Disability Rights California Celebrates the Art of Disability Justice at Fourth Annual Gala 
On the evening of March 18, 2026, Disability Rights California (DRC) hosted its fourth annual gala, The Art of Disability Justice at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria in downtown Sacramento. The event brought together disability advocates, community leaders, artists, and allies for a night of live performance, celebration, and shared commitment to disability rights across California. 

For the California Connect community, DRC's work is especially meaningful. As one of the nation's largest protection and advocacy organizations, DRC fights for the rights, access, and dignity of Californians with disabilities. These goals align directly with California Connect's mission of expanding communication access and assistive technology for Californians with disabilities. 

The Art of Disability Justice gala has become a signature event for DRC, blending celebration with purpose. This year's event featured live performances from members of the disability community and was intentionally accessible. The event was scent-free to accommodate individuals with environmental sensitivities, and real-time captioning and ASL interpreters were provided throughout the program as a reminder that inclusion is not an afterthought but a foundation. 

This year's gala comes on the heels of a significant milestone for DRC. Earlier this month, DRC's Board of Directors approved a new strategic direction including a refreshed mission, vision, and values to guide the organization over the next several years. DRC's updated mission directs the organization to work in partnership with people with disabilities to defend rights, advance opportunities, grow power, and expand public support for disability justice in California and beyond. At its core, this vision holds that disability is a natural part of the human experience and that people with disabilities deserve to be supported, valued, and empowered to lead. 

DRC CEO Andy Imparato highlighted the organization's recent work defending against harmful federal policies, investigating the treatment of disabled individuals in immigration detention and residential treatment facilities, and fighting proposed cuts to Medi-Cal. DRC has also launched a cross-disability power-building alliance to organize advocates across the state. 

Why This Matters for the California Connect Community 
The work of DRC and the work of California Connect share common ground. Both are committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have access to the tools, services, and rights to communicate, participate, and thrive. When organizations like DRC push back against Medi-Cal cuts and fight for civil rights in education, they are protecting the communities we serve every day. 

Here are a few ways you can stay engaged with DRC's advocacy: 

• Follow DRC on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Bluesky 
• Subscribe to DRC's Substack newsletter — already read by over 16,000 subscribers 
• Accessible Technology as an Act of Advocacy 

Events like DRC's gala are a powerful reminder that advocacy takes many forms from courtrooms and legislation to art, community, and technology. Assistive technology (AT) is one of the most direct ways people with disabilities access communication, independence, and civic life. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from communication AT; California Connect is here! Our program provides free AT equipment and training for eligible Californians with disabilities. 

Moving Forward Together 
DRC's fourth annual gala is a celebration AND a call to action. As DRC's new strategic vision makes clear, disability rights are not something to be defended in isolation. They require community, coalition, and people who are willing to show up. California Connect stands alongside organizations like DRC in that work. We believe in a future where communication access is a right, not a privilege; and where every person with disability has the tools and support to fully participate in community life. Congratulations to Disability Rights California on another powerful evening, and to everyone who showed up in Sacramento and in spirit to celebrate the Art of Disability Justice. 

About California Connect 
California Connect is a CPUC-funded assistive technology program that provides free communication devices and training to eligible Californians with speech, hearing, vision, or mobility disabilities. Learn more and apply at caconnect.org.