Search
Congreso Familiar was established in 1990 by Spanish-speaking parents and community partners in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in collaboration with the Regional Center of the East Bay. The Arc of California is the project’s fiscal agent. Before the COVID-19 public health emergency forced the closure of in-person events, Congreso Familiar was a gathering place for thousands of people in the Spanish-speaking Latino disability community dedicated to promoting education and leadership skills within families who have children with disabilities. After three years of hosting the event virtually, the Congreso Familiar conference returned to an in-person format at Chabot College on August 5, 2023.
More than 500 people – relatives, clients, volunteers, presenters, participants in the information fair – attended workshops, received information, enjoyed childcare activities, socialized, enjoyed a delicious lunch, and met new people in the community.
The conference drew families from near and far who were in need of education and information in their language and in a way that celebrates the Latino culture. The event held 32 workshops on various topics and 28 resource tables representing agencies from across the area. This conference is made possible by the support of the Regional Center of the East Bay and the work of many dedicated volunteers.