VENTURA, Calif. – The County of Ventura is proud to announce the groundbreaking Government and Disability Summit, the first statewide event of its kind. This historic conference, taking place September 24th – 27th, 2024 represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of more inclusive and accessible communities. The conference will bring together stakeholders from across the state to explore innovative solutions, share best practices, and foster collaboration towards a more inclusive future.
During the conference, participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and workshops covering a wide range of topics, including transportation, voting accessibility, emergency preparedness, collaboration, technology, and more. Through collaborative dialogues and shared experiences, attendees will work towards developing practical solutions to address access barriers and promote disability inclusion.
“This conference is a testament to the County of Ventura’s unwavering dedication to access and inclusion,” said Mike Pettit, Assistant County Executive Officer. “By hosting this event, the County is taking bold steps towards creating a more equitable and accessible society for all.”
The summit features the participation of two stand-out headlining speakers: Rebecca Cokley and Nina G.
Cokley, opening keynote speaker for the Summit, serves as the Program Officer for the Ford Foundation’s U.S. Disability Rights program, where she has played a pivotal role in allocating over $60 million to disability rights and justice organizations. Her efforts focus on disconnecting disability and poverty, building diverse leadership pipelines, and mobilizing resources for disability rights. A three-time presidential appointee in the Obama Administration, Cokley’s extensive career includes key policy roles at the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and as the Executive Director for the National Council on Disability.
Nina G, networking reception speaker, is a comedian and advocate for disability rights. With her unique blend of humor and advocacy, Nina has captivated audiences and brought attention to the experiences of individuals with disabilities. Nina’s influence extends beyond the comedy stage. She has been featured on prominent platforms including HuffPost’s Culture Shifters, NPR’S 51%, BBC’S Ouch, and Psychology Today. Her compelling TEDx segment and appearances on KQED radio and various daytime talk shows and podcasts have further solidified her status as a cultural icon. She was also featured in an Emmy award-winning documentary, More Than My Stutter.
“We are truly honored to have these outstanding speakers at our first annual Government and Disability Summit,” said Dani Anderson, Disability Access Manager for the County of Ventura. “Through their influential voices and experience, they have made remarkable contributions to advocacy and disability rights.”
Ventura County stands out as the ideal host for this groundbreaking conference due to the County’s dedication to empowering all residents and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. The 2024 Government and Disability Summit aligns with the County of Ventura’s recent adoption of the 2023-26 County of Ventura Office of Disability Access Strategic Plan, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at enhancing accessibility across various domains, including transportation, digital services, and physical infrastructure. This plan underscores the County of Ventura’s commitment to fostering a truly inclusive community.
The Government and Disability Summit is made possible through the support of the following generous sponsors: The Port of Hueneme, Ventura County Community Foundation, Gold Coast Transit District, RATP Dev. USA, WSP USA Inc., California State University Channel Islands, Disability Rights California, Southern California Edison, and Pacific Gas & Electric.
For registration and additional information, visit www.govdisabilitysummit.org
