Step into the role of a transit planner in this session that uses live audience interaction to bring real-world challenges to life, learning the basics of “Transit 101” : how transit agencies work and how they meet ADA goals from the inside. Through live audience participation and real-world scenarios, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of transit decision-making and its impact on riders with disabilities.

This session provides an overview of California’s Independent Living network and the statewide planning structures that help shape disability policy, funding priorities, and systems change efforts. Participants will learn how State Plans for Independent Living are developed, how community voices influence statewide priorities, and how advocates, organizations, and public partners can engage in efforts that advance accessibility, community living, and improved outcomes for people with disabilities.

This presentation provides an inside look at the California Department of Developmental Services’ emergency preparedness efforts and the partnerships that support more inclusive and resilient emergency planning for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Attendees will learn how collaboration among state agencies, regional centers, community organizations, advocates, and individuals with lived experience can strengthen preparedness, recovery, accessibility, and community resilience before, during, and after disasters..

This session examines healthcare access and equity for people with disabilities, particularly individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, by exploring systemic barriers, service gaps, and disparities in care. The session will also address the complexity of navigating multiple systems of care, such as Medi-Cal, regional centers, and behavioral health services, which can lead to delays, reduced access, or unmet needs. Participants will learn practical strategies to improve accessibility, strengthen person-centered supports, and advance more equitable healthcare systems that promote inclusion, informed decision-making, and access to quality services.

This presentation showcases how the City of Santa Barbara has made digital accessibility a core part of its organizational culture through innovative website development, meaningful community partnerships, citywide staff training, and proactive accessibility monitoring. Attendees will learn how the City pioneered a collaborative website procurement process that directly engaged people with disabilities, partnered with organizations such as the Braille Institute and TPGi to expand accessibility expertise, and implemented practical solutions that have transformed how digital information is created and delivered across the organization. Participants will leave with replicable strategies for building sustainable digital accessibility programs that improve access to public information, strengthen compliance, and drive lasting culture change.

This presentation explores how to have compassionate, effective conversations with families about developmental concerns using trauma-informed communication, reflective listening, and strengths-based approaches. Drawing from both professional and personal experience, it offers practical strategies for discussing autism and early intervention in ways that build trust, support caregivers, and focus on a child’s strengths and long-term well-being.

As climate-related disasters increasingly impact transportation systems, effective emergency preparedness requires both resilient infrastructure and informed communities. This session brings together the Ventura County Transportation Commission and Gold Coast Transit District to explore how transportation agencies prepare for and respond to emergencies while supporting mobility for all residents, including individuals with access and functional needs. Attendees will learn about transportation resilience planning, transit continuity strategies, and the development of practical emergency preparedness tools designed to help individuals, caregivers, and families navigate service disruptions and disasters. The session will also provide opportunities to share feedback and explore how community partnerships and lived experience can shape more inclusive, accessible, and effective emergency preparedness efforts.

This session explores practical strategies for moving Access and Functional Needs (AFN) planning from policy requirements to operational reality. Drawing on lessons learned from Plumas County’s AFN Committee and real-world emergency management experience, presenters will examine how meaningful community partnerships, organizational structure, and cross-agency collaboration can strengthen AFN integration across preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Attendees will learn how AFN committees can serve as critical bridges between emergency management agencies and the communities they serve, while also gaining replicable approaches for embedding accessibility and inclusion into emergency operations systems. Through case studies ranging from wildfires and extreme weather events to pandemic response, the session will highlight proven practices for building more resilient and inclusive emergency management programs.

This session explores how disability access can serve as a pathway to leadership by empowering youth through self-advocacy, self-determination, and peer mentoring. The session will include youth testimonials, real-world program examples, and an interactive activity that challenges participants to reimagine disability access as leadership development—not just accommodation. Using the California Youth Leadership Forum model, participants will learn practical strategies for developing disability-inclusive programs that prepare young people for success in education, employment, and community leadership.

This session explores the importance of engaging access and functional needs communities in emergency preparedness planning and using lived experience to create more inclusive, accessible responses. Participants will learn practical lessons and strategies informed by disability perspectives and leave with actionable ideas for integrating accessibility into their organizations and communities.

Disability data is essential for understanding community needs, identifying disparities, and ensuring equitable access to public health programs and services. This presentation explores how the Alameda County Public Health Department developed a department-wide disability data collection policy through cross-program collaboration, community partnership, and a commitment to health equity. Attendees will learn about the challenges and considerations involved in creating meaningful disability data collection practices, including the evaluation of existing frameworks and data models. The session will also highlight how stronger disability data can support more responsive services, improved accountability, and better outcomes for people with disabilities.

This presentation explores how San Francisco transformed a successful accessibility compliance initiative into a customer service–focused program that helps businesses create more welcoming and inclusive experiences for customers with disabilities. Building on lessons learned from the Accessible Business Entrance program, Beyond the Front Door shifts the conversation from regulatory compliance to universal hospitality, equipping businesses with practical tools, training, and resources to improve service and accessibility. Attendees will learn how cross-agency collaboration, disability community engagement, and customer-centered strategies can strengthen both inclusion and business success. The session will provide a replicable model for jurisdictions seeking to move beyond compliance and foster lasting accessibility culture within their local business communities.

Have you wondered how the California State Legislature makes laws and develops the state budget? Do you want to know how it impacts people with disabilities and what you can do about it? This session will provide an overview of the California legislative and budget processes, with a focus on Medi-Cal and home- and community-based services. Participants will learn about the flow of the legislative and budget year, including major steps and deadlines. This session will cover how to engage with legislators, the governor, state agencies, and their staff throughout the year to advocate for people with disabilities through legislation and the budget. Presenters will discuss H.R. 1, a federal bill making historic cuts to social services, and its impact on California healthcare access. The presentation will include an overview of wins and losses in healthcare policy and the state budget in 2026. Participants will also learn how to get involved in advocacy and why their voice is needed in the fight for accessible health care and for home- and community-based services for all.

This session explores how innovative transit services and accessible community design can work together to create more inclusive mobility options for people with disabilities and the broader public. Attendees will learn how Gold Coast Transit District has expanded beyond traditional fixed-route service through programs such as paratransit, microtransit, and other flexible transportation solutions, while also improving vehicle and bus stop accessibility. The presentation will highlight the critical role of accessible streetscapes, pedestrian connections, and land use planning in creating safe and convenient access to transit beyond minimum ADA requirements. Through examples from Ventura County and other communities, participants will gain practical insights into how collaboration among transit agencies, local governments, and regional partners can advance accessibility, innovation, and mobility for all.

When a wheelchair breaks down, delays in repairs or replacement can threaten an individual's mobility, independence, and ability to participate fully in community life. This presentation highlights how the Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco (ILRCSF) partnered with San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) to develop and implement an innovative wheelchair repair program that provides timely support to wheelchair users facing equipment failures. Presenters will share lessons learned from the program’s successful launch and growth, as well as practical strategies for building accessible, community-based repair services.

This session explores how accessible outdoor spaces and programs create equitable opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect with nature. Participants will learn practical strategies for reducing eco-ableism, promoting inclusion, and designing nature experiences that support physical and mental health, and stronger communities.

This session explores how grassroots coalitions can harness lived experience and collective advocacy to drive meaningful policy and systems change for people with disabilities. Participants will learn practical strategies for organizing communities, building sustainable partnerships, and influencing state-level decisions that expand access to long-term services, supports, and independent living opportunities. Participants will hear directly from those most impacted by gaps in access and learn how formalizing youth voice, especially from those with the deepest understanding of these issues, strengthens systems and makes support more responsive and equitable.

This presentation examines the disproportionately high rates of violent victimization experienced by people with disabilities and the systemic barriers they face when seeking justice. The presentation also examines the medical model versus the social model of disability and how embracing the social model can help shape a more inclusive criminal justice system. Participants will explore how ableism, stereotypes, and gatekeeping practices impact every stage of the criminal justice process, while identifying practical strategies to create more equitable and accessible systems.

This panel highlights the experiences of youth and young adult disability justice advocates with lived experience across a range of visible and non-apparent disabilities. Through personal stories and guided discussion, panelists will share what meaningful accessibility looks like, where systems fall short, and how centering youth voices leads to more equitable and responsive support systems.

This presentation explores emerging assistive technologies that are transforming accessibility in transportation, workplaces, and digital environments, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and wearable robotics. Attendees will learn how innovative tools and universal design approaches can help bridge mobility gaps, support independence, and create more inclusive communities through accessible technology and digital infrastructure.

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