By Carol Leish, MA –
“This year’s theme, Access that Moves Us, reflected the progress we have made when government, disability organizations, advocates, and community partners have come together sharing ideas and challenging one another to think differently about accessibility,” according to, Dani Anderson, Disability Access Manager for the County of Ventura. “Every conversation, partnership, and new perspective has had the potential to create a lasting impact long after the Summit ends.”
I attended one day of the Summit, which ran from September 1st – 3rd at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Ventura Beach. As a person with a disability, I found it valuable to hear the different perspectives shared throughout the event. I believe the Summit helped broaden people’s perspectives about accessibility and inclusion. Hearing from government leaders, advocates, and others demonstrated the importance of sharing ideas and working together to find better solutions for people with disabilities.
During the Keynote Lunch, County of Ventura Board of Supervisors District 2, Chair Jeff Gorell, briefly talked about policy dealing with access. He said that we need to, “Make tomorrow more accessible than today.” Then, Andy Imparato, CEO, Disability Rights California, asked Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, California State Assembly, questions.
Assemblyman Gonzalez talked about how he and his wife have dealt with services for their son, who has a disability. He emphasized that as a former marine, he was determined to, “Figure things out,” in order to find the best support for their son. “We need to have a unified bipartisan voice for moving forward, in order to work together on solving the problems set toward people with disabilities.”
Assemblyman Gonzalez continued, and said, “I reach out to local groups on a quarterly basis. I also meet with state representatives in order to build relationships.” He focused on the importance of budgeting for In Home Supported Services (IHSS). He was able to play a large part in reversing the possibility of $700 Million cut to IHSS.
Anderson also said, “I am grateful to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and Leadership for their continued support of the Office of Disability Access and this Summit, and to the many sponsors, presenters, volunteers, and attendees who made the event possible. Your willingness to share your time, expertise and passion is what made this gathering so meaningful. “I hope that all of you left here with new ideas, valuable connections, and the inspiration to continue moving access forward in your own communities.” www.govdisabilitysummit.org.
