California Commission on Disability Access

June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (MHAM).
In 2018, the federal government officially recognized MHAM as a national health observance. The observance provides an opportunity to increase awareness of migraine and other headache disorders.
More than 50% of people who have migraine go undiagnosed each year. An estimated 40 million people in the United States have migraine, and may encounter barriers to full participation in employment, education, and community activities.
Because not all disabilities are visible, MHAM also serves as a reminder for entities under Title III of the ADA, places of public accommodations, to help ensure compliance with disability access requirements. Promoting accessible and inclusive environments help support equal access for people with disabilities and all patrons.
&HeadacheAwarenessMonth

World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day is observed annually on May 30 and brings together people with MS, healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities around the world. The day promotes awareness, education, connection, and inclusion while encouraging greater public understanding of MS and the importance of disability access.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological condition affecting the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. MS presents differently for each individual, and symptoms and progression vary from person to person. Awareness initiatives help foster understanding, challenge misconceptions, and connect individuals and families with information, resources, and community support.
Accessibility and inclusive design help ensure that people with disabilities can participate fully in public life. Businesses and places of public accommodation are encouraged to consider the accessibility needs of customers, employees, and visitors, including individuals who use mobility devices or other assistive technology.

CCDA is inviting you to attend our Executive Committee meeting next week! 📣
When: Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. 📅
Where: 400 R Street, Suite 312, Sacramento, CA, 95811 and via Zoom 📍
To download the Executive Committee Meeting agenda and supporting documents link here: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/.../Executive-Committee-Meetings-2026. 🔗
CCDA Executive Committee Meeting Zoom link here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88965390059.... 🔗
Are you unsure who CCDA Executive Committee members are? Visit our website to learn more about our commissioners link here: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/.../About-Us/CCDA-Commission-Members. 🔗

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave members of the United States military who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice and dedication helped protect the freedoms we value today.
As we observe this day of remembrance, we also reaffirm our commitment to building communities where access, inclusion, and opportunity are available to all. Through disability access compliance and barrier-free spaces, we continue working toward a more accessible California for everyone.
Today, we pause in gratitude and remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The California Commission on Disability Access (CCDA) serves as an informational resource for disability access in California, not an enforcement or regulatory agency.
CCDA provides resources and data to help improve understanding of accessibility requirements across the state.
CCDA does not enforce laws or regulate compliance.
Instead, CCDA can:
• Provide information and educational resources on disability access laws
• Analyze and share data on disability access trends and issues
• Report findings and insights to the California Legislature
• Support coordination and communication between stakeholders on accessibility topics

CCDA’s role is to strengthen awareness and understanding of access compliance through information, not enforcement.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is observed annually on the third Thursday of May to promote awareness of digital accessibility. Beginning in 2012, GAAD focuses the importance of creating digital experiences that are accessible to all users, including people with disabilities.
As conversations around accessibility continue to evolve, digital access remains an important topic across both public and private sectors. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice published a Title II ADA rule addressing accessibility requirements for state and local government digital services and referenced Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards.

Title III of the ADA, which applies to places of public accommodation, is also frequently discussed in relation to accessibility in digital spaces. WCAG continues to serve as a widely recognized technical resource that businesses and organizations may reference when developing and maintaining accessible websites, applications, and software.
As an information resource, CCDA encourages continued education and discussion surrounding digital accessibility and inclusive online experiences.
CCDA encourages businesses and other places of public accommodation to follow WCAG 2.1 to ensure websites, app and software can be navigated by all.

Just one month away from our next Commission to Community Event!
Join the California Commission on Disability Access (CCDA) for a Commission to Community event in the City of San Francisco. This in-person gathering will bring together small business owners, people with disabilities, and community members for a meaningful conversation about advancing access and inclusion across the city.
The program will include a panel discussion on disability access and to hear updates on the San Francisco Office on Disability and Accessibility (ODA) "Beyond the Front Door" initiative.

Whether you are a business owner or a member of the disability community, this event offers an opportunity to learn from one another, build connections, and support more inclusive practices.

**This is an in-person event.**
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location and Address: Disability Cultural Center, 165 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

To register for this in-person event, visit: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=sfdF6tcHqEm49TcTbsk4LUc-jAHLRaZHl_ouHD0Y5JdUNEhJUkQxQ1EzTEROR1BFTTgwU0VWWVZXSi4u&route=shorturl

For more information regarding CCDA’s Commission to Community event in the City of San Francisco visit: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/CCDA/News/Page-Content/California-Commission-on-Disability-Access-News-List-Folder/2026-CCDA-Commission-to-Community-Event-City-of-San-Francisco.

California Commission on Disability Access (CCDA) History ♿
Since 1968, California law has supported equal access for people with disabilities in places of accommodation.
CCDA was established in 2009 to promote disability access compliance in California through dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders including, but not limited to, the disability and business communities as well as all levels of government.
Under California Government Code Sections 14985-14985.11, CCDA serves as a resource for disability access information, stakeholder coordination, and educational outreach. In 2017, CCDA became part of California Department of General Services (DGS)
Today, CCDA continues to support awareness and understanding of disability access requirements throughout California.
To learn more about CCDA’s history, visit our page: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/CCDA/About-Us/History

CCDA’s first Checklist Committee meeting of the year is tomorrow! 📣
The Checklist Committee's focus is on planning and development of CCDA Toolkits 📖
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Division of the State Architect (DSA), Los Angeles Regional Office located at 355 South Grand Avenue, Suite 2100 in Los Angeles, California 90071.
This meeting will also be held on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89417234481...
Meeting ID: 894 1723 4481
Passcode: 091438
More information, including meeting agenda and supporting documents, can be found on CCDA’s website: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/.../Checklist-Committee-Meetings-2026

Celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the Independent Living Center of Kern County at the 2026 Kern County ADA Conference on July 30 – 31.
The event highlights the impact of the ADA and brings together community members, business leaders, and disability community partners to explore ways to support accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect, share resources, and collaborate with local organizations and vendors serving the disability community throughout Kern County.
For more information visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-kern-county-ada-conference-featuring-casino-night-fundraiser-tickets-1980205274281?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&fbclid=IwY2xjawRokeJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6M2ZvRm1QWnV4ZGZmWHM1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHt4dEEuIdf2hJyTXtJEh-mJeMAXS5I6hWyHVhtYzlcp72JyQBs4dYJ43KMgk_aem_JOS8MDKK4mMOOHb3ONwlAA