Latino Leadership Summit Archives - The Arc of California

Latino Disability Leaders Align on 2026 Policy Priorities at El Arc Summit

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 A ssociation 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.

Dolores Huerta Inspires to Build Power and Influence Systemic Change at the California Latino Disability Leadership Summit in Los Angeles

By Tim Hornbecker, Grassroots Organizer, The Arc of California

I was inspired, informed, and challenged by attending the El Arc de California Latino Disability Leadership Summit in Los Angeles last week. I was inspired by meeting and listening to the co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, Dolores Huerta. I had the privilege of working with her and Cesar Chavez during the Grape Boycott (Huelga) march to Washington, D.C. in the late 1960’s. She was the organizer of the marches, and still inspires me at age 93! “Our voice matters” Dolores exclaimed! “We had a lot of power because of our numbers during the boycotts. Poor people can organize. Every person is an activist, every moment is an opportunity to give hope and transform. We need to love and organize more!” Her messages are still the same. Our presence and our voices are needed in these times of racism, inequality, and injustice. She had all of us raising our fists shouting, “Si, Se Puede”, Yes We Can!

Dolores’ opening speech at the second Leadership Summit of 2023 undoubtedly had a profound impact on the assembled leaders. As a legendary civil rights activist, Dolores bought a wealth of experience and wisdom to the gathering. Her speech likely served as a powerful catalyst for the leaders, inspiring them to engage in meaningful action and advocacy.

Dolores’ focus on the themes of power building, organizing for systemic change, and addressing disparities resonated deeply with the leaders. Her emphasis on creating power through unity and collective action encouraged the leaders to consider their own roles in effecting change within their respective communities. By emphasizing the importance of organizing and advocating for systemic change, she challenged the leaders to think strategically and proactively about their advocacy efforts.

Overall, Dolores left an indelible impact on the summit’s attendees, fueling their sense of purpose, solidarity, and commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities to Latinos with disability community in California.

Grace Huerta, daughter in law of Dolores, opened the Summit as the Chairperson of El Arc de California. “What is important to us and what are our challenges? We deserve a unique platform, and El Arc will provide this support with you,” Grace said. She emphasized the lack of support and respect, lack of communication and access to available services. “We won’t stay silent. We have rights. We are leaders, intelligent and brave with voices to change these disparities!”

If the voices of these two women weren’t enough, the Summit was facilitated by Ana Garcia-Ashley. She is Executive Director for the Gamaliel Foundation, where a young Barack Obama learned how to be a community organizer. But Gamaliel teaches there are no permanent friends or enemies in organizing. She was arrested with 1,000 families at the White House protesting Obama deporting more immigrants than any other President!

Ana clarified that El Arc is a grassroots movement of Latino disability advocates to build power, develop leaders and encourage change. To accomplish these outcomes, the over 40 leaders met together and worked in three separate groups. She facilitated and constantly challenged each of these groups. Group #1 – Relationship Building with DDS, Group #2 – Communicating Stories of the Latino disability community, Group #3 – Building Relationships with Legislators about the needs of the Latino disability community.

Thank you to our host, Emilio Sosa, Chief Executive Officer at The Arc of Los Angeles & Orange Counties for their meeting room, transportation, as well as meals provided by their Culinary Arts Program. They were an example of organizing families and informing their elected officials about their successes and challenges. Attending the evening reception was the Mayor of Downey, Claudia Frometa, as well as the Mayor Pro-Tempore Mario Trujillo. Also, the City of Downey Councilmember Hector Sosa and 64^th district Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco recognized and welcomed El Arc de California leaders!