In September 2024, a group of 17 states filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government called Texas v. Becerra. The lawsuit asks the court to get rid of Section 504 and its regulations. Section 504 is a major civil rights law for people with disabilities. Section 504 makes sure that people with disabilities are treated […]
Revolutionary love takes many forms, from intimate love to community care to movements for self-determination. Join CIL and DREDF for an evening centering revolutionary love, including: - A special Bay Area community screening of the film Patrice: The Movie, a new documentary rom-com all about the next phase of marriage equality: disability. - […]
Los niños de 3 años hasta principios de la escuela primaria a menudo requieren apoyo de educación especial con el fin de aprender y progresar en la escuela en su entorno menos restrictivo. Este seminario web se centra en los requisitos legales y cómo los padres / cuidadores pueden abogar por la evaluación necesaria, metas. […]
DREDF recently released a new legal toolkit, Legal Advocacy for Unhoused People with Disabilities: Toolkit to Challenge California Laws Criminalizing Homelessness. This toolkit is for attorneys and legal advocates bringing affirmative litigation on behalf of unhoused people with disabilities. Join us for a webinar that reviews the key aspects of the toolkit, including how to […]
Join the Campaign! This Zoom training is being held by National ADAPT. Training Structure: Combination of formal presentation and real-life examples of implementation. Sign Language interpretation will be provided. You must register in advance for this training: Registration Link CONTACT/ RSVP Dillon Warren: (620) 605-8045 dillonw@skilonline.com Mike Oxford: (785) […]
If a child has a disability or suspected disability, important state and federal laws protect their right to an education. Learn how the IEP/special education process works, what the school district/charter school responsibilities and timelines are, and how to participate in the process effectively, and advocate on behalf of your child or the children you […]
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act tells the emotional and dramatic story of the decades-long push for equality and accessibility that culminated in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. While curb cuts, ramps at building entrances, and braille on elevator buttons seem commonplace today, they were once the subject […]
You are invited to attend the 2025 Transition Conference & Resource Fair, designed for students and adults with disabilities, their families, and their circle of support. Presentations and Resources will be centered on Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. This is an opportunity to learn about transitioning to adult services and building independence. -Educational Workshops: […]
On March 23rd, Representative Ro Khanna is hosting a series of town halls with Protect Our Care and other progressive partners across three California Congressional districts held by Republicans that we must win in 2026 to secure the House Majority and make President Trump a lame duck President. He wants to hear from people directly […]
The CARE Court model promises streamlined service delivery to respondents, but what services are actually available in the real world? What services are effective for CARE Court respondents? How can counsel ensure that CARE Court respondents -- who have been repeatedly failed by existing systems -- actually receive effective services and exit the CARE Court […]
The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) and the Center for Independent Living (CIL) invite you to a special screening and discussion of Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act. Change, Not Charity tells the powerful story of the decades-long push for disability rights that led to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act […]
Jillian MacLeod, DREDF's Legal Fellow will be presenting alongside Amanda Spriggs Reid from Women Enabled International in a webinar hosted by Disability Rights New York about improving access to abortion for people with disabilities. People with disabilities in the United States have historically been and continue to be denied their right to make their own […]
This webinar focuses on supporting disabled youth, and how to partner with and support them to develop a plan for life after high school that is individualized to their goals, interests and priorities. All are welcome to attend, but youth aged 13-22 are especially encouraged to attend. You must register in advance for this […]
Join us for a virtual event featuring Executive Directors from four Bay Area disability advocacy organizations. This conversation will be about the future of disability advocacy, what work each organization is focusing on and plans to continue, and will provide insights into the current state of disability advocacy, particularly in light of the recent changes […]
The CARE Court model promises streamlined service delivery to respondents, but what services are actually available in the real world? What services are effective for CARE Court respondents? Join a panel of experts on disability services and supports to continue the discussion on how to best serve and advocate for your CARE Court clients. This […]
Este seminario web se centra en el apoyo a los jóvenes con discapacidades y en cómo colaborar con ellos y ayudarles a desarrollar un plan para la vida después del colegio que se adapte a sus objetivos, intereses y prioridades. Todos están invitados a asistir, pero se anima especialmente a los jóvenes de 13 a […]
Please join your fellow disability advocates from the DO Network for a webinar celebrating the 48th Anniversary of the Section 504 Protest. In this current time of uncertain change, this webinar is a chance to remember the people who sacrificed and discuss how their advocacy led to victory for future generations. Then we will hear […]
Right now, Congress is pushing forward with a plan to cut nearly a trillion dollars from Medicaid. We won't let that happen. Medicaid is not a line item in a budget – it's a lifeline for millions of families across the U.S. That's why we're bringing together caregivers, care recipients, and care advocates for a […]
This powerful, family-friendly rally kicks off ADAPT’s new Keys to Community Living campaign for disability justice and community integration. Joining ADAPT will be The National Council on Independent Living, Caring Across Generations, Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, Autistic Self Advocates Network, Legal Defense Fund, American Association of People with Disabilities, ADA Watch and more. […]
If a child has a disability or suspected disability, important state and federal laws protect their right to an education. Learn how the IEP/special education process works, what the school district/charter school responsibilities and timelines are, and how to participate in the process effectively, and advocate on behalf of your child or the children you […]
Last week saw the long-dreaded release of the House GOP’s proposed Medicaid cuts, raising alarms and critical questions from many in California and across the country. Join us as we break down what’s going on, what Congress is considering, and why Medicaid cannot be undermined. Then, we’ll have a live Q&A to get your questions […]
The Republican led Congress is rushing to pass a budget with almost $800 Billion Dollars in devastating cuts to Medicaid. This will impact 15 million Californians who rely on Medical / Medicaid for their healthcare, including children and people with disabilities! And they're making the cuts to give huge tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires. […]
The Republican led Congress is rushing to pass a budget with almost $800 Billion Dollars in devastating cuts to Medicaid. This will impact 15 million Californians who rely on Medical / Medicaid for their healthcare, including children and people with disabilities! And they're making the cuts to give huge tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires. […]
Lanterman Coalition Members and partner organizations throughout California who provide services and supports to Californians with developmental disabilities will join together at the State Capitol to host the state’s largest rally against threats of massive federal and state funding cuts to Medicaid and other programs like Medi-Cal, In-Home Support Services, the Self-Determination Program and other […]
Esta capacitación básica es para padres y profesionales en cómo abogar por un estudiante con discapacidades, sospechada de discapacidad o desafíos educativos. Platicaremos de evaluaciones, metas, servicios, colocación y destrezas de abogacía. Debe registrarse con anticipación para esta capacitación: Enlace de registro
Have you been wondering how proposed changes to Medicaid could affect our community—especially people with developmental disabilities? You’re not alone. ARCA is hosting a webinar for regional center staff, advocates, families, and providers to help break down how these policies could impact California’s developmental services and the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Presenter: […]
The current Administration is hurting our communities every day. This community briefing will explain how the Administration is hurting students and what you can do about it. We will review: - What the Department of Education is and why it matters - What funding and staff cuts have happened so far -- and the […]
Join a celebration at a family-focused event designed to foster a deep sense of community, connection, and appreciation for our unique individualities. Please note: Masks are required at all times during the event to help ensure accessibility and safety for all attendees. Throughout this enriching experience, a variety of grounding and meditation sessions […]
Governor Newsom is copying Trump and proposing serious budget cuts that hurt immigrants, people with disabilities, seniors, families, and all of us. He and state legislators need to tax wealthy corporations instead! Please join us in Sacramento. Transportation, interpretation, food will be provided. You must register in advance for this event: bit.ly/BudgetRally2025
This webinar focuses on what to do when problems arise for students with IEPs, how parents can address them in partnership with schools as early as possible, and what their options are if that process breaks down. You will learn about challenging evaluations, addressing discrimination, alternative dispute resolution, mediation, hearings, state and local compliance complaints, […]
The Department of Energy has published several "direct final rules" that would gut Section 504 and other civil rights laws. Join us to learn how to write and submit comments online to the federal government before June 16, 2025, to oppose these harmful proposals. Speakers: -Claudia Center (she/her), Legal Director, Disability Rights Education & […]
Join CIL and Bay Area cross-disability communities in attending this summer's Accessible Futures Conference in San Francisco, June 16th and 17th! A disability-led community conversation on housing, transportation, the environment and more. Save the Dates! June 16, 2025 - 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. June 17, 2025 - 8 a.m. – 4 […]
Bring your spirit! Bring your voice! Join the California Disability Leadership Alliance for a new gathering and a new day in disability rights, the First Annual CDLA Day! Event will include live performances by disabled artists, speakers from across California's disability movement communities, information booths and more. Questions or Accommodations needed? Email CADLAlliance@gmail.com. […]
Es importante saber lo que “ofrece” un programa educativo individualizado a un estudiante con discapacidades. En este taller hablaremos cómo entender que el IEP este correcto, completo, apropiado, cumpla con la ley, y sea portátil. También hablaremos de los niveles actuales de rendimiento, desempeño educativo, metas y objetivos anuales. Debe registrarse con anticipación para […]
The Second Trump Administration has been engaged in a large number of executive actions, many of which are generating lawsuits. The Administration is also making legislative recommendations, including proposed rescission actions. The scale and nature of these developments are raising many novel legal questions. Against this backdrop, it is important to be able to find, […]
La educación especial se proporciona a los estudiantes en su entorno menos restrictivo a través de la identificación de cuáles son sus desafíos, y la creación de objetivos SMART que impulsan los servicios, los apoyos y la colocación. Esta capacitación virtual se centra en cómo identificar las áreas de necesidad, escribir objetivos ambiciosos y […]
Have you been approached by police while experiencing homelessness? Come to: Encampment Response Legal Clinics. Know your rights! Talk to a lawyer for free. - Ask to lower fines and fees - Dispute infractions and citations - Reconnect with public defender No police will be present. No appointment needed. - Help […]
This July, DREDF and a coalition of racial justice and disability rights & justice organizations are hosting a powerful, community-centered rally to celebrate Disability Pride and mark the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This anniversary comes at a pivotal time. As so many of the rights, resources, and the […]
We will be screening the PBS short documentary Change Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act. Following the film, Judy Woodruff will moderate a panel discussion featuring legislators who helped shape and pass the ADA, as well as those who participated in the making of the documentary. Panelists will reflect on progress made, strategies, the determined […]
Have you been approached by police while experiencing homelessness? Come to: Encampment Response Legal Clinics. Know your rights! Talk to a lawyer for free. - Ask to lower fines and fees - Dispute infractions and citations - Reconnect with public defender No police will be present. No appointment needed. - Help […]
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and our partners at the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) invite YOU to join us for the 2025 National March & Rally in the heart of Washington, DC! The theme for the 2025 March and Rally is Our Lives, Our Homes, Our Communities. Together, we […]
Bridging Science and Real Lives: Research, Practice, and Advocacy in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities This event is ideal for professionals, researchers, individuals with disabilities, family members, disability advocates, policymakers, community members, and students/trainees. Keynote on Cutting-Edge Research Hear UC Davis MIND Institute experts share research findings, including intervention approaches for fragile X syndrome, intervention for […]
If a child has a disability or suspected disability, important state and federal laws protect their right to an education. Learn how the IEP/special education process works, what the school district/charter school responsibilities and timelines are, and how to participate in the process effectively, and advocate on behalf of your child or the children you […]
Section 503 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 503 requires businesses that have contracts with the federal government to "take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities." Section 503 regulations require that businesses with federal contractors use voluntary surveys to track their progress in hiring and employing […]
Esta capacitación básica es para padres y profesionales en cómo abogar por un estudiante con discapacidades, sospechada de discapacidad o desafíos educativos. Platicaremos de evaluaciones, metas, servicios, colocación y destrezas de abogacía. Debe registrarse con anticipación para esta capacitación: Enlace de registro
Alliance for Justice is inviting you to join us on for Holding Court: Expanding Disability Rights and Defending the ADA 35 Years Later. This virtual conversation will feature Erin Prangley, Director of Public Policy at The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health […]
This webinar will be Part 1 of the Special Education Academy, a new 10-part series running monthly through June 2026. The series will lead parents, families, and students through the main principles and parts of the special education process from understanding the IDEA, California Education Code, and other laws through putting together the Offer of FAPE, […]
Celebrating Resistance DREDF’s 46th Anniversary Event Action, Advocacy, and Community Thursday, September 11, 2025 Doors Open: 5:00 pm PDT Program: 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm PDT This event will also be livestreamed via Zoom, and a link will be sent out by September 8th. Come join us for an evening of […]
Este seminario web hablarla sobre la importancia de estrategias de defensa para los estudiantes con discapacidades. Las defensas eficaces aportan en colaborar con el resto del equipo de IEP para orientar, crear servicios basados en necesidad y encontrar soluciones para preparar a los estudiantes para el futuro. Debe registrarse con anticipación para esta capacitación: […]
This training is all about helping students understand their rights and options for getting support in college if they have a disability or need extra help. We’ll talk about what accommodations and how to ask for them. You’ll learn who to talk to, what paperwork you might need, and how to make sure you’re getting […]
Come with us as we begin to dig into the Procedural Safeguards--a.k.a. parents' rights--and explore the tools parents, families, and even students can use when things begin to go sideways. This webinar will include advocacy strategies that families can use immediately to support their students and engage with the IEP team or 504 team members. […]
Este seminario web será la primera parte de la Academia de Educación Especial, una nueva serie de 10 partes que se realizará mensualmente hasta junio de 2026. La serie enseñará a los padres, las familias y los estudiantes los principios y las partes principales del proceso de educación especial, desde la comprensión de la ley […]
Acompáñenos a conocer más a fondo las garantías procesales, también conocidas como derechos de los padres, y exploraremos las herramientas que los padres, las familias e incluso los estudiantes pueden utilizar cuando las cosas comienzan a empeorar. Este seminario web incluirá estrategias de defensa que las familias pueden utilizar de inmediato para apoyar a sus […]
Download the flyer (PDF) *All are welcome! Light refreshments will be provided.* Come join us to: - Learn about supports and services - Connect with professionals and families - Access resources for advocacy & education - Get one-on-one consultations for IEPs & 504 Plans For more information, contact: -Dunsmuir Community […]
California State University East Bay is hosting a FREE conference on Supported Decision Making in Oakland at Laney College on October 25th! The state of California granted formal recognition to SDM in September 2022 with the passage of AB 1663, Probate Conservatorship Reform and Supported Decision-Making Act. This law changed the landscape for adults with […]
In light of recent events in the U.S. Department of Education and actions that threaten the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the rights of more than 8 million children with disabilities, we invite you to join a grassroots virtual Town Hall for parents, teachers, and advocates for children with disabilities. Speakers will […]
Now that we know the basics of the IDEA and parent rights in the process, how do we begin? What is the first step to take to get a student […]
Ahora que conocemos los conceptos básicos de la Ley de Educación para Personas con Discapacidades (IDEA) y los derechos de los padres en el proceso, ¿cómo empezamos? ¿Cuál es el […]
*All are welcome! Light refreshments will be provided.* Come join us to: -Learn about supports and services -Connect with professionals and families -Access resources for advocacy & education […]