To date, the most important activity we do is an annual conference, which takes place at Chabot College in Hayward, CA. Over a thousand people are present from different counties, mainly around San Francisco Bay. This event is made possible by a community effort involving parents, representatives of agencies providing services to people with disabilities, professionals and friends.
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Congreso Familiar is a collaboration of parents, professionals, and community agencies. The goal is to bring education, information and a sense of community to Spanish speaking families. The conference promotes and develops leadership skills for families that have a child or family member with disabilities.

Congreso Familiar started in 1990 as a collaboration of families and professionals with the purpose to promote education and leadership skills within Spanish-speaking families who have children or family members with disabilities.

For many years, Congreso Familiar has organized conferences bringing information and knowledge on important topics as well as other resources.

This enables Spanish-speaking families to access the services and support needed for their relatives.

All conferences have been held in Spanish and in a culturally appropriate manner.

Congreso Familiar’s goal is for families to gain new skills and knowledge so that they can better respond to the needs of their family member with disabilities. It is our hope that families leave each conference feeling empowered to advocate for their needs.

Congreso Familiar offers presentations on disability-related topics such as:

• • • Regional Center Services
    • Special Education Services
    • Social Security
    • Conservatorship and Alternatives
    • In-home Supportive Services (IHSS)
    • Respite
    • Self-care
    • Inmigration
    • Adult Transition

We offer conferences throughout the year, providing an opportunity for families to learn, connect with others parent, and build a strong sense of community.
The conferences provide:

• • • Education
    • Advocacy
    • Childcare
    • Food
    • Leadership Opportunities
    • Community building
    • Resources
    • Activities and entertainment

The presentations via Zoom allow us to reach families from many different areas and expand our community. Visit our website for our upcoming presentations.

Congreso Familiar is seeking organizations and community partners interested in hosting a table at our resource fair. This is an opportunity to connect directly with Spanish-speaking families, share culturally and linguistically appropriate resources, and increase awareness of the services and supports your organization provides. The resource fair is designed to help families build trusted connections and better access available services, and participating vendors play a key role in making this possible.

We offer volunteer opportunities for individuals who would like to give back to the community in meaningful ways while supporting an event dedicated to families. A variety of roles are available if you speak English or Spanish, allowing individuals to contribute based on their skills and interests.