California State Council on Developmental Disabilities

08/18/2026

"Under the Lanterman Act, Californians with developmental disabilities (primarily intellectual disabilities diagnosed before age 18) have a right to receive care in community settings to the maximum extent possible. The Lanterman Act protects care at home — but it doesn’t protect everyone. It doesn’t apply to children whose disability is physical in nature, or adults who become disabled at any point after their 18th birthday. The legislature can extend those same rights across the disability spectrum."

Two years ago, my son James was invited to speak at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. at an event celebrating the 25th anniversary of Olmstead v. L.C. 

08/18/2026

📣 **Bay Area—you’re first!**

SCDD’s Community Conversations are coming to communities across California, beginning **Aug. 27 in the Bay Area.**

Join SCDD to hear updates on the Council’s work and policy developments, connect with others in your community, and share your perspectives on the issues that matter most to you.

The Bay Area is just the beginning. Community Conversations will continue across California through February 2027.

📍 Find meeting times, locations and the latest information:
https://scdd.ca.gov/community-conversations/

08/17/2026

📚 ¡Los talleres de Regreso a Clases en español comienzan esta semana!

Acompañe al SCDD en dos sesiones GRATUITAS en línea para ayudar a las familias a comenzar el año escolar con información y preparación.

📅 19 de agosto: Conceptos Básicos Sobre Educación + Preguntas y Respuestas
📅 26 de agosto: Promoción de la Inclusión en la Educación
🕕 6:00–8:00 p.m.

¡No necesita inscribirse! Solo conéctese y participe.

💻 19 de agosto: https://bit.ly/4q2u1A5
💻 26 de agosto: https://bit.ly/4hADlbY

ID de la reunión: 881 4035 6917
Contraseña: 2026

📣 La primera sesión es este miércoles. Guarde las fechas y comparta esta información con una familia que pueda beneficiarse.

08/14/2026

📣 SCDD is advancing policies that matter to Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

As California’s legislative session enters its final weeks, SCDD is supporting 10 bills addressing developmental services, health care, education, behavioral health, emergency preparedness, accessible communication, and home- and community-based services.

Our latest Legislative and Advocacy Update also highlights:
🏛️ SCDD Executive Director Aaron Carruthers’ recent Capitol testimony
📣 Opportunities to connect with SCDD through Community Conversations
🎙️ A conversation about advocacy and policy on The Raising Ryan Podcast

See what SCDD is working on and stay connected to the issues shaping California’s developmental services system.

🔗 Read SCDD’s Legislative and Advocacy Update: https://conta.cc/4zkdFGU

08/12/2026

A 2% recidivism rate tells a powerful story about what happens when people with developmental disabilities have the right supports in place.

Last week, SCDD Executive Director, Aaron Carruthers, testified before the California Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services about Californians transitioning out of developmental centers and into their communities.

Of the 585 people SCDD has tracked who left developmental centers since 2015, only 11 returned.

As Aaron told the committee, “People who leave developmental centers with the right supports don’t come back.”

The data shows that people can thrive in their communities when the right services and supports are in place. It also underscores the need to address system delays and ensure people are able to transition without unnecessary barriers.

📰 Read more in The Sacramento Bee:
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article316780141.html

08/11/2026

📣 TODAY! Don't miss the final English Back-to-School workshop!

Join SCDD for Promoting Inclusion in Education and learn about the rights, strategies, and resources that support inclusive learning and meaningful participation for students with disabilities.

📅 Wednesday, Aug. 12
🕕 6–8 p.m. PT
💻 Free and online

⏰ There's still time to register:
https://bit.ly/4eynfN7

08/06/2026

Start the school year informed, prepared, and confident.

Download our free 2026–2027 Back-to-School Resource Guide (https://scdd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2026/07/26-27_English_SCDD-Back-To-School-Guide-7.15.2026-FINAL.pdf)
for trusted information on special education, educational rights, inclusive education, and resources for students with disabilities and their families.

Then join our second free School Year Kickoff English Session to learn more, ask questions, and connect with experts.

📅 Wednesday, August 12, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📝 Register here: https://bit.ly/4eynfN7

Whether you're new to special education or looking to build on what you know, these resources can help you navigate the school year with confidence.

📖 Download the Resource Guide:https://scdd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2026/07/26-27_English_SCDD-Back-To-School-Guide-7.15.2026-FINAL.pdf

For questions/requests: [email protected] or
(408) 324-2106

08/04/2026

⏰ Tomorrow's the day!

There's still time to register for SCDD's first FREE School Year Kickoff Session!

Learn about special education, educational rights, available resources, and get your questions answered during a live Q&A.

📅 Tomorrow | August 5
🕕 6:00–8:00 p.m. PT
💻 Online via Zoom

Register now: https://bit.ly/4ejg9vu

08/01/2026

The August SCDD News & Events Newsletter is here!

As California heads back to school, this month's newsletter is filled with trusted resources, important updates, and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, and the professionals who support them.

Inside this issue:
📖 Free 2026–2027 Back-to-School Resource Guide
🎓 Free statewide Back-to-School workshops
📢 Public Charge Rule update
💼 Job opportunities with SCDD
🤝 Self-Determination Program resources
📅 Upcoming meetings, trainings, and events

Read the August newsletter today: https://conta.cc/4xbpjSW