{"id":2379,"date":"2026-10-16T03:24:42","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T03:24:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comforcare.com\/north-san-diego\/?p=2379"},"modified":"2026-10-14T16:05:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T16:05:14","slug":"native-american-i-dd-symposium-in-pala","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comforcare.com\/north-san-diego\/resources\/blog\/native-american-i-dd-symposium-in-pala\/","title":{"rendered":"Native American I\/DD Symposium in Pala: A North San Diego County Event Centered on Partnership"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has opened registration for the 2026 Native American Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I\/DD) Symposium<\/strong>, taking place October 29\u201330 at Pala Hotel and Resort in North San Diego County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symposium brings together California Native American communities and families, tribal leaders, Regional Centers, service providers, community organizations and state partners. Its theme, \u201cTaking Action to Preserve Culture through Inclusion and Access,\u201d<\/strong> highlights the importance of building services and partnerships that respect culture, community and individual needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event is hosted in collaboration with Acorns to Oak Trees, San Diego Regional Center, and the Pala Band of Mission Indians, making it particularly relevant to organizations and professionals serving people with I\/DD throughout San Diego County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Why Culture Belongs in Conversations About Access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience services within the context of their families, communities, culture, language and personal experiences. Simply having a service available does not always mean that it is easy or comfortable for a family to access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DDS describes its tribal engagement work as focusing on respectful partnerships, tribal sovereignty, culturally and linguistically responsive services, early intervention outreach and continued dialogue between Native communities and the developmental-services system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For service providers, culturally responsive support begins with listening and humility. Providers should not assume that the same communication style, outreach strategy, or approach to services will work for every family or community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tribal governments, Native-led organizations, individuals and families should have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their communities.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Families and Professionals Can Learn From<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The symposium emphasizes shared learning, community connection and promising partnerships. Topics and conversations may offer useful ideas around questions such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n