Disability Leaders and Community to Gather for 2nd Annual CDLA Day of Action at the State Capitol

We demand no cuts to critical services, no balancing the state budget on the backs of disabled people, and more

For Immediate Release:
May 18, 2026

SACRAMENTO, CA – Formed in 2024, The Alliance is a group of disability and Deaf-led organizations working together to build cross-disability collaboration, solidarity, and political power to influence and improve policies for disabled people in California. The Day of Action was created by The Alliance in recognition that now more than ever, it’s crucial the disability community join together in community and solidarity.

This year’s CDLA Day includes a resource fair, a full program of advocates and performers, and dedicated time for the public to engage directly with members of the California State Legislature.

Tuesday, May 26th 10:00 am – 4:00 pm PT
1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 (Capitol West Steps)

• 10:00 am –  11 am PT Gathering & Resource Fair
• 11:00 am – 1:00 pm PT Program
• 1:00 – 4:00 pm PT Group Visits with Legislators on key policy priorities

Program Presenters Include:

• Lisa Hayes (California Foundation for Independent Living Centers)
• Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson (Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network)
• Sascha Bittner (California State Council on Developmental Disabilities)
• Keris Myrick (National Mental Health Leader & Advocate)
• Dawniell Zavala (Cal Voices)
• Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (CA-55)
• Innervision Theater Group
• Sabrina Epstein (Disability Rights California)
• Margarita Spataro (Family Voices of California)
• Viridiana Salgado Sanchez (San Diego People First)
• Wesley Witherspoon (Statewide Self-Advocacy Leader)
• Tim Elder (National Federation of the Blind of California)
• Guillermo Robles (California Council of the Blind)
• Jeff Thom (California Council of the Blind)
• Sheri Farinha (NorCal Services for Deaf & Hard of Hearing)
• Jem Moore (California Foundation for Independent Living Centers)
• Jessica Jewel (California Rural Legal Assistance)
• Erin Nguyen Neff (Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund)
• Connie Barker (DO Network)

We will have event organizers, CDLA members, and community advocates available for media both for advance coverage of the event and on the day.

Event registration

Learn more about The Alliance

Check out a compilation video from last year’s CDLA Day of Action

Media Contacts:
Sam Mickens, Communications Director, Disability Rights California, sam.mickens@disabilityrightsca.org, (646) 945-0918
Tina Pinedo, Communications & Operations Director, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, media@dredf.org (510) 644-2555 ext. 5226