Conference aims to help Spanish-speaking families navigate services for autism, other developmental disabilities

(SACRAMENTO)

The UC Davis MIND Institute's eighth annual Spanish conference will focus on a common challenge for families with autism and other developmental disabilities: navigating support and services.

The 2026 conference, much like the 2025 conference pictured here, will include representatives and resources from nearly two dozen community organizations.

Aprendiendo Juntos, which means "learning together" in Spanish, will take place at the MIND Institute in Sacramento on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The annual event is delivered entirely in Spanish and is attended by families, specialists, agencies and people with lived experience. In addition to discussions and presentations, about 20 organizations will be on site with information about resources.

"It's a space where the Hispanic community finds information, resources and support that strengthen the futures of people with developmental disabilities," explained Maribel Hernandez, a community outreach specialist at the MIND Institute and a conference coordinator.

It is hosted by the MIND Institute's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and a group of community partners, including:

• Alta California Regional Center
• The California Department of Developmental Services
• Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund Parent Training and Information Center
• WarmLine Family Resource Center
• CommuniCare+OLE
• Support for Families of Children with Disabilities
• Parent Helping Parents

This year's theme is "Navigating Service Systems for People with Developmental Disabilities: Transforming Challenges into a Clear Path Toward Well-Being."

Maribel Hernandez, conference coordinator and community outreach specialist, at the 2025 "Aprendiendo Juntos" conference.

Hernandez notes that healthcare, education, services and support can be complex and overwhelming to navigate for families with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

"One of my favorite moments of the conference each year is when someone approaches me and says things like, 'I didn't know that' or 'Thank you for sharing these resources because they can change lives,'" Hernandez said.

Aprendiendo Juntos event details

Where: UC Davis MIND Institute, 2825 50^th St., Sacramento, CA 95817

When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cost: $110. Reduced-fee or scholarship registrations are also available

Registration is open through Sept. 16. Families receiving regional center services should confirm with their service coordinator that they have authorization to attend before registering. Please note that child care will not be available, so attendance should be limited to adults.

Family registration link (for families who are with Alta California Regional Center)

Professional and community registration link

Filling a critical need in the community

Aprendiendo Juntos was created in response to feedback from Spanish-speaking families and is planned each year in collaboration with nearly two dozen community organizations.

Families can expect a wide range of topics to be covered, including:

• Diagnosis
• Education
• The transition to adulthood
• Mental health
• Behavior support
• Services and benefits
• Individual rights
• Community resources

"Families want to support their children and loved ones but often have hard-to-answer questions about how to do that," Hernandez explained. "This conference is an opportunity to learn about resources, real-world examples, practical information and direct access to specialists."

Questions? Email [email protected]