by Carol Leish, MA
The CA Government & Disability Summit in Ventura took place between September 24-27th, here in Ventura at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel. Dani Anderson, Disability Access Manager for the County of Ventura, spearheaded and organized putting this important summit together to focus on issues related to accessibility. It was attended by well over 500 people throughout the state of California.
Anderson said, “It was an honor to work on such an impactful and memorable event. The Office of Disability Access has been continuing to work steadfastly to make progress in the goals of the County’s Disability Access Strategic Plan and this successful summit has been a testament to the focus and progress being, and continuing, to be made.”
Ventura County Executive Officer, Dr. Sevet Johnson, Psy.D, said, “It was my pleasure to welcome you in Ventura County! We were honored to have hosted this first-of-its-kind summit. Since the establishment of our Office of Disability Access, the County of Ventura has been busy working to amplify the importance of enhancing accessibility, creating new and innovative opportunities for engagement with the disability community, and increasing access to civic involvement and opportunities to generate change. This conference has generated groundbreaking ideas and connections that has led to greater inclusion, understanding, and opportunities for all.”
The summit had a variety of break-out sessions that were informative. These included: 1) Accessible Civic Engagement; 2) Education, Accommodating Advocacy & Employment; 3) Emergency Management & the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act); 4) Emergency Preparedness for Caregivers & Consumers-Learn What to do Before, During, and After; 5) Partnership, Allyship through Advocacy, and Increasing Inclusion Practices; and, 6) Creating a Meaningful Disability, Access, & Functional Needs Program to Build Community Resilience & Preparedness.
The keynote speaker was, Rebecca Cokley, who works at the Ford Foundation. She focused on the importance of access to all, including those with disabilities. Comedian Nina C. also provided a lighthearted approach to situations affecting people with disabilities.
The Employment Plenary talked about issues related to employment of people with disabilities. Presenters were Mark Erlichman, Justin McIntire, and Anna Acton, Department of Rehabilitation, and Criselda Delgadillio, Managed Career Solutions. The Disability and Aging Panel, presented by, Susan DeMArois, CA Dept of Aging; Ana Acton, Department of Rehabilitation, and Aaron Crruthers, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, talked about various issues affecting people with disabilities, and people, as they get older.
Anderson said, “I would like to thank the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and leadership for their unwavering support of this summit! A huge shout out to our planning committee for their hard work and dedication to making this happen, as well as to: Disability Rights CA, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Independent Living Resource Center, and the County of Ventura’s Behavioral Health Department, County Executive Office, Human Services Agency, Office of Diversity Equity, and Inclusion, and Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services.”
Yes, this CA Government & Disability Summit, has fostered more awareness of issues related to access regarding people with disabilities for communities to be more inclusive of all, whether they have a disability. Andson said, “I am looking forward to planning the Second Annual Government & Disability Summit, and to seeing other counties within California putting on their own summits.”
