California Disability Services Association

12/09/2025

10/16/2025

Governor Gavin Newsom has officially signed AB 815 (Ortega) into law!

This bill is an important win for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and especially the direct support professionals (DSPs) who serve them. By protecting DSPs from being misclassified on their personal auto insurance, AB 815 ensures they can continue supporting Californians with IDD in their communities without risking their coverage.

CDSA proudly sponsored AB 815 in partnership with Assemblymember Liz Ortega and California Behavioral Health Association. We are deeply grateful to state leaders for their strong support of Californians with IDD and the direct support workforce.

This success is also a testament to the powerful advocacy of our members, whose dedication helped drive this change forward for the DSPs and the people they serve. Thank you to everyone who made this a reality!

10/13/2025

CDSA staff went truly statewide last week! We started in Fresno at the Bridging Horizons Conference, where we attended the Bridge Builder Awards on Wednesday and participated in the vendor fair for the rest of the week. Executive Director Barry Jardini joined the fun in Fresno on Friday to speak on a panel alongside ARCA - Association of Regional Center Agencies and California Department of Developmental Services, after presenting to the Supported Life Conference in Sacramento on Thursday. Meanwhile, CDSA staff joined our Inland Empire Caucus in Riverside on Thursday evening to honor dedicated community partners.

We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to disability community events. Thank you to all our members who work every day to build community across California.

10/08/2025

CDSA is honored to join our members and the larger disability community today at the Bridging Horizons Conference, celebrating Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula with this year’s Bridge Builder Award!

Dr. Arambula has long been a champion for equity and access for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and the direct support workforce that serves them. His leadership and dedication to our community truly reflect the spirit of this award.

As a valued partner to the disability community, he has played a pivotal role in improving funding for disability services. This year, Dr. Arambula worked with CDSA to pass HR 70, which recognized the vital contributions of the direct support workforce in California.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Arambula for this much deserved award, and thanking him for his work on behalf of Californians with disabilities.

09/25/2025

So grateful that representatives of local elected officials like Assemblymember Tasha Boerner joined us in Carlsbad to celebrate our exceptional DSP Empowerment Award winners! Please join us in thanking the district staff who spent their evening learning more about the the incredible impact our DSPs make for Californians with disabilities every day. Listening and carrying the message makes a difference too.

The California Disability Services Association gathered in Carlsbad for a three-day conference with over 100 organizations dedicated to supporting Californians with disabilities.

was proud to celebrate Direct Support Professionals—the heart of this work — whose initiative, adaptability, and resilience ensure outstanding care every day. 🌟👏

09/14/2025

09/13/2025

09/13/2025

As DSP Recognition Week draws to a close, we reflect with gratitude on all the talented direct support professionals (DSPs) who empower Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.

This year, CDSA was thrilled to hold our second annual DSP Empowerment Awards, honoring 5 extraordinary DSPs. Their dedication, compassion, and advocacy light the way toward stronger, more inclusive communities across California. Our members’ nominations also gave us the opportunity to share more inspiring DSP stories, in partnership with California Department of Developmental Services.

Though DSPRW is ending, our appreciation for the direct support workforce never does.

To every DSP: thank you for the life-changing impact you make every single day.

09/12/2025

Direct Support Professional Empowerment Award winner Shakendra Burks has worked for Futures Explored since 2006, providing excellent person-centered support to Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for 19 years.

Shakendra lives by the principle of “nothing about us without us,” empowering the people she supports to make their own choices and live authentically. She creates a space where individuals feel respected and valued adapting activities to fit their goals and celebrating their strengths.

Beyond her day-to-day support, Shakendra fosters meaningful relationships, organizes community and social events, and mentors her coworkers with creativity and reliability. Shakendra doesn’t just support people—she empowers them.

We are proud to honor her as one of this year’s DSP Empowerment Award winners.

09/11/2025

Direct Support Professional Empowerment Award winner Camryn Storvold is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Options For All, where she has become a cornerstone for her program and a model of excellence.

Camryn brings unmatched compassion, professionalism, and dedication to her role. By building trust with clients, families, and team members alike, she embodies what it means to be an exceptional DSP.

She notices the small moments, when someone hesitates before trying a new activity or wants to take the lead. She offers encouragement that lets them shine. Camryn empowers people to make choices, take risks, and celebrate successes, while creating opportunities for meaningful connections and friendships.

We are proud to celebrate Camryn Storvold as a DSP Empowerment Award winner. Thank you, Camryn, for all that you do!

09/10/2025

Direct Support Professional Empowerment Award winner Magdalena Cuevas has been an integral part of Fontana Resources at Work for the past three years, bringing warmth, patience, and dedication to every aspect of her role.

Magdalena adapts activities to fit everyone’s needs, from slowing down during exercises to helping someone speak up in a group. She celebrates their strengths, honors their choices, embodying the idea of meeting everyone where they are at.

Her impact goes beyond her clients. She mentors new group leaders and creates a collaborative environment for everyone around her. Her presence inspires trust, comfort, and respect, building bonds that positively impact the lives of Californians with disabilities.

CDSA is proud to celebrate her extraordinary dedication and heart. Thank you, Magdalena, for everything you do!