Transición de Adultos: El Gran Salto
2025-04-28 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
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 22 años.

Debe registrarse con anticipación para esta capacitación: Enlace de registro

Celebrate 504 Protest Anniversary
2025-04-30 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
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 about the current advocacy and action needed to protect our rights under the Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act from Claudia Center of Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund.

You must register in advance for this training: Registration Link

Medicaid Vigil
2025-05-07 13:00 (America/New_York)
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 24-hour vigil at the U.S. Capitol where we’ll share the real stories of the people impacted by Medicaid. The entire event will be livestreamed on YouTube.

Here’s the plan:

The event will start with a rally, featuring leaders and advocates across the care movement, from 1 pm to 2 pm ET on Wednesday, May 7.
From 2 pm ET Wednesday through 12 pm ET Thursday, care advocates from around the country will share their stories.
The event will end with another rally from 12 pm to 1 pm ET on Thursday, May 8.

You can stop by for as long as you’d like.

Interested in joining for part of the vigil? Fill out the form to RSVP and receive more information.

This event will be wheelchair-accessible. ASL and CART interpretation will be available throughout the event.

Keys to Community Rally in D.C.
2025-05-11 13:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Upper Senate Park, 200 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington DC, 20001, United States
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.

Most importantly, grassroots activists from around the country will share their stories about struggle and perseverance in local efforts to obtain the Keys to Community Living.

Though the message is critical and threats are dire, there will be songs and skits and interactive fun for all. Come on out and celebrate Mothers and caregiving everywhere by supporting the Keys to Community Living!

Your voice matters — bring your signs, bring your passion, and bring the whole family. Let’s unlock the doors to true inclusion — together! Because access to community is a right, not a privilege!

BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT:

Register for the Rally
Rally Facebook Event Page
Rally Flyer PDF
Donate

For more information, contact Mike Oxford at (785) 224-3865 or mikeoxford@rocketmail.com.

IEP Basics and Beyond
2025-05-12 19:00 - 20:45, 2025-08-11 19:00 - 20:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
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 serve.

You must register in advance for this training: Registration Link

Proposed Medicaid Cuts - Town Hall and Live Q&A
2025-05-19 18:00 - 19:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
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 answered. This event is hosted by Disability Rights California.

You must register in advance for this event: Registration Link

Stop Cuts to Medicaid - Funeral Procession to Cong. Valadao's Office
2025-05-20 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Teamsters Local 87, 2531 G Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301, United States
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.

To stop the cuts and save lives we need to get a handful of Republican Congressmembers to vote NO on the proposed healthcare cuts. Please RSVP here: Registration Link

Stop Cuts to Medicaid - Funeral Procession to Cong. Kim's Office
2025-05-21 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sycamore Park, 8268 E Monte Vista Rd, Anaheim, CA, 92807, United States

Keep The Promise Rally
2025-05-22 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | California State Capitol, 1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, United States
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 regional center services.

Advocates and allies for Californians with disabilities will join forces on May 22 in Sacramento to ensure our elected officials and the Governor understand the importance of protecting disability services in federal and state budgets. Legislative champions will join us at the rally in the fight to protect disability programs and keep the promise of The Lanterman Act. Find more information here.

Educacion Especial para Estudiantes Discapacidades: Lo Esencial
2025-05-26 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
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

What’s Really at Stake? What Does Medicaid Have to Do with Supporting People with Developmental Disabilities?
2025-06-03 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
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:
– Aaron Carruthers, Executive Director of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities

Topics of discussion:
– What’s happening with Medicaid at the federal level
– How these changes could impact Medi-Cal, IHSS, regional centers, etc.
– What YOU can do to help protect essential services

Zoom Meeting Link
Meeting ID: 816 0121 5497
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Disability Community Fights Back: Defending Students
2025-06-05 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
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 impact on students with disabilities
– The removal of important discipline guidance
– The harmful words and actions used against students who are trans, autistic, and/or immigrants
– The rights we still have under Section 504 and other laws
– Why student loans and loan repayment programs are disability issues
– How to prepare for what might happen to education in the future
– How to make our voices heard in Congress, in the courts, and in the streets

Join us to learn how to defend students and fight for disability rights. We are stronger together.

Presenters:
– Karma Quick-Panwala (she/her), Director of Children and Family Advocacy, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
– Catherine E. Lhamon (she/her), incoming Executive Director, Edley Center on Democracy & the Rule of Law; Previous: Assistant Secretary, OCR, Department of Education
– Auden Perino (they/them), Senior Counsel for LGBTQI+ Equality, National Women’s Law Center
– Santiago Orosco (he/they or él/elle), Director of Organizing, New Disabled South
– Winston Berkman-Breen (he/him), Legal Director, Student Borrower Protection Center
– Julea Seliavski (they/them), Co-President, National Disabled Law Students Association
– Mary J. Goodwin-Oquendo (she/her), Founder and President, The Goodwin-Oquendo Law Firm; Adjunct Professor, Fordham Law School

You must register in advance for this event: Registration Link

Healing for Us, By Us: A Celebration of Queer/Disabled Joy
2025-06-07 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA, 94703, United States
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 tailored to help you relax and center yourself will be provided. Also, the event will offer professional child watch services, ensuring that your little ones are well taken care of, so you can fully immerse yourself in the event. Additionally, indulge in soothing therapeutic massages, expertly delivered to relieve stress and rejuvenate your mind and body. Feel free to express yourself on our kid-friendly open mic.

This is a wonderful opportunity to nurture yourself and your loved ones while exploring meaningful ways to enhance and cultivate the love that exists within you! Come and be a part of this special day as we celebrate and heal together!!

Defend Medi-Cal, IHSS, and Childcare: Take Action Against Harmful Budget Cuts!
2025-06-09 12:30 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | California State Capitol, 1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, United States
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

Solving Problems in Special Education
2025-06-09 19:00 - 20:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
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, and other options for getting the IEP team back on track.

You must register in advance for this training: Registration Link

Disability Community Fights Back: Defending Section 504
2025-06-10 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
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 & Defense Fund
-Amy Robertson (she/her), Partner, Fox & Robertson
-Larkin Taylor-Parker (they/them), Legal Director, Autistic Self-Advocacy Network

You must register in advance for this event: Registration Link

Accessible Futures: Sharing. Listening. Learning.
2025-06-16 08:00 - 2025-06-17 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Bay Area Metro Center, 375 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
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 p.m.

No cost to participate. Meals are included.

Join us for a powerful gathering of the Bay Area disability community as we come together to listen and share experiences to identify needs, gaps and actions. This event will focus on the critical issues of transportation, housing, the environment, and other topics of priority for the community — ensuring that disability voices shape the future of accessibility and equity in our region. Engage with community leaders & advocates across the nine Bay Area counties in a welcoming and fully accessible environment. Share your lived experiences & priorities with policymakers and invited elected officials. Develop partnerships and identify opportunities for collaboration. Let’s build an equitable Bay Area together!

An option to participate remotely will be available, but we encourage participants to join us in person to build community and cultivate partnerships. Registration closes this Friday, June 6th. Secure your spot today!

Questions? E-mail disabilityconference@bayareametro.gov.

You must register in advance for this event: Registration Link

CDLA Day: California Disability Leadership Alliance
2025-06-16 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | California State Capitol, 1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, United States
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. You must register in advance for this event: Registration Link

Como Leer el Documento IEP
2025-06-23 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
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 esta capacitación: Enlace de registro

Federal Law: How It's Made, Where to Find it, How to Understand It & How to Cite It
2025-06-24 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
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, understand, and correctly cite the primary source materials that are being created by the federal executive, legislative and judicial branches. Many of these materials are available on the Internet without paywalls. This webinar will provide links and tips for locating no-cost documents. It will also put the current Administration in a broader historical context, comparing and contrasting Trump Administration activities with those of past administrations, in ways that can help inform legal challenges to Trump Administration activities. Finally, this webinar will explain how to “decode” legal citations, giving advocates the tools to accurately and efficiently analyze various types of federal legal materials.

*MCLE: 1 General Credit

You must register in advance for this event: Registration Link

Objetivos/Metas SMART del IEP
2025-06-25 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
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 significativos, y considerar qué hacer cuando los objetivos no son individualizados a las necesidades únicas del estudiante.

Debe registrarse con anticipación para esta capacitación: Enlace de registro

Encampment Response Legal Clinic
2025-06-29 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Gilroy Veterans Hall, 74 W 6th St, Gilroy, CA, 95020, United States
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 with disability rights in sweeps
– File claims for property loss
– Challenge vehicle tows

Hosted by Gilroy Union of the Homeless, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, The Unhoused Initiative at Santa Clara University, Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, Lived Experience Advisory Board of Silicon Valley, Martha’s Kitchen, and Where Do We Go?

Go to the event FAQ.

Reclaiming Our Legacy: Disability Action & Joy | Celebrating Disability Pride and the 35th ADA Anniversary
2025-07-11 15:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA, 94703, United States
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 very humanity of our diverse communities face intensifying threats, we are committed to using this milestone as a platform to honor the legacy of the radical movements, including those that gave birth to the ADA, and to use those lessons to organize for the future.

Grounded in the brilliant spirit of the Bay Area’s disability-led movements, this event will serve as a call to action, honoring our past while forging the next chapter of intersectional disability rights, justice, and liberation.

The program will include diverse speakers and performers, community workshops that build important skills and knowledge for this moment, food and music, an art build and unveiling of our community story quilt project, a kids area, and more. Disability Rights California (DRC) will also be hosting an open house as they make their exciting move into the Ed Roberts Campus!

For more information, visit thecil.org/ada35 or register directly on Eventbrite.

Panel Discussion and Screening of PBS' Change Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act
2025-07-16 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Capitol Visitor Center Auditorium, 1st St SE, Washington, DC, DC, 20515, United States
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 advocates who changed the civil rights landscape for people with disabilities, and challenges ahead. A livestream will be available for those wishing to attend virtually.

You can RSVP for the event here.

Encampment Response Legal Clinic
2025-07-20 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Roosevelt Community Center, 910 E. Santa Clara Street, San Jose, 95116, United States

ADA35 National March & Rally
2025-07-21 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H St NW, Washington, DC, DC, 20001, United States
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 will march through the streets of Washington, DC to send a clear message: we are united and determined to preserve our freedom to live independently in our communities!

Assembly Time & Location:
March 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. / Grand Hyatt Washington
Gather with us between 2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. at G and 11th Streets, NW. The March will step off promptly at 3:00 p.m., heading from the Grand Hyatt to Capitol Hill.
Rally: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. / U.S. Capitol
Marchers will converge at the U.S. Capitol for an empowering rally featuring a number of speakers, including leaders in the Independent Living Movement and elected officials working on the issues we care about most.

Express Yourself!
NCIL Conference attendees can pick up complimentary Do-It-Yourself Sign Kits on the morning of Monday, July 21 on the conference floor. Not attending the conference? No problem — bring your own signs and showcase your message your way!

All Are Welcome.
This is more than a march — it’s a movement. Whether you’re a member, an ally, or simply someone who supports the disability community, your presence matters. Join as we rally together to protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities across the nation.
We’ll be making memories and making history. We hope you’ll join us.

2025 Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
2025-07-25 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sacramento Scottish Rite, 6151 H Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
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 ADHD, and insights into how environmental factors shape neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Autism-Focused Panel
This panel of autistic individuals and family members will talk about their strategies that help them feel meaningfully included in all parts of their lives.

Interactive Workshops
Workshops cover vital topics for developmental disabilities: enhancing Down syndrome communication, mastering autism evidence-based practices, empowering caregivers with MIND Institute resources, planning inclusive lives, advancing fragile X treatments, and boosting ADHD executive skills. Gain practical tools and cutting-edge insights.

You must register in advance for this event: Registration Link

What is Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act? And How Can We Defend it?
2025-08-19 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
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 people with disabilities. The regulations also include a goal for contractors — businesses with federal contracts should try to have a workforce that includes 7% people with disabilities.

A new proposal from the Administration would delete these requirements. This will harm the employment of people with disabilities. Join us to learn about Section 503 and how to defend it.

Presenters:

Claudia Center (she/her), Legal Director, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)

Jennifer Mathis (she/her), Deputy Director, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Tentative: Taryn Mackenzie Williams (she/her), Former Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy, US Department of Labor

**ASL and CART (live captions) provided. You must register in advance for this webinar: Registration Link

Educación Especial para Estudiantes Discapacidades: Lo Esencial
2025-08-25 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
