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. This reflects a commitment to inclusion as a foundation, not an afterthought. 

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. The updated mission focuses on working in partnership with people with disabilities to defend rights, advance opportunities, grow power, and expand public support for disability justice in California and beyond. 

DRC CEO Andy Imparato highlighted the organization’s recent work, including responding to federal policy changes, examining the treatment of individuals with disabilities in immigration detention and residential treatment facilities, and engaging in discussion related to proposed changes to Medi-Cal. DRC has also launched a cross-disability alliance to bring together advocates across the state. 

Why This Matters for the California Connect Community 

The work of DRC and California Connect shares common ground. Both are committed to supporting access to tools, services, and information that help people with disabilities to communicate, participate, and live more independently. 

Organizations like DRC contribute to boarder conversations about access, communication, and civil rights in areas such as education, healthcare, and public services. This work connects closely to the communities California Connects serves every day. 

Here are a few ways to stay engaged with DRC’s advocacy: 

• Follow DRC on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Bluesky 
• Subscribe to DRC’s Substack newsletter, which reaches 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 to help. Our program provides free equipment and training for eligible Californians with disabilities. 

Moving Forward Together 

DRC’s fourth annual gala is both a celebration and a call to action. As the organization’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 this work. We believe in a future where communication access is a right, not a privilege, and where every person with a disability has the tools and support needed 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.