MARCH NEWS & EVENTS

(All times are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted)

Times, events, and hyperlinks are subject to change.

MARCH IS

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

https://nacdd.org/

National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

https://nationaltoday.com/national-cerebral-palsy-awareness-month/

Sunday, March 8 — Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) begins at 2:00 a.m.

Tuesday, March 17 — St. Patrick's Day

Friday, March 20 — First Day of Spring

World Down Syndrome Day — Saturday, March 21

https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/about-the-2026-theme/

Cesar Chavez Day — Tuesday, March 31

(State Holiday — SCDD offices are closed)

https://chavezfoundation.org/about-cesar-chavez/

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month #DDAM2026

In partnership with the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and councils nationwide, the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2026.

This year's theme, "We're Here. Then, Now, Always," reminds us that people with developmental disabilities have always been, and always will be, part of our communities.

Join us throughout March as we celebrate stories, elevate voices, and advance full access and opportunity for all.

See our DD Awareness events below.

STATEWIDE DD AWARENESS MONTH EVENTS

Lunch & Learn / Almuerzo informativo

Part I: From Childhood to Adulthood – Understanding IDD

Thursday, March 5, 2026

12:00–1:30 p.m. — Lunch & Learn

Spanish translation provided.

Webinar ID: 896 5508 8336

More information: sacramento@scdd.ca.gov

Part II: Disability Services – How to Get Connected to Support in California

Thursday, March 12, 2026

12:00–1:30 p.m. — Lunch & Learn

Spanish translation provided.

Webinar ID: 832 2536 3546

More information: orangecounty@scdd.ca.gov

Panel Presentation / Presentación del panel

Part III: My Life in the Community

Thursday, March 19, 2026

12:00–1:00 p.m.

Panel Presentation in English.

Webinar ID: 859 0069 9731

More information: sacramento@scdd.ca.gov

Parte III: Mi vida en la comunidad

26 de marzo de 2026

12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

Presentación del panel en español

Inscribirse: https://bit.ly/3ZnHbej

ID del seminario web: 885 1966 6441

Más información: orangecounty@scdd.ca.gov

LATEST STORYTELLERS BLOG POST

Joseph G. smiling and wearing a blue t-shirt.

I Said, "I Want to Work!" — That Changed Everything

This March, during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, as we recognize the theme “We’re Here. Then, Now, Always,” Joseph’s journey reminds us that people with developmental disabilities are not asking to be included — they already belong.

Read Joseph's story: https://scdd.ca.gov/2026/02/25/working-draft_i-said-i-want-to-work-that-changed-everything/

COUNCIL POLICY UPDATE

Graphic: Blue speech bubble with white text that reads “Latest News.”

SCDD-Sponsored Bill Helps Families Plan for the Future with Confidence

What happens if a parent or main supporter is suddenly no longer there?

SB 1052 makes it easier to put a trusted Authorized Representative in place, so a person’s rights are protected and their voice is heard.

Read the full news release: https://scdd.ca.gov/newsroom/

COUNCIL MEETINGS & PROGRAMS

Legislative and Public Policy Committee (LPPC) Meeting

The Legislative and Public Policy Committee implements the policy-related State Plan objectives and activities of the Council.

The next meeting is Thursday, March 19.

Meeting time and details: https://scdd.ca.gov/legislative_and_public_policy/

Self-Advocates Advisory Committee (SAAC) Meeting

The Self-Advocates Advisory Committee serves as a voice for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities by advising the Council on matters that affect all self-advocates in California. The Committee promotes participation from the Council and peer advocacy to advance independence and inclusive practice.

The next meeting is Monday, March 23.

Meeting time and details: https://scdd.ca.gov/self_advocates_advisory_committee/

March Council Meeting

The next meeting is Tuesday, March 24.

Meeting time and details: https://scdd.ca.gov/councilmeetings/

Online Self-Determination Program (SDP) Orientation

The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) and the Department of Developmental Services offer free 2-hour online orientations in multiple languages, led by staff and advocates with lived experience.

Choose a session that fits your schedule and learn whether SDP is right for you.

NCI Family Surveys Are on the Way!

The Quality Assurance (QA) Project is getting ready to mail out thousands of Family Surveys—part of the National Core Indicators (NCI) program. This national survey helps measure how well services and supports are working for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

How It Works

Families who get a survey can fill it out on paper or online. Each packet includes an access code and a link to the online survey (available in English).

Why Your Voice Matters

Your feedback helps improve programs and supports for people with disabilities across California. Every response shapes how we strengthen services statewide—so if you get a survey, please take a few minutes to share your experience.

Learn more about the NCI surveys and the QA Project here: https://scdd.ca.gov/qap/

Stay Connected with SCDD

Subscribe to our calendars so you never miss a meeting or training.

• Annual Calendar – Council, Committee, and Self-Advocate events

https://scdd.ca.gov/scddcalendar/

• Virtual Trainings Calendar – Regional trainings and SDP orientations

https://scdd.ca.gov/scdd-trainings/

Compatible with Google, iCalendar, and Outlook.

FROM OUR PARTNERS

California Youth Leadership Forum

The California Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities returns July 13–18, 2026 at CSU Sacramento.

This FREE, week-long leadership experience brings together high school students with disabilities to build advocacy skills, connect with peers, and engage with state leaders—all while living on a college campus.

Who can apply?

• California residents

• Current sophomores, juniors, or seniors

• Students with a 504 plan, IEP, or who identify as having a disability

(Leadership experience encouraged, not required!)

Find more info here: https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/Ylf