On May 26, 2026, I joined more than 500 self-advocates, disability activists, organizations, and community leaders at the California State Capitol for the second annual California Disability Leadership Alliance (CDLA) Day of Action, representing Disability Rights California.

Organized by CDLA, a coalition of disability and Deaf-led organizations that includes DRC, the day created space for the disability community to come together in solidarity, advocate directly with state leaders, and build collective power.

The day moved from rally and march to direct advocacy. Alongside disability advocates and community partners, I met directly with legislators and their staff to advocate for issues that shape the independence and everyday lives of people with disabilities—including protecting IHSS and Medi-Cal services, strengthening mobile crisis supports, and ensuring resources for older adults and people with disabilities.

I also connected with advocates and organizations including Rolling Start, Family Voices of California, and Cal Voices. Those conversations mattered just as much to me as what happened inside the Capitol. Systems change depends on policy, but it also depends on people finding one another, building trust, and recognizing where our priorities intersect.

What stayed with me most was seeing lived experience brought directly into spaces where decisions are made. People closest to an issue often understand its gaps better than anyone. When those experiences connect with shared priorities, relationships, and collective advocacy, they can help shape better systems.

Policy change rarely happens because of one organization, one meeting, or one voice. It happens when communities organize, decision-makers listen, and people keep showing up.

Community voice is powerful. Collective action is how we help move it toward change.