Approximately 500 attendees participated in APIDC’s two-day Statewide Conference, themed “Transitions,” on March 8 and 9 at the Disney Grand Californian Hotel. Along with networking opportunities, the conference featured informational panel discussions by experts in education, public benefits, the law, health care, autism, mental health, employment, the census 2020, and financial planning; a resource fair; and intake sessions staffed by non-profit and government entities.

 

Highlights included keynote presentations by Professor Karen Nakamura, Robert and Coleen Haas Distinguished Chair of Disability Studies at UC Berkeley; a special town hall with local, state, and Federal officials; and music and dance performances by youth with disabilities.

 

Key community partners included Disability Rights California, Special Service for Groups, Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living, State Dept. of Fair Employment and Housing, Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers, EEOC, Disability Rights Legal Center, Regional Center Orange County, Chinese Parents Association of the Disabled, Korean American Special Education Center, Rio Hondo College, Social Security Administration, Legal Aid Society of Orange County, State Department of Rehabilitation, Community Legal Aid SoCal, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles, and Learning Rights Law Center.