At CDSA events, our members receive thorough updates about our policy work, collaborate and network with peers across the state, and drive our priorities for the future of IDD services in California.
REGIONAL PUBLIC POLICY BRIEFING
Members come together at the beginning of every year for a full day of comprehensive updates about the proposed state budget, policy priorities, and strategy for the legislative session ahead. Meetings are divided by north and south for member convenience, with the Northern meeting typically held in the larger Sacramento area or Bay Area and the Southern meeting in the Inland Empire or Los Angeles region. The regional nature of these meetings also offers participants an opportunity to discuss the impact of policy implementation by shared regional centers.
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS CONFERENCE
Held during legislative session, our Legislative Affairs Conference offers our members, their staff, and clients the chance to get directly involved in our advocacy work. More than 100 member executives, staff, self-advocates, and families from all over the state join us in Sacramento for a series of briefings on our policy agenda and trainings on legislative advocacy. Trained and up-to-date on issues affecting IDD providers, participants then meet with state legislators to advocate for IDD services.
PUBLIC POLICY PLANNING MEETING
After the state budget is passed and signed, usually in July or August, the Public Policy Committee convenes for 1-2 days of debriefing the past legislative session and strategizing for the next year. The Committee discusses strategy and how to adapt tactics based on lessons learned in the prior year, as well as the most pressing issues the system will be facing. Using this information, the remaining time is spent drafting a new public policy agenda to present to the Board for final approval.
ANNUAL MEETING
In the fall, our members convene for a three-day conference for educational and informational sessions, networking, and to prepare CDSA for the year ahead. Members travel from all over the state and the location of the conference varies by year to promote accessibility by different regions. Member-led committees report on their work from the past year and develop plans that align with our larger goals. The Annual Meeting also offers educational sessions from industry experts, addressing the most relevant challenges our providers are facing.