Parent Training & Information Center at DREDF

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

Every student should have the opportunity to learn alongside their peers in an inclusive and supportive school setting.

Still, too many disabled students are separated from their peers, face a shortage of trained staff, and experience disproportionate discipline at school.

The new California Disability Leadership Alliance’s 2026 State of the State: Disability Policy in California reports where we’re at and where we need to go.

Inclusion is a right. California can and must do better for our children.

Explore the full report: https://cadisabilityalliance.org/2026-state-of-the-state-disability-policy-in-california/

Cal Voices California Foundation for Independent Living Centers CCB Network Choice in Aging Disability Rights California National Federation of the Blind of California NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Painted Brain

10/07/2026

How does the special education evaluation process work? How do you request an evaluation? And what happens next?

Join DREDF’s Parent Training & Information Center for Part 3 of our 10-part Special Education Academy: Special Education Evaluations: Why and How We Evaluate Students with Disabilities.

Together, we’ll explore why evaluations matter, how they connect to getting an IEP, what families can expect during the process, and practical advocacy strategies you can use when working with your child’s IEP or 504 team.

October 13, 2026 | 7–8:45 p.m. PT | Virtual

Build your knowledge, understand the process, and gain more tools to advocate for your child.

Register: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Zw1G0fBUQT-e3uH6_vJFSQ
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¿Cómo funciona el proceso de evaluación de educación especial? ¿Cómo se solicita una evaluación? ¿Y qué sucede después?

Acompañe al Centro de Información y Capacitación para Padres de DREDF en la tercera sesión de nuestra Academia de Educación Especial (que consta de 10 partes): "Evaluaciones de educación especial: por qué y cómo evaluamos a los estudiantes con discapacidades".

Juntos exploraremos la importancia de las evaluaciones, su relación con la obtención de un IEP (Programa de Educación Individualizada), qué pueden esperar las familias durante el proceso y estrategias prácticas de defensa de derechos que puede utilizar al colaborar con el equipo del IEP o del plan 504 de su hijo.

14 de octubre de 2026 | 7:00 p. m. – 8:45 p. m. (hora del Pacífico) | Virtual

Amplíe sus conocimientos, comprenda el proceso y adquiera más herramientas para defender los derechos de su hijo.

Inscríbase aquí: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Zw1G0fBUQT-e3uH6_vJFSQ

09/17/2026

September 19 marks the first annual Black Autism Acceptance Day.
Black autistic people often experience the intersection of racism and ableism. They are more likely to be misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, or diagnosed later. Accessing healthcare, education, services, and opportunities is more challenging. Black autistic youth also experience disproportionate school discipline and increased risks during interactions with law enforcement.
Black Autism Acceptance Day was created to increase visibility, advance equity, and celebrate the lives, strengths, experiences, and contributions of Black autistic people.

Acceptance is more than awareness. It means challenging racism and ableism, removing barriers, providing equitable access to resources and opportunities, and respecting Black autistic people throughout their lives.

As we recognize the first Black Autism Acceptance Day, we celebrate Black autistic people and the many ways they contribute to their families, communities, and our world.

09/02/2026

Knowing your rights can help you advocate for your child.

The IEP process can be complicated, especially when you aren’t sure what your options are or you disagree with the school. Parents and families have rights throughout the special education process, and understanding them can help you participate more effectively in decisions about your child’s education.

Join DREDF’s Parent Training & Information Center online for Part 2 of our 10-part Special Education Academy:

Know Your Rights in the IEP Process.
September 14, 2026
7:00–8:45 p.m. PT

We’ll break down parents’ rights and explore practical tools and advocacy strategies you can use when challenges arise with your child’s IEP or 504 Plan.

Don’t miss the opportunity to build your knowledge, have your questions answered, and be better prepared to advocate for your child.

Register: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__BhtqNjBTOmB2Xdul6cuyw

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Conocer sus derechos puede ayudarle a defender los intereses de su hijo.

El proceso del IEP (Programa de Educación Individualizada) puede ser complicado, especialmente cuando no está seguro de cuáles son sus opciones o no está de acuerdo con la escuela. Los padres y las familias tienen derechos durante todo el proceso de educación especial; conocerlos le ayudará a participar de manera más efectiva en las decisiones sobre la educación de su hijo.

Acompañe en línea al Centro de Información y Capacitación para Padres de DREDF en la segunda sesión de nuestra Academia de Educación Especial, que consta de 10 partes:

Conozca sus derechos en el proceso del IEP.
15 de septiembre de 2026
7:00–8:45 p. m. (hora del Pacífico)

Analizaremos detalladamente los derechos de los padres y exploraremos herramientas prácticas y estrategias de defensa que podrá utilizar cuando surjan dificultades con el IEP o el Plan 504 de su hijo.

No pierda la oportunidad de ampliar sus conocimientos, resolver sus dudas y prepararse mejor para defender los intereses de su hijo.

Inscríbase aquí: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QP0pU-wZR3eiOgiFSzcCSw

08/31/2026

Navegar por los sistemas de educación, atención médica, servicios para personas con discapacidad, beneficios y otros puede resultar complicado, especialmente cuando las familias buscan información y apoyo en su idioma preferido.

El Centro de Información y Capacitación para Padres de DREDF se enorgullece de colaborar con el UC Davis MIND Institute y otras organizaciones comunitarias en su octava conferencia anual, presentada íntegramente en español para familias de niños con autismo y otras discapacidades del desarrollo.

La conferencia de este año se centrará en el tema: “Cómo desenvolverse en los sistemas de servicios para personas con discapacidades del desarrollo: transformar los desafíos en un camino claro hacia el bienestar.” Las familias tendrán la oportunidad de informarse sobre educación, servicios y beneficios, derechos individuales, salud mental, la transición a la vida adulta y otros recursos, además de conectarse directamente con especialistas y organizaciones comunitarias. Como parte de esta conferencia, los defensores de DREDF expondrán los aspectos básicos del IEP que todas las familias deben conocer, así como consejos de defensa de derechos que los padres pueden poner en práctica de inmediato.

Sábado, 19 de septiembre
8 a.m.–3 p.m.
UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento

El plazo de inscripción está abierto hasta el 16 de septiembre, con opciones de tarifa reducida y becas disponibles.

Esperamos que las familias hispanohablantes de nuestra comunidad se unan a nosotros para aprender, conectar, hacer preguntas y encontrar recursos que ayuden a sus hijos y seres queridos a prosperar.

Más información y registro: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/conference-aims-to-help-spanish-speaking-families-navigate-services-for-autism-other-developmental-disabilities/2026/08
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Navigating education, health care, disability services, benefits, and other systems can be complicated - especially when families are trying to find information and support in their preferred language.
DREDF’s Parent Training & Information Center is proud to partner with the UC Davis MIND Institute and other community organizations for their 8th annual conference presented entirely in Spanish for families of children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

This year’s conference will focus on “Navigating Service Systems for People with Developmental Disabilities: Transforming Challenges into a Clear Path Toward Well-Being.” Families will have opportunities to learn about education, services and benefits, individual rights, mental health, the transition to adulthood, and other resources and connect directly with specialists and community organizations. As part of this conference, DREDF's advocates will present on IEP basics that all families should understand, as well as advocacy tips parents can use immediately.

Saturday, September 19
8 a.m.–3 p.m.
UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento
Registration is open through September 16, with reduced-fee and scholarship options available.

We hope Spanish-speaking families in our community will join us to learn, connect, ask questions, and find resources to help their children and loved ones thrive.

Learn more and register:https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/conference-aims-to-help-spanish-speaking-families-navigate-services-for-autism-other-developmental-disabilities/2026/08

The eighth annual conference for the Spanish-speaking community is hosted by the MIND Institute and community partners.

07/31/2026

Understanding your rights is the first step toward effective advocacy.

Whether you're new to special education or looking to grow your knowledge, DREDF's Parent Training & Information Center is here to help.

Join us for Part 1 of our 10-part Special Education Training Series: Introducing the IDEA and Other Laws in Special Education.

Together, we'll explore:
- The six principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Other federal and state laws that support students with disabilities
- Practical advocacy strategies families can use right away
- How to communicate effectively with IEP and 504 teams

Monday, August 10, 2026
7:00–8:45 PM PT
Virtual

Register today: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CwAVQlCBQV-5kktJZ2L90g

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Conocer sus derechos es el primer paso para una defensa eficaz.

Ya sea que esté comenzando en el ámbito de la educación especial o que busque ampliar sus conocimientos, el Centro de Información y Capacitación para Padres de DREDF está aquí para ayudarle.

Acompáñenos en la primera parte de nuestra serie de capacitación sobre educación especial, que consta de 10 sesiones: Introducción a la ley IDEA y otras leyes de educación especial.

Juntos exploraremos:
- Los seis principios de la Ley de Educación para Individuos con Discapacidades (IDEA, por sus siglas en inglés)
- Otras leyes federales y estatales que apoyan a los estudiantes con discapacidades
- Estrategias prácticas de defensa que las familias pueden aplicar de inmediato
- Cómo comunicarse eficazmente con los equipos de IEP y 504

Lunes, 10 de agosto de 2026
7:00–8:45 p. m. (hora del Pacífico)
Virtual

Inscríbase hoy mismo: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CwAVQlCBQV-5kktJZ2L90g

07/20/2026

The future of technology should be shaped with people with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Join researchers, autistic self-advocates, clinicians, educators, and community members for an engaging conversation about the role technology plays in everyday life. Together, they'll explore current research, internet safety, inclusion, independence, and practical strategies for supporting people with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

The 2026 Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, hosted by the UC Davis MIND Institute, brings together both research expertise and lived experience to help inform better practice, policy, and support.

Friday, July 24, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT
Virtual (Zoom Webinar)

Register today:

Presenters address the latest advances in neurodevelopmental research and the most current standards for best practices

07/13/2026

From artificial intelligence and online safety to communication and independent living, technology is shaping the lives of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities in profound ways. Understanding both the opportunities and the challenges has never been more important.

Join the UC Davis MIND Institute for the 2026 Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, "The Age of Technology: Research, Risks and Strategies to Support Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities."

Hear from researchers, autistic self-advocates, and interdisciplinary experts as they explore how technology can better support inclusion, independence, and meaningful participation.
Friday, July 24, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT
Virtual (Zoom Webinar)

Continuing education credits are available.

Learn more and register:

Presenters address the latest advances in neurodevelopmental research and the most current standards for best practices

07/01/2026

Technology is rapidly changing how we learn, communicate, work, and access our communities. It also brings new opportunities and new challenges for people with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

The 2026 Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities will explore these issues through this year's theme, "The Age of Technology: Research, Risks and Strategies to Support Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities."

Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
Time: 8:30 am – 12 pm Pacific Time
Format: Virtual (Zoom Webinar)

Hosted by the UC Davis MIND Institute, this virtual event features a keynote from Dr. Lauren Tucker, a panel of autistic self-advocates and interdisciplinary experts, and interactive discussions on technology, inclusion, internet safety, and independence.
Whether you're a professional, educator, family member, self-advocate, or student, this is an opportunity to learn from researchers and lived experience experts with continuing education credits available.

Learn more and register now:

Presenters address the latest advances in neurodevelopmental research and the most current standards for best practices