SCDD OCTOBER NEWS & EVENTS
(All times are PacificTime unless otherwise noted)
Times, events, and hyperlinks are subject to change.
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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize the skills, talents and contributions people with disabilities bring to workplaces, communities and our economy. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” continues the celebration of the important role people with disabilities play in America’s workforce.
Throughout October, SCDD is highlighting trainings, resources, and stories focused on inclusive employment, employment rights and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
Learn more about employment resources and ways to support inclusive workplaces.
Here’s what you’ll find:
Statewide Lunch & Learn Series
Join SCDD for virtual trainings and panel discussions throughout October focused on employment, policy, advocacy and inclusive workplaces. Sessions will feature information, resources and perspectives from people with lived and professional experience.
NDEAM Blog Stories
Throughout the month, SCDD will share blog stories highlighting lived experience, employment journeys, entrepreneurship, and the value people with disabilities bring to the workforce.
2026–2027 Employment Resource Guide
Explore information about employment services, workplace supports, advocacy, policies, and resources that can help people with developmental disabilities pursue meaningful employment. Available in English and Spanish.
Whether you are looking for employment resources, learning more about workplace rights or exploring ways to support inclusive employment, these resources can help you take the next step.
Find more here: http://www.scdd.ca.gov/ndeam
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These free virtual Lunch & Learn sessions will share information and resources about employment for people with disabilities.
Sessions will cover California’s Employment First Policy, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), employment advocacy, the employer perspective, and benefits planning.
The series includes presentations in English and Spanish, with Spanish interpretation available for select English sessions.
More Information: Call 714-558-4404 or email orangecounty@scdd.ca.gov
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Estas sesiones virtuales gratuitas compartirán información y recursos sobre el empleo para personas con discapacidades.
La serie incluye una sesión presentada completamente en español y dos sesiones en inglés con interpretación al español.
Los temas incluyen la Política de Empleo Primero de California, la Ley de Innovación y Oportunidades para la Fuerza Laboral (WIOA), la defensa del empleo, la perspectiva de los empleadores y la planificación de beneficios.
Más Información: Llame 714-558-4404 Correo orangecounty@scdd.ca.gov
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English Presentation
Thursday, October 1, 2026
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. | Setting the Stage: California’s Employment First Policy, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and Employment Advocacy
Zoom Link: CelebratingValueTalent_session1
Webinar ID: 873 4669 0570 | | Sesión 2 – Presentación en español
Jueves, 8 de octubre de 2026
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. | Preparando el Camino: La Política de Empleo Primero de California, la Ley de Innovación y Oportunidades para la Fuerza Laboral (WIOA) y la Defensa del Empleo
Enlace Zoom:
CelebratingValueTalent_sesion2
ID del Seminario: 869 4364 5499 | | Session 3
English with Spanish Interpretation
Thursday, October 22, 2026
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. | Voice of the Employer
Zoom Link:
CelebratingValueTalent_Session3
Webinar ID: 868 3053 1089 | | Session 4
English with Spanish Interpretation
Thursday, October 29, 2026
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. | Benefits Planning: Dispelling Myths & Launching Employment While Maintaining Benefits
Zoom Link: CelebratingValueTalent_Session4
Webinar ID: 894 0117 2352 | | | |
The Council thanks the self-advocates, families, professionals, and community members who shared their ideas in this year’s bill contest. Your input highlights the real issues facing our community and strengthens SCDD’s push for solutions.
Together, we’re disrupting systems to make them more effective, efficient, agile, and accountable for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Read the report: https://bit.ly/4rHaXb5
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Community Conversations: Your Voice Belongs in the Conversation
SCDD’s Community Conversations are on a roll and this month there are three:
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Sequoia (Fresno Region) on Oct. 1
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North Coast (Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino and Lake Counties) on Oct. 9
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San Diego Imperial on Oct. 16
Join us to hear updates on SCDD’s work and policy developments, connect with others, and share your perspectives on the issues that matter most to you and your community.
Meeting details: https://scdd.ca.gov/community-conversations/
| | MEETINGS, PROGRAMS & PROJECTS | |
Executive Committee Meeting
The Executive Committee serves as the coordinating body to the Council. The Committee is comprised of the Council Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Chairs of each standing committee and up to two other Council members. The Executive Committee has delegated authority to act on behalf of the Council.
The next meeting is Tuesday, October 20
Meeting time and details: https://scdd.ca.gov/executive_committee/
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Coming Soon! Empowered by AI: Independence with Safety in Mind
Artificial intelligence can help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities complete everyday tasks, organize information and build independence — but it can also provide unsafe or misleading advice.
Join SCDD’s Orange County Regional Office for a free virtual workshop on using AI safely while supporting independence, mental health and strong human connections.
November 4, 2026 | 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. | Live on Zoom
Learn more, view the flyer and register: https://bit.ly/3Ty9GGI
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Regional Center Services Made Easier to Understand
Looking for clear information about regional center services and supports? SCDD’s Regional Center Services resource page can help.
The page explains different types of services, answers common questions, and connects people with developmental disabilities and their families to helpful resources — all in one place.
Visit the Regional Center Services page to learn more about services and supports that may be available to you.
Learn more: https://scdd.ca.gov/regionalcenterservices/
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NEW! Two-Part Self-Determination Program (SDP) Orientation Series
Want to learn about the Self-Determination Program (SDP)? Join us to see how it works and if it is right for you or your family.
The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD), with the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), offers free online SDP Orientation sessions.
These sessions are for people with disabilities and their families. They are offered in English, Spanish, and other languages.
You will hear from SCDD staff and co-trainers who have real-life experience with the program.
Learn more and sign up: https://scdd.ca.gov/sdp-orientation/
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Join the SCDD Quality Assessment Project team!
SCDD is hiring contracted interviewers to speak with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) about the services they receive.
Paid training is provided, and interviewers earn $90–$120 per interview.
We're especially seeking interviewers in the North Bay, including Sonoma, Napa, and Solano counties. People with I/DD, family members, and bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
Learn more and apply today: https://scdd.ca.gov/qap/
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SCDD is recruiting contracted interviewers for the FY 2026–2027 National Core Indicators (NCI) In-Person Survey, which begins in October 2026. Interviewers will conduct surveys with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in person and remotely via Zoom.
Ideal candidates are reliable, organized, comfortable using technology, and have strong communication skills. Paid remote training is provided, and interviewers earn $90–$120 per completed interview, with additional bilingual pay available.
Individuals with I/DD, family members, and bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
Apply here: https://scdd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cNojLZVLwi8Rrlc
Questions? Email QAProject@scdd.ca.gov.
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The General Election is Tuesday, November 3. Check your registration, know your voting options and make a plan to vote.
Key dates to know:
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October 5: Counties begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots, and ballot drop-off locations open.
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October 19: Last day to register to vote. Same Day Voter Registration is available after the deadline.
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November 3: Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.
Voting information and assistance for voters with disabilities:
https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voters-disabilities
View the Official Voter Information Guide:
https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/
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Innovation in Action
Partnerships are helping turn ideas into meaningful change.
Through collaborations with SCDD, innovative projects are improving access to services, health care experiences, future planning, and opportunities for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Explore six California projects making an impact:
Source: Originally shared by our partners at the Information and Technical Assistance Center (ITACC) and republished by the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD).
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• SCDD Calendar – Council, Committee, Trainings, and Self-Advocate events
https://scdd.ca.gov/scddcalendar/
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