2026 Kern County ADA Conference featuring Casino Night Fundraiser
About this Event
Please note: This event is a two day conference and times are TBD. We will update with more information soon.
2026 Kern County Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Conference
The Independent Living Center of Kern County (ILCKC) is proud to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by hosting a conference on July 30th and 31st at the Bakersfield Marriott.
This event honors the impact of this landmark legislation and provides advocates, community members, and business leaders with an opportunity to explore accessibility issues affecting people with disabilities. It also serves as a platform for networking and collaboration, empowering attendees to drive positive change in Kern County. Numerous vendors from various disability-related organizations will be present both (2) days to provide resources and information to attendees.
Special Evening Event – Casino Night Fundraiser
On the evening of July 30th from 6:00–9:00 PM, join us for a fun-filled Casino Night (fundraiser) featuring games, prizes, and networking opportunities.
Accessibility and Accommodations*
Reasonable Accommodation(s) Requests must be submited by 07/10/2026.
ILCKC is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming event experience for conference attendees.
The following accommodations will be available:
- American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation:
ASL interpreters will be provided throughout the conference. - Guide Dog Friendly*:
Service animals, including guide dogs, are welcome at the conference. - Dietary Accommodations*:
If there are dietary needs please share your preferences or restrictions during registration.
* Please share any requested accommodations along with meal preferences or restrictions during registration and email the specifics to [email protected] by 07/10/2026.
If you have any additional accessibility needs or questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Day 1
🕑: 10:00 AM
Registration, Vendor Booths - Ballroom
🕑: 10:45 AM
Opening Remarks - Ballroom
Info: Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh
Local Elected Officials – Proclamations
🕑: 11:15 AM
Keynote Speaker - Ballroom
Info: Lyle Martin
Retired BPD Chief of Police
Title: From Access to Belonging: Turning Rights
into Relationships and Inclusion into Action
🕑: 12:15 PM
Lunch, Vendor Booths - Ballroom
🕑: 01:30 PM
General Session Speaker - Ballroom
Info: April Dawson Rawlings
Executive Director
California Commission on Disability Access
Title: Ensuring Accessibility: Understanding the CA
Commission on Disability Access and its Role in
Promoting Disability Compliance
🕑: 02:30 PM
Closing Remarks - Ballroom
🕑: 06:00 PM
Casino Night (Ticketed Event) - Ballroom
Day 2
🕑: 09:00 AM
Registration, Vendors - Ballroom
🕑: 09:45 AM
Intro and Welcome Back - Ballroom
🕑: 10:00 AM
Kim Rutledge - Ballroom
Info: Kim Rutledge
Director
CA State Department of Rehabilitation
Title: The Future of Disability Rights & the
ADA
🕑: 11:00 AM
Break, Vendors - Ballroom
🕑: 11:20 AM
Rob Carr - Ballroom
Info: Strategic Accessibility Coordinator
WebAIM
Title: Digital Accessibility
🕑: 11:20 AM
Laura Alvarenga Scalia - Potato Room
Info: Staff Attorney
Legal Aid At Work
Title: Disability Rights in the Workplace
🕑: 11:20 AM
Christina N. Teixeira - Truxtun Room
Info: Attorney
California Civil Rights Department
Title: Your Right to Reasonable Accommodations
as a Consumer/Client
🕑: 12:30 PM
Lunch, Vendors - Ballroom
🕑: 01:45 PM
Cynthia Nakagawa - Ballroom
Info: Workforce Development Specialist
CSU Fresno
Title Walking in Beatriz’s Shoes: An Immersive
Experience in Disability, Access, and Dignity
🕑: 01:45 PM
Erica Clark - Potato Room
Info: Client’s Rights Advocate
Disability Rights California Office of Client Rights
Advocacy
Title: IEP Training for Parents
🕑: 01:45 PM
Jacob Thomasy - Truxtun Room
Info: Jacob Thomasy
Attorney
Clifford & Brown
Title: ADA Access in the Workplace: What Every
Employer Needs to Know
🕑: 03:00 PM
Surveys, Door Prizes, & Closing Remarks - Ballroom
Where is it happening?
USD 150.00
