilm.com/webinars! Even if you can't attend live, register to receive a recording after the webinar.

[Image Description: A navy, yellow, and orange promotional graphic for two "Our Ride Ahead" webinars. Text reads "Part 1: Disability & Dating. October 24, 7pm ET. Ages 16+" with headshots of Bianca I Laureano and Evan Sweeney. Below text reads "Part 2: Disability, Romance, & S*xual Health. November 6, 6:30pm ET. 18+" with headshots of Bethany Stevens, Cherry Kaufman, Rise, and Bianca I Laureano. Below text reads "RSVP for free at rideaheadfilm.com/webinars"]

07/10/2025

📣Call for Proposals📣
We are actively seeking presenters with a wide range of backgrounds and abilities, including self-advocates, family members, educators, professionals, researchers, and service providers, to present 50-minute sessions on topics that can support our collective efforts to prioritize inclusion for all.

Deadline for Submission is one week from today, October 14, 2025

📣Convocatoria de propuestas📣
Buscamos presentadores con una amplia variedad de experiencias y habilidades para presentar temas que apoyen nuestros esfuerzos colectivos por priorizar la inclusión para todos. Se solicitan propuestas para sesiones en español para esta conferencia. Se buscan propuestas para sesiones de 50 minutos de autodefensores, familiares, educadores, profesionales, investigadores y proveedores de servicios.

Fecha límite para propuestas: 10-14-25

https://www.caltash.org/call-for-proposals2026

Alt text: Comic-style image with "Call for Proposals" in bold letters on an explosion motif, under the "CalTASH" logo.

07/10/2025

From TASH: "Navigating Transitions: Supporting Autism Spectrum Disorders Students in Higher Education", presented by Dr. Yvonne Moreno, streams live this Thursday. There are still two days to register. Learn more and register at https://tash.org/event/tash-2025-webinar-series/

"Navigating Transitions: Supporting Autism Spectrum Disorders Students in Higher Education", presented by Dr. Yvonne Moreno, streams live this Thursday. There are still two days to register. Learn more and register at https://tash.org/event/tash-2025-webinar-series/

04/10/2025

Nominate an outstanding leader in advocacy, inclusive education, home and community-based services, or media who exemplifies TASH values by promoting equity, opportunity and inclusion for individuals with extensive support needs to be honored at our conference. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2026.

For more information visit: https://www.caltash.org/caltash2026/award-nominations

04/10/2025

From our friends at ARCA - Association of Regional Center Agencies:

The federal government shutdown has important implications for Californians who rely on vital programs. Here’s what you need to know as of October 1, 2025 (Source: ).
-----
El cierre del gobierno federal tiene importantes implicaciones para los californianos que dependen de programas vitales. Esto es lo que necesita saber a partir del 1 de octubre de 2025 (Fuente: CA DDS).

02/10/2025

Come join the discussion of how changes on the federal level
may affect you and what we can do about it at the 29th Annual Golden Gate Self Advocacy Conference: Advocating in the Current Political Climate

Tuesday, October 28th 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Milton Marks Conference Center
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco

Registration fee: $3 for in-person attendees

Featured Speakers:
- Sascha Bittner, Self-advocate
- Audrey DeChadenedes, Parent and member of the
Advocats
- Sheraden Nicholau, Deputy Director, Regional Office
Operations

Contact nlin@ggrc.org for more details

02/10/2025

There is still time to register to attend today's webinar, "Enhancing Behavioral Health in IDD Communities", presented by Crystal Hicks. The episode livestreams today at 11:00 AM Pacific Time. You can register any time until then. Register at the TASH 2025 Webinar Series webpage.

The series is 16 episodes, addressing behavioral support, AI, independent living, IEPs, teacher preparedness, and more. Check out the full schedule of sessions and presenters, and instructions for participation, at the 2025 TASH Webinar Series main page. If you missed an episode, you can watch it as a recording on the series playlist on the TASH YouTube channel.

For more information and to register: https://tash.org/event/tash-2025-webinar-series/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNLiBhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4RGYyUXgwRU5jRVhHOUJQAR5Zgfp7_EP-WK1AP6bdxZDADeaoDxkhnow9EHaTQY3mrWUzUMjMHOeJYYRrNg_aem_i9Q5b3j7p5a1m02s1m27bQ

After a summer hiatus, TASH's 2025 Webinar Series resumes tomorrow, Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM Eastern, with episode 11, "Enhancing Behavioral Health in IDD Communities", presented by Crystal Hicks. Learn more and register at https://tash.org/event/tash-2025-webinar-series/

30/09/2025

Cal-TASH News Flash!!! Click on the link below to view the email blast about our 2026 conference, which includes the call for proposals, sponsorship opportunities, conference registration, award nominations, and hotel booking information.

https://caltash.org/so/d3PbZq3tN?languageTag=en

If you would like to be added to our email blasts, please visit our website https://www.caltash.org/

Alt text: Comic-style image with "NEWS FLASH" in bold letters on an explosion motif, under the "CalTASH" logo.

23/09/2025

We have a variety of sponsorship opportunities available to support our 2026 conference to build bridges and break barriers for inclusive lives for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Opportunities include Platinum, Gold and Silver level sponsorships, Bash Backer, program ads and tributes, vendor and exhibitor space, and having your promotional item, flyer or business card added to our conference swag bags. Funds raised from sponsorships allow us to provide lowered conference registration fees for persons with disabilities, their family members, and direct support staff, as well as technology and support to make our conference more accessible for all.

For more information, please visit: https://www.caltash.org/sponsorships2026

12/09/2025

Our September Cal-TASH News Flash is now available! Find updated conference information, including the Call for Proposals and Sponsorship Opportunities, as well as TASH updates and events from community partners.

https://caltash.org/so/63Pa-3biJ?languageTag=en

Alt text: Cal-TASH logo, superimposed over a news flash emblem. The logo features the text "Cal" in a gray tone, "TA" in an orange tone, and "SH" in an orange tone. A stylized outline of the California state shape is visible within the "A" letter. Below and to the right of the Cal-TASH logo, a comic-book-style news flash emblem is prominently displayed. It's a stylized cloud shape in light gray tones, filled with orange, red and light blue colors, with the words "NEWS FLASH" written within the cloud in a bold, capitalized style. Various graphic elements, such as stars and lightning bolts in light blue, are scattered about the cloud shape to give it a dynamic comic book feel. The background is entirely black.