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El Arc de California convened a highly impactful two-day Latino Disability Leadership Summit on December 5–6 in San Bernardino, bringing together 60 Latino leaders from across California for a powerful meeting focused on policy alignment, equity, and long-term systems change. Advocates representing community-based organizations, families, and self-advocates were fully engaged across both days, generating strong momentum for the coalition’s shared advocacy agenda.
The summit marked a significant milestone in El Arc’s statewide organizing efforts. Participation and feedback were overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the deep commitment of coalition members to collective leadership and strategic alignment. Speakers throughout the event reinforced shared statewide priorities, while the collaboration between the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA), and individual Regional Centers stood out as a meaningful and visible demonstration of partnership.
The coalition received strong validation and encouragement from Amy Westling, Executive Director of ARCA, and Dr. Michi Gates, Chief Deputy Director of Program Services at DDS. Both leaders underscored the importance of continued partnership, sustained collaboration, and long-term alignment with equity goals centered on Latino families and communities. Their presence and remarks affirmed the growing influence of the El Arc Coalition in shaping statewide disability policy conversations.
Inland Regional Center played a pivotal role in the success of the summit, helping to elevate both the visibility and impact of the meeting. Their support reinforced the importance of regional and community-based partnerships in advancing equitable access to developmental services.
The summit also included moments of recognition and celebration. El Arc de California was honored with a Certificate of Recognition from Congressman Pete Aguilar and Assemblymember Corey Jackson, acknowledging the coalition’s leadership and advocacy further recognized the coalition’s strong collaboration and organizing efforts with a special certificate, underscoring the growing respect for El Arc’s work among state and federal leaders.
A major achievement of the summit was the successful completion of the coalition’s policy prioritization process. Through facilitated discussion and collective decision-making led by Chris Arroyo and Sofia Cervantes from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, coalition members voted to advance the Caregiver Succession Planning as the top policy priority for 2026. This decision directly aligns with Master Plan Recommendation #100 and reflects the coalition’s commitment to addressing long-term stability and planning for families and caregivers of individuals with disabilities.
With this outcome, the coalition is now unified behind a clear policy direction and advocacy mandate for the coming year. The level of engagement, consensus, and commitment demonstrated at the San Bernardino summit positions El Arc de California and its partners strongly for the next phase of policy advocacy and systems change.
The December summit was more than a meeting—it was a reaffirmation of collective power, shared vision, and community-led leadership. As the coalition moves forward, the voices and priorities elevated in San Bernardino will continue to guide the work ahead, strengthening advocacy for equity, accountability, and lasting impact across California’s developmental services system. Click HERE to view photos.