May 18 – 19, 2026 in Sacramento
About DisCo at the Capitol
In 2026, California’s disability community faces one of the most pivotal policy years in more than a decade. Proposed federal budget reductions could threaten essential services, community inclusion, and the supports that 500,000 Californians rely on to live safely and independently. At the same time, our community is mobilizing with renewed purpose and unity — and DisCo at the Capitol is where that momentum becomes action.
We invite you to attend the 17th Annual DisCo at the Capitol: California Disability Community Advocacy Conference and help fuel the statewide movement for disability rights, equity, & access.
DAY 1 — May 18, 2026 | 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Evening Reception
Kick off the conference with an accessible, high-energy evening of community connection. Meet other advocates, reconnect with statewide partners, and enjoy a DJ experience designed for all abilities. Celebrate our collective impact as we prepare for a crucial day of advocacy.
| DAY 2 — May 19, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Advocacy Conference + Capitol Rally A full day of dynamic speakers, policy trailblazers, panel discussions with community leaders who are driving systems change across California. Then, join hundreds of advocates for a Capitol Rally and March where attendees will:
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Sponsorship Opportunities
A strong, accessible, community-centered event is possible thanks to supporters like you. Sponsorships help keep the conference low- or no-cost for people with disabilities and their families, opening the doors to wider participation and stronger statewide advocacy.
Sponsors receive high-visibility branding and meaningful opportunities to support California’s disability community.
We are excited to announce the following speakers:
MC Down & DJ Hymn
MC Down—also known as actor John Tucker from the Emmy Award–winning A&E series Born This Way—is a dynamic performer and recording artist whose infectious energy and love of music bring audiences together in celebration of inclusion and self-expression.
Partnering with MC Down is acclaimed producer and turntablist DJ Hymn, whose work spans film, television, and major commercial projects. Together, the duo delivers high-energy music, powerful beats, and an unforgettable performance experience.
Candis Welch
Candis Welch, former Ms. Wheelchair California, is a disability advocate, speaker, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practitioner dedicated to advancing accessibility and representation. Born and raised in Los Angeles and diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at 18 months, Candis earned both her bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s in public administration from California State University, Northridge.
Through her professional work and advocacy, Candis helps advance inclusive policies and programs and has served on advisory committees focused on accessibility, public safety, and civic participation.
Sofia Sanchez
Sofia Sanchez is an actress, model, author, and advocate who is changing the conversation around disability and inclusion. Born with Down syndrome, Sofia has used her voice and platform to inspire millions with her message of confidence, kindness, and belonging. She is the co-author of the children’s books You Are Enough, You Are Loved, and You Are Brave, which celebrate inclusion, family, and trying new things. Through acting, modeling, speaking engagements, and social media, Sofia continues to show the world that differences are beautiful and that everyone deserves to shine.
Special Performance
ACCESS Dance is a nonprofit 501c3 adaptive dance program for children and adults with disabilities. It is one of the largest and longest running adaptive dance programs in the country. ACCESS is designed especially for people who may need special attention in order to fully experience the joy of movement, self-expression and the therapeutic benefits of dance.
Program
May 18, 2026
Evening Reception
- 6:00 p.m. – Check- In, Mix-n-Mingle, Appetizers and Drinks
- 6:30 p.m. – Special Guest Speakers and Recognitions
- 7:00 p.m. – Music and Dancing with MC Down & DJ Hymn
- 9:00 p.m. – Reception ends
Full Price Tickets – $50
SPECIAL RATE: A limited number of scholarships for a discounted ticket are available to individuals with developmental disabilities. To apply, CLICK HERE.
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Cafeteria 15L
1116 15th St, Sacramento, CA 95814
May 19, 2026
Advocacy Conference and Silent DisCo
- 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Check in / Refreshments
- 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Welcome
- 10:00 a.m. – Capitol Rally
- 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Legislative Meetings & Hearing
- 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Lunch / Resource Fair
- 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Silent Disco
- 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Legislative Meetings
- 3:00 p.m. – End program / Raffle
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
West Steps – State Capitol
1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814
*The event will have ASL interpreters and Spanish translation available. For additional questions about ADA accommodations, please click HERE to submit an inquiry.
If your organization would like to table on Day 2 of the event at our Resource Fair, please fill out the form below.
Do you know an individual, organization, or program doing something truly innovative to advance disability advocacy, access or inclusion in California?
The California Disability Innovation in Advocacy Awardrecognizes groundbreaking ideas and leadership that expand access, strengthen inclusion, and improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Presented by The Arc of California, the Association of Regional Center Agencies, Easterseals, and United Cerebral Palsy, this award celebrates creative approaches that are transforming advocacy across our state.
You may nominate yourself or another individual, program, or organization that is making a meaningful difference in the disability community.
- Click HERE to learn more and submit a nomination
- Watch VIDEO of last year’s inaugural recipient, Season Goodpasture, founder of Acorns to Oak Trees
The award recipient will be recognized live at DisCo at the Capitol on May 19 in Sacramento.
Thank you to our sponsors:
CHAMPION:
ADVOCATE:
Chick-fil-A
Waymo
SUPPORTER:
Tierra del Sol
PARTNER:
College of Adaptive Arts
Home of Guiding Hands
Law Offices of Chad Carlock
Station 16 Restaurant – Elk Grove
Therap
UCP of the North Bay
BENEFACTOR:
Pat and Tim Hornbecker
Luther & Amy Nishimura in memory of Lori Nishimura
Presented By:
WHO WE ARE
The DisCo at the Capitol is brought to you by four of the most prominent nonprofit organizations in California dedicated to protecting the rights of people with disabilities and advancing inclusion in all aspects of our communities.
– The Arc of California promotes and protects the human rights of people with disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
– The Association of Regional Center Agencies advocates on Behalf of more than 550,000 Californians with Developmental Disabilities and the 21 Community-Based Regional Center System.
– For more than 100 years, Easterseals has been leading the way to full equity, inclusion and access through life-changing disability and community services.
– California affiliates of United Cerebral Palsy is a nationwide network of organizations providing support and services to children and adults with disabilities to live a “Life Without Limits”.