The County of Ventura will host the third annual California Government & Disability Summit Sept. 1-3, 2026, bringing together disability advocates, government leaders, service providers and community members to explore ways to improve accessibility and inclusion throughout California.
After two successful summits, organizers are building on the momentum with this year’s theme, ‘Access That Moves Us.’ The summit will focus on healthcare, transportation, emergency preparedness and other topics aimed at addressing barriers to essential services and supporting independent living and more accessible communities.
“We are eager to utilize the excitement around the event to amplify statewide dedication to advancing disability access through collaboration, lived and professional experience and innovative thing,” organizers said.
Participants will hear from leading experts on accessibility, public policy, innovative programs and strategies for advancing disability inclusion. The summit is designed to foster collaboration and highlight solutions that improve access throughout California and beyond.
The keynote luncheon on Sept. 2 will feature California State Assemblyman Jeff Gonzales, an advocate for Californians with disabilities, seniors and families navigating the healthcare system.
Sessions on Sept. 1 will cover networking through a disability lens, ADA-compliant public transit, wheelchair repairs programs, accessible emergency preparedness and response, disability-inclusive healthcare, digital accessibility, and turning difficult conversations into action plans.
On Sept. 2, attendees can visit the Resource Fair and attend sessions on transportation accessibility during emergencies, access and function needs in local government, leadership opportunity for youth, discussing accessibility, improving inclusion in public health, and accessibility innovation. The day will conclude with an arts event and networking mixer.
Sessions on Sept. 3 will focus on Medi-Cal and Home and Community-Based Services, creating more inclusive public transit, California’s Independent Living Councils, accessibility in outdoor recreation and nature experiences, policy and systems change, the medical and social models of disability, transportation and emergency preparedness, youth and young adults’ perspectives on disability, and assistive technology in the workplace, transportation and digital environments. The summit will conclude with a wrap-up and discussion of next steps.
Registration, sponsorship opportunities and additional information are available at: govdisabilitysummit.org.