California Disability Services Association

10/20/2026

CDSA staff had the privilege to join a celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) headquarters. It was a great reminder that community partnerships make employment possible for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Johnson recognized SMUD for their dedication to inclusive employment. In partnership with local service providers like CDSA member InAlliance, SMUD has hired many talented, valuable employees with disabilities who enrich their workforce.

Thank you to SMUD, the InAlliance team, and all our members who help make inclusive employment a reality for Californians with disabilities, not just in October but year-round!

10/09/2026

Last week, CDSA members celebrated our direct support workforce twice...together! We kicked off CDSA Aligned with great news: AB 2414, our bill to formally recognize direct support professionals (DSPs) in California law, was signed by Governor Newsom! So grateful to our legislative champion Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen who authored the bill and helped us earn recognition for DSPs across the state.

Then we honored our five DSP Empowerment Award winners at the awards reception at Lake Tahoe. It was inspiring to hear from all of these exceptional DSPs! Their dedication to Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their passion for service truly shines.

Thank you to all the members who joined us in Tahoe, supported the conference, or even just nominated your fantastic DSPs for our awards program. And of course, thank you to everyone who advocated for AB 2414 at every step of the way.

09/18/2026

Congratulations to Direct Support Professional (DSP) Empowerment Award winner Teresa Contreras, a Job Coach with decades of experience at Pleasantview Industries!

Teresa has built a nearly 30-year legacy of empowering individuals with disabilities, families, and peers to thrive. By advocating for the people she serves in the community, she helps them expand their own social and professional networks. Her impact is reflected in their glowing feedback.

Teresa courageously welcomes new approaches and technology to provide better services. She draws inspiration from organizational shifts to improve the quality of life for the individuals she supports.

As the "jewel in Pleasantview’s crown," Teresa’s accomplishments are recognized within the larger community. By serving as a positive reflection of Pleasantview's mission in local job sites, Teresa uplifts the entire organization.

Thank you, Teresa, for dedicated service to Californians with disabilities!

09/17/2026

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Empowerment Award winner Samantha Herrera is a dedicated and compassionate Life Skills Coach at Easterseals SoCal.

Samantha consistently empowers individuals to grow, speak up for themselves, and engage meaningfully in their program and community. By facilitating opportunities like the Emotional Awareness Club and the Art Club, she creates inclusive environments that foster creativity and self-expression.

Samantha also demonstrates leadership, accountability, and commitment to participant and staff wellbeing as her program’s Safety Liaison. She is a strong advocate for the rights, safety, and dignity of the individuals she supports.

Samantha is well respected by her colleagues and the people she serves for her ability to build trust, encourage self-advocacy, and reduce barriers.

Congratulations Samantha! CDSA appreciates everything you do.

09/16/2026

We are thrilled to recognize LeeAnna K. Walker-Maddox, DSP II at PSW, with a CDSA Direct Support Professional (DSP) Empowerment Award!

LeeAnna’s dedication to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) began at an early age! Growing up in a family that owned and operated group homes, she built meaningful relationships and developed a strong foundation of empathy and inclusion.

Today, LeeAnna has distinguished herself through an exceptional ability to build and sustain trusting, supportive relationships with the individuals and families she supports. She creates an environment where others feel valued, respected, and empowered to engage meaningfully.

She’s also Special Olympics coach for basketball and track and field, fostering teamwork, inclusion, and confidence. What a DSP!

Thank you, LeAnna, for everything you do!

09/15/2026

CDSA is proud to honor Direct Support Professional (DSP) Empowerment Award winner Zen Chamberlain, a Community Support Facilitator 2 at Hope Services.

Zen is dedicated to creating opportunities for the individuals he serves in the Integration Training program. When individuals in his program set goals for a healthier lifestyle, Zen negotiated a group rate for the program to access a local fitness center. Now they regularly exercise in a community setting, making connections with other gym regulars.

Zen shows a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), earning him the organizational 2026 DEI Champion Award! He is also an outspoken advocate for the workforce. Zen serves as DSP program ambassador on the agency engagement committee.

Please help us congratulate Zen for his service and leadership!

09/14/2026

This , CDSA is thrilled to highlight each of our five Direct Support Professional (DSP) Empowerment Award winners! This program honors exceptional California DSPs who demonstrate talent, dedication, and professionalism in direct support.

DSPEA winner Edwin Badua is an employment specialist at InAlliance, who also serves individuals with disabilities in supported living and independent living at TWO other organizations. He is known for always saying “yes!”

Edwin adapts his job coaching to individual needs. He has supported his clients through life-altering medical issues, mistrust in new job environments, and breaking barriers to educational opportunities. If someone needs extra hands-on support, he provides it!

Thank you, Edwin, for your dedication! You exemplify what makes DSPs so incredible.

09/13/2026

Direct support professionals (DSPs) are the skilled, dedicated workforce serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By supporting inclusion and independence, DSPs change lives for Californians with disabilities and their families every single day.

CDSA will celebrate DSPs all week long for Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (DSPRW). This year, the entire California Legislature is celebrating with us!

Assemblymember John Harabedian and Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes collaborated with CDSA to introduce Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 232, which officially declares this week as DSPRW statewide. It was passed unanimously in the California Assembly and Senate! We thank them for recognizing the contributions that DSPs make to communities across the state.

Please join CDSA and the state legislature in celebrating California DSPs!

READ ACR 232
English: https://bit.ly/4hniEjb
Spanish: https://bit.ly/4cHcWpM

08/10/2026

Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 232 has passed the California Assembly and Senate!

Thanks to the leadership of Assemblymember John Harabedian and co-author Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, the State Legislature is officially declaring September 13-19, 2026 as Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week.

Direct support professionals show up every single day with compassion and dedication to Californians with disabilities and their families. This Resolution honors their skilled work and their vital role in our communities.

A huge thank you to all of the dedicated DSPs across California. We are so grateful to the Legislature for honoring your important work.

07/23/2026