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When The Arc of Ventura County opened its Simi Valley day program location to voters this fall, a community partnership helped make it possible, while creating memorable experiences for approximately 50 participants and staff at the nearby Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
The effort began in December 2025, when the Ventura County Elections office contacted The Arc of Ventura County about becoming an official voting site. Executive Director Esther Anaya, M.Ed., welcomed the opportunity. After inspections to confirm the location met accessibility requirements, the site received approval in early 2026.
With voting scheduled for October 31–November 3, the team needed an alternate location for its adult day program on Monday and Tuesday. Anaya reached out to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, which quickly agreed to welcome the group for both days. R&D Transportation Services adjusted transportation routes to accommodate the temporary program location.
The collaboration allowed The Arc of Ventura to provide an accessible voting location while participants explored a community landmark. The Library arranged special experiences, including a behind-the-scenes tour and lunch beneath Air Force One.
Participants enjoyed seeing the aircraft, touring exhibits and spending time together. One participant shared: “There was a lot of stuff, I learned a lot, the tour people were so nice and that was so awesome!”
Families also welcomed the experience. One parent said their son especially enjoyed the military jets, Air Force One and the Marine One helicopter.
“It was a wonderful experience. Ashley loved touring the airplane, posing at the podium in the Oval Office exhibit and eating together as a group,” Ashley’s parent said.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute also celebrated the partnership. “We were proud to partner with The Arc of Ventura County to welcome our neighbors to the Reagan Library, allowing their facility to serve as a polling location and helping ensure every eligible citizen has access to the democratic process.”
For Anaya, the experience demonstrated what organizations can accomplish together. “It was a beautiful quilting of organizations collaborating to support voter accessibility,” she said. “This is what community engagement can be. Everyone involved collaborated to support democracy.”
The Arc of California congratulates The Arc of Ventura County, the Library, Ventura County Elections and R&D Transportation for working together to support accessible voting and community inclusion.