The Rights, Choices, & Connections Symposium is an event for people with disabilities who use Regional Center services and their support networks like families, caregivers, staff, and service providers! This is specifically for folks in San Francisco and San Mateo Counties. The aim for this event is to share information about services, choices, rights, and advocacy!
Big Thank You to:
The Golden Gate Regional Center for funding and collaborating with us for the event!
The Pomeroy Center for letting us host the event in their buildings!
The vendors who took part in our resource fair:
Symposium Gallery!
Watch all of the Symposium sessions in our YouTube Channel!
Keynote by Carolyn Bowman
Carolyn will take us on a Wiggly Warrior journey. Using story and movement she will share snippets of her journey and inspire us all on our own unique path.
Embracing our Wiggly Warrior Spirit
Social Club Panel
with JJ, Jasmine, Garrett, and Sara
Learn about the social groups and activities in the community! Come hear from members of Best Buddies, Shupin Social Club, JOIN IN, and Special Olympics to get to know about what each group has to offer.
by Gull S.
The strategies Gull used for looking for jobs. Come to learn about how to find jobs, the application process, resume tips, keeping track, and more!
My Job Searching Efforts
Housing Options
by Alex M.
This presentation will explain HUD 811. How HUD 811 works, who is qualified within the regional center clients, and who benefits from these services.
by Monie W. and Le Tusa
Monie shares from her experience & challenges with relationships. Then Le Tusa will lead a group discussion and activities for the audience to think about dating & relationships in their own lives!
Dating Advice - A Community Workshop
with Matthew C. and Saida M.
Hear from 3 self-advocates using their voices to create change through public speaking, legislation, theater, & navigating disability services. They’ll share personal stories, practical tools, and everyday tips for speaking up and advocating for yourself and others.
Self Advocacy Panel
by Teali J.
I’m more than what you see. I’ve been labeled all my life as different or special. But I’m at peace with all the labels I’ve been given. Through this I hope you learn strength and patience makes the difference in my story.
More than a Label
by Sharon & Vernae
Our talk is about how you can get to know people so you can spark friendships. We talk about how to meet people, stay safe, and handle conflicts.
You Got a Friend in Me
with Katie B., Andrew M., and Teali J.
The Panelists will share about their lived experiences with finding housing, changes with housing and hopes for housing! The audience was invited to share stories and asked the panelists questions!
Lived Experience With Housing & Housing Hopes
by Isaac H.O.
The importance of housing that is Affordable, accessible, inclusive and how to advocate for this kind of housing.
Housing Justice
The Healing Spirit of Music
by Masha M.
Masha talks about a moment that changed her life forever. She shares about music; the art that helped her heal. She leads the audience in music therapy through guided breathing, singing, sound and performance activities.
by Elizabeth G.
Join Elizabeth Grigsby for an interactive talk that explores what it means to be truly seen beyond disability, labels, or support needs. Through lived experiences and honest conversation, it highlights belonging, self-advocacy and the importance of creating communities where people feel valued, respected, and free to be themselves.
Being Seen As A Real Person
