SCDD SEPTEMBER NEWS & EVENTS

(All times are Pacific Daylight Time unless otherwise noted)

Times, events, and hyperlinks are subject to change.

SEPTEMBER IS

National Preparedness Month

https://www.ready.gov/september

Labor Day — Monday, September 7

https://www.dol.gov/laborday

(SCDD Headquarters and Regional Offices are closed)

National Hispanic Heritage Month — Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources/hispanic-heritage-month

First Day of Fall — Tuesday, September 22

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/fall-equinox-first-day-of-fall

California Native American Day — Friday, September 25

https://www.nativeamericanday.org/

September is Emergency Preparedness Month

Emergencies can happen at any time. Having a plan, knowing where to find trusted information and preparing for your individual needs can help you stay ready. Throughout Emergency Preparedness Month, SCDD is highlighting free tools, resources and trainings to help people with disabilities, their families and communities prepare for emergencies.

Learn more about emergency preparedness and find resources to help you plan, prepare and stay informed:

Here’s what you’ll find:

2026–2027 Safe Together Resource Guide

Explore information about emergency alerts, preparedness tools, safety and emergency apps, accessibility resources, power outages and more. Available in English and Spanish.

Practical Video Tips All Month Long

Throughout September, we’ll share eight short videos with practical emergency preparedness tips on our Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts.

Follow SCDD on social media to catch each tip throughout the month!

Free Virtual Trainings

Join SCDD and Project SAFEE for four free Emergency Preparedness Month trainings. Sessions are available in English and Spanish, with trainings specifically for self-advocates and family advocates.

Whether you are making an emergency plan for the first time or updating one you already have, these tools can help you take the next step.

Find more here: scdd.ca.gov/emergency-preparedness-month/

The 2026â2027 Safe Together Resource Guide

GuÃa de Recursos A Salvo Juntos 2026â2027

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS STATEWIDE TRAININGS

English Training Sessions

These free virtual sessions will share practical information to help people with disabilities and their families prepare for emergencies.

The first session is designed for self-advocates and will cover steps and resources that can help with emergency preparedness.

The second session is designed for family advocates and will share information to help families plan ahead and prepare for emergencies.

Capacitaciones en español

Estas capacitaciones virtuales gratuitas compartirán información práctica para ayudar a las personas con discapacidades y sus familias a prepararse para emergencias.

La primera capacitación está dirigida a autodefensores y cubrirá pasos y recursos que pueden ayudar con la preparación para emergencias.

La segunda capacitación está dirigida a defensores de familias y compartirá información para ayudar a las familias a planificar con anticipación y prepararse para emergencias.

Session 1 – Emergency Preparedness for Self-Advocates

Presented by Project SAFEE in English

• For more information: sandiego@scdd.ca.gov

Date: Wednesday, September 9

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• Join Zoom Meeting bit.ly/4b6T2DZ

Session 2 – Emergency Preparedness for Family Advocates

Presented by SCDD Staff in English

• For more information: sandiego@scdd.ca.gov

Date: Wednesday, September 16

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

• Join Zoom Meeting bit.ly/4wCZVoF

Sesión 3 – Preparación para emergencias para los auto-defensores

Presentado por Project SAFEE en español

más información: sandiego@scdd.ca.gov

Cuando: Miércoles, 23 de septiembre

Dónde: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Enlace de Zoom: bit.ly/4bvVROL

ID de la reunión: 869 6049 8267

Sesión 4 – Preparación para emergencias dirigida a defensores de familias

Presentado en español por el personal del SCDD

más información: sandiego@scdd.ca.gov

Cuando: Miércoles, 30 de septiembre

Dónde: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Enlace de Zoom: bit.ly/4ftVMh1

ID de la reunión: 822 1342 5932

POLICY RELATED NEWS

Community Conversations: Your Voice Belongs in the Conversation

SCDD’s Community Conversations are coming to Sacramento on Sept. 11 and the North Bay on Sept. 26!

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.

Your voice helps inform our work to improve policies and systems for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Find meeting details here: https://scdd.ca.gov/community-conversations/

MEETINGS, PROGRAMS & PROJECTS

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, September 10

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, September 21

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

In-Person May Council Meeting

The next meeting is Tuesday, September 29

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

Image of the Regional Center Resource Page

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/

Regional Center Services Resource Page

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/

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Blue speech bubble with copy that reads Join Our Team!

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/

Now Recruiting: NCI In-Person Survey (IPS) Interviewers

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.

FROM OUR PARTNERS

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:

California CARE Registry for First Responders, Vulnerable Populations, Caregivers, and Disasters: Read https://itacchelp.org/project/ca-california-care-registry-for-first-responders-vulnerable-populations-caregivers-and-disasters/
Expanding Access to Self-Determination: https://itacchelp.org/project/project-title-ca-expanding-access-to-self-determination/
Life Care Portfolio: https://itacchelp.org/project/project-title-ca-life-care-portfolio/
Technical Assistance Clinics: https://itacchelp.org/project/project-title-ca-technical-assistance-clinics/
Sensory-Friendly Health Care: https://itacchelp.org/project/project-title-ca-sensory-friendly-health-care/
Service Connections – Professional Training: https://itacchelp.org/project/project-title-ca-service-connections-professional-training/

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).