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    • 2024 Conference
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  • 2026 Conference Agenda

2026 Conference Agenda

Thursday, October 1, 2026

The agenda, including training sessions, presenters, times, and locations, is subject to change. Please check this page regularly for the latest schedule and updates.

Main Agenda

Fresno Convention Center: Day 1

10/01/2026

Event Welcome

9am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

Event Details

10/01/2026

Event Welcome

Matthew Bahr of CVRC officially welcomes attendees to Bridging Horizons 2026, opening the conference with reflections on its purpose, vision...

Event Details

9am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

Marketplace & Community Resource Fair: Connect, Discover, and Explore

9am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 1

Event Details

Marketplace & Community Resource Fair: Connect, Discover, and Explore

Explore the Marketplace and Community Resource Fair, where attendees can shop from local vendors, discover valuable programs and services, a...

Event Details

9am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 1

Keynote Speaker: Dani Bowman

930am

-

10am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

Event Details

Keynote Speaker: Dani Bowman

Dani Bowman—award-winning animator, autism advocate, and star of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum U.S.—welcomes attendees to Bridging Horizons...

Event Details

930am

-

10am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

SCDD's State of the State

10am

-

1045am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

Event Details

SCDD's State of the State

Aaron Carruthers, Executive Director of California’s State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD), presents a State of the State updat...

Event Details

10am

-

1045am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

Your Voice, Your Vote: Disability, Civic Engagement & California’s Future

1215pm

-

115pm

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

Event Details

Your Voice, Your Vote: Disability, Civic Engagement & California’s Future

An accessible, nonpartisan conversation about why voting and civic participation matter for people with disabilities, families, and supporte...

Event Details

1215pm

-

115pm

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

More Events

Breakout/Panel Agenda

10am to 11am Trainings/Panels 

These are offered on the second floor of the Fresno Convention Center

Room 2001

Multi-Family Housing

Saralynn E. Keenan

-

San Diego Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2001

Multi-Family Housing

Affordable Housing projects - building connections with Developers, Property Managers and stakeholders, developing systems for supporting in...

Event Details

Saralynn E. Keenan

-

San Diego Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Room 2002

HCBS Modifications

CVRC Federal Compliance Team

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2002

HCBS Modifications

Join the CVRC Federal Compliance Team for a practical training on Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) modifications. Learn when modific...

Event Details

CVRC Federal Compliance Team

Training- CE's TBD

Room 2008

Planning for Tomorrow: Succession Strategies for Sustainable Provider Leadership

Aaron Olson and James Clark

Panel

Event Details

Room 2008

Planning for Tomorrow: Succession Strategies for Sustainable Provider Leadership

Aaron Olson, CVRC Director of Community Resources, and James Clark of Jay Homes, Inc. share practical strategies for leadership succession, ...

Event Details

Aaron Olson and James Clark

Panel

Room 2009

Sexual Harassment in the Work Place

TBA

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2009

Sexual Harassment in the Work Place

Complete California-required Sexual Harassment Prevention Training and learn how to recognize, prevent, and respond to workplace harassment,...

Event Details

TBA

Training- CE's TBD

Room 2010

A Place to Belong: Community-Based Care for Medically Fragile Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Dana Lennemann

-

Our House Residential Care, STAR Center Adult Day Program

Panel

Event Details

Room 2010

A Place to Belong: Community-Based Care for Medically Fragile Adults with Developmental Disabilities

This session introduces the ICF/DD-N model and its role in supporting individuals with intermittent, recurring medical needs in community-ba...

Event Details

Dana Lennemann

-

Our House Residential Care, STAR Center Adult Day Program

Panel

More Events

Breakout/Panel Agenda: Day 1

11am to 12pm Trainings/Panels 

These are offered on the second floor of the Fresno Convention Center

Room 2002

Improving Organizational Safety Outcomes by Cultivating Positive Workplace Culture

Bryndahl Childers, LCSW

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training - CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2002

Improving Organizational Safety Outcomes by Cultivating Positive Workplace Culture

Explore how a positive workplace culture can strengthen organizational safety, reduce risk, and improve outcomes for employees and the peopl...

Event Details

Bryndahl Childers, LCSW

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training - CE's TBD

Room 2003

Protecting and Empowering: Managing P&I Funds and Individual Money Responsibily

Laurie Castro

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2003

Protecting and Empowering: Managing P&I Funds and Individual Money Responsibily

Learn best practices for managing personal and incidental (P&I) funds with accuracy, transparency, and accountability. This session explores...

Event Details

Laurie Castro

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Room 2004

Taking person-centered thinking and planning to the next level

Julie Beadle-Brown

-

California Community Living Network

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2004

Taking person-centered thinking and planning to the next level

This session will briefly outline and the PAVE Service outcomes system and how it will support DSPs and managers to enable and empower the p...

Event Details

Julie Beadle-Brown

-

California Community Living Network

Training- CE's TBD

Room 2008

Getting to Know the Foster Grandparents and Companions Program

Jean Martin

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Presentation

Event Details

Room 2008

Getting to Know the Foster Grandparents and Companions Program

Discover how the CVRC Foster Grandparents and Companions Program builds meaningful relationships through service and connection. Learn how i...

Event Details

Jean Martin

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Presentation

Room 2009

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace- Managers

TBA

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2009

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace- Managers

This second hour completes California’s required two-hour sexual harassment prevention training for managers and supervisors. The session bu...

Event Details

TBA

Training- CE's TBD

More Events

Breakout/Panel Agenda: Day 1

4pm to 5pm Trainings/Panels 

These are offered on the second floor of the Fresno Convention Center

Room 2001

Building Recovery Pathways and Understanding SUD & Prevention in the IDD

Hilario Vazquez

-

Sober State, LLC

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2001

Building Recovery Pathways and Understanding SUD & Prevention in the IDD

This session will explore the services, methodologies, and recovery principles that help individuals with disabilities build meaningful conn...

Event Details

Hilario Vazquez

-

Sober State, LLC

Training- CE's TBD

Room 2003

A place for everyone: Real Skills and Real Lives

Dr. Amy Kaufman

-

MARS Group

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2003

A place for everyone: Real Skills and Real Lives

Through real-world stories and visual examples, this presentation highlights the progress of individuals with pica as they take meaningful s...

Event Details

Dr. Amy Kaufman

-

MARS Group

Training- CE's TBD

Room 2003

Beyond Compliance: Building a QA System That Works

Quality Assurance Team

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2003

Beyond Compliance: Building a QA System That Works

Explore how to build a quality assurance system that goes beyond meeting requirements to drive meaningful, lasting improvement. This session...

Event Details

Quality Assurance Team

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Room 2004

Partnering for Employment The Role of the Employment Specialist in Supporting Individual Success

Gabriel Ruiz

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2004

Partnering for Employment The Role of the Employment Specialist in Supporting Individual Success

Explore how employment specialists collaborate with individuals, families, service providers, and employers to create meaningful pathways to...

Event Details

Gabriel Ruiz

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Room 2005

Do's and Don't of HCBS

Federal Compliance Team

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2005

Do's and Don't of HCBS

Gain practical guidance for applying Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) requirements in everyday settings. This session reviews common...

Event Details

Federal Compliance Team

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

More Events

Breakout/Panel Agenda: Day 1

5pm to 6pm Trainings/Panels 

These are offered on the second floor of the Fresno Convention Center

Room 2001

Reporting Matters: Strengthening Timely and Accurate SIR and Incident Reporting

Special Incident Reporting Team

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2001

Reporting Matters: Strengthening Timely and Accurate SIR and Incident Reporting

Strengthen your understanding of Special Incident Report (SIR) and incident-reporting requirements. This session provides practical guidance...

Event Details

Special Incident Reporting Team

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Room 2002

Building Inclusion Through Cultural Diversity: Creating Spaces Where Everyone Belongs

Natasha Ambriz

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2002

Building Inclusion Through Cultural Diversity: Creating Spaces Where Everyone Belongs

True inclusion goes beyond providing access—it is about creating environments where every individual feels seen, valued, respected, and that...

Event Details

Natasha Ambriz

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Room 2003

Mandated to Protect: Upholding Zero Tolerance Through Effective Reporting

Jordan Renteria

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2003

Mandated to Protect: Upholding Zero Tolerance Through Effective Reporting

Strengthen your understanding of mandated-reporting responsibilities and zero-tolerance requirements for abuse, neglect, and exploitation. T...

Event Details

Jordan Renteria

-

Central Valley Regional Center

Training- CE's TBD

Room 2004

Providing Support in times of crisis: Practical Tools for care provider and community supports

TBA

-

California START

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2004

Providing Support in times of crisis: Practical Tools for care provider and community supports

Gain practical, person-centered tools for supporting individuals before, during, and after a crisis. This session explores recognizing early...

Event Details

TBA

-

California START

Training- CE's TBD

Friday, October 2, 2026

The agenda, including training sessions, presenters, times, and locations, is subject to change. Please check this page regularly for the latest schedule and updates.

Main Agenda

Fresno Convention Center: Day 2

10/02/2026

Welcome

9am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

Event Details

10/02/2026

Welcome

Join us as we officially open the conference and set the stage for meaningful connection, collaboration, and learning. Our welcome speaker w...

Event Details

9am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

Marketplace & Community Resource Fair: Connect, Discover, and Explore

9am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 1

Event Details

Marketplace & Community Resource Fair: Connect, Discover, and Explore

Explore the Marketplace and Community Resource Fair, where attendees can shop from local vendors, discover valuable programs and services, a...

Event Details

9am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 1

Voices of Empowerment

930am

-

1030am

Valdez Hall

Event Details

Voices of Empowerment

Come hear from four Self-Advocates share their personal experiences.  They will share their accomplishments and the passion that drives them...

Event Details

930am

-

1030am

Valdez Hall

I Belong, We Belong Screening

930am

-

1030am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

Event Details

I Belong, We Belong Screening

Join us for a special screening of I Belong, We Belong, a documentary celebrating identity, inclusion, and the power of community. Through p...

Event Details

930am

-

1030am

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

Your Voice, Your Vote: Disability, Civic Engagement & California’s Future

11am

-

12pm

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

Event Details

Your Voice, Your Vote: Disability, Civic Engagement & California’s Future

An accessible, nonpartisan conversation about why voting and civic participation matter for people with disabilities, families, and supporte...

Event Details

11am

-

12pm

Fresno Convention Center- Hall 3

More Events

Breakout/Panel Agenda: Day 2

10am to 11am Trainings/Panels 

These are offered on the second floor of the Fresno Convention Center

Room 2002

Keep the Calm: De‑Escalation in Action

Yenifer Gallegos-Mejia

-

YAI -CA START Central Valley

Training- CE's TBD

Event Details

Room 2002

Keep the Calm: De‑Escalation in Action

Keep the Calm: De‑Escalation in Action is a mental health crisis‑focused training designed to equip participants with practical skills to sa...

Event Details

Yenifer Gallegos-Mejia

-

YAI -CA START Central Valley

Training- CE's TBD

Room 2003

Living your best life! Your goals, Your independence, Your Way!

KALOS Specialized Services

Informational

Event Details

Room 2003

Living your best life! Your goals, Your independence, Your Way!

Discover practical ways to take an active role in shaping the life you want. This empowering session explores goal setting, self-advocacy, i...

Event Details

KALOS Specialized Services

Informational

Room 2004

Resume Building: Showcasing Your Strengths

Central Valley Regional Center Staff

-

TBA

Informational

Event Details

Room 2004

Resume Building: Showcasing Your Strengths

We invite you to listen to live bands play beautiful music in the park. Enjoy the sounds of Laureen Davis and the Kings, and enjoy wine tast...

Event Details

Central Valley Regional Center Staff

-

TBA

Informational

Room 2005

Getting Around Town: Exploring Your Transportation Options

Central Valley Regional Center Staff

-

TBA

Informational

Event Details

Room 2005

Getting Around Town: Exploring Your Transportation Options

Learn about different ways to travel safely and confidently within your community. This session explores public transportation, paratransit,...

Event Details

Central Valley Regional Center Staff

-

TBA

Informational

Room 2008

Taking Care of My Body: Sexual Health and Hygiene

Veronica Magallanes

-

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

Informational

Event Details

Room 2008

Taking Care of My Body: Sexual Health and Hygiene

This session provides individuals with a basic understanding of how the body grows and changes throughout life. Individuals will learn about...

Event Details

Veronica Magallanes

-

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

Informational

More Events

Breakout/Panel Agenda: Day 2

11am to 12pm Trainings/Panels 

These are offered on the second floor of the Fresno Convention Center

Room 2001

Finding Your Voice: Student a Parent Participation in the IEP and ITP

Exceptional Parents Unlimited

Informational

Event Details

Room 2001

Finding Your Voice: Student a Parent Participation in the IEP and ITP

Learn how students and parents can participate confidently and meaningfully in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Individual Tra...

Event Details

Exceptional Parents Unlimited

Informational

Room 2002

Mantenga la calma: Desescalamiento en acción

Yenifer Gallegos-Mejia

-

YAI -CA START Central Valley

Informational

Event Details

Room 2002

Mantenga la calma: Desescalamiento en acción

Esta capacitación, enfocada en las crisis de salud mental, está diseñada para brindar a los participantes habilidades prácticas que les perm...

Event Details

Yenifer Gallegos-Mejia

-

YAI -CA START Central Valley

Informational

Room 2003

¡Vive tu mejor vida! Tus metas, tu independencia, ¡a tu manera!

KALOS Specialized Services

Informational

Event Details

Room 2003

¡Vive tu mejor vida! Tus metas, tu independencia, ¡a tu manera!

Descubra maneras prácticas de participar activamente en la construcción de la vida que desea. Esta sesión de empoderamiento explora el estab...

Event Details

KALOS Specialized Services

Informational

Room 2004

Resume Building: Showcasing Your Strengths

Central Valley Regional Center Staff

-

TBA

Informational

Event Details

Room 2004

Resume Building: Showcasing Your Strengths

We invite you to listen to live bands play beautiful music in the park. Enjoy the sounds of Laureen Davis and the Kings, and enjoy wine tast...

Event Details

Central Valley Regional Center Staff

-

TBA

Informational

Room 2005

Sexy and Disabled a Discussion about Disability and Relationships

Scott Johnston, Nathan Todd, Dr. Michelle Fynan

Panel

Event Details

Room 2005

Sexy and Disabled a Discussion about Disability and Relationships

Join an open, respectful conversation about dating, intimacy, sexuality, and relationships for people with disabilities. This session explor...

Event Details

Scott Johnston, Nathan Todd, Dr. Michelle Fynan

Panel

More Events

Breakout/Panel Agenda: Day 2

2pm to 3pm Trainings/Panels 

These are offered on the second floor of the Fresno Convention Center

Room 2001

R&R - Recharging with Respite

Christian Bravo

-

Maxim Healthcare

Informational

Event Details

Room 2001

R&R - Recharging with Respite

Reviewing the benefits of Respite and PA services. 

Respite - allowing families, parents that much needed break to recharge - to experience d...

Event Details

Christian Bravo

-

Maxim Healthcare

Informational

Room 2002

Planning for the Future: Resources and Supports for Adulthood.

Exceptional Parents Unlimited

Informational

Event Details

Room 2002

Planning for the Future: Resources and Supports for Adulthood.

Explore the services, resources, and supports available to help individuals with disabilities prepare for adulthood. This session covers key...

Event Details

Exceptional Parents Unlimited

Informational

Room 2003

Sex, Sexuality, and Intimacy

Scott Johntson, Nathan Todd, Dr. Michelle Fynan

Informational

Event Details

Room 2003

Sex, Sexuality, and Intimacy

Join an open, respectful, and inclusive discussion about sexuality, intimacy, identity, and healthy relationships. This session explores con...

Event Details

Scott Johntson, Nathan Todd, Dr. Michelle Fynan

Informational

Room 2004

My Voice: One Page Profile workshop

Michelle Smith and Dawn Purdy

-

Pathways to Change

Informational

Event Details

Room 2004

My Voice: One Page Profile workshop

Knowing that I have a voice allows me to sit at the table with others in the community. My wants, needs, dreams and goals are important and ...

Event Details

Michelle Smith and Dawn Purdy

-

Pathways to Change

Informational

Room 2005

Person Centered Care, HCBS, and Belonging

Exceptional Parents Unlimited

Informational

Event Details

Room 2005

Person Centered Care, HCBS, and Belonging

Explore how person-centered practices and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) principles work together to promote choice, independence,...

Event Details

Exceptional Parents Unlimited

Informational

More Events

Continuing Education Credits

Continuing education (CE) credits are available for select training sessions. Look for the CE designation in the agenda for eligible sessions. Participants must meet all attendance and completion requirements to receive credit. Additional details will be provided at registration.

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Copyright © 2025 Bridging Horizons - All Rights Reserved.


 Bridging Horizons acknowledges the dedication and collaboration of individuals, families, providers, and community organizations who make our events possible. We honor the diverse voices and contributions that strengthen California’s HCBS community and support our shared mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 


 Bridging Horizons is committed to ensuring that our website and events are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. We continually work to improve usability and inclusivity by following recognized accessibility standards. If you experience any barriers or need assistance accessing content, services, or event information, please contact us so we can provide the support you need. 


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