Supported Life Institute — Advocating Inclusive and Dynamic Communities
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Supported Life Institute · Sacramento, CA

A life rich in choices,
not controlled by services.

We educate, train, and advocate so every person with a disability can live a full life — on their own terms. The 40th Annual Supported Life Conference is October 8–9, 2026.

Register for SL 2026 Submit a Session Proposal

Self-advocacy is a
force for real change.

The 30th California Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference connects people with disabilities, families, and providers around shared voice and shared power. May 8–9, 2026.

Get Registration Materials Learn about SA 2026

The strength of community
grows from its diversity.

Since 1991, we have offered training, conferences, and resources that center the voices and values of people with disabilities and the communities that include them.

Our Mission Our History

Our Mission

Improving quality of life through education and training

The Supported Life Institute offers educational and training opportunities to assist individuals and organizations in the work of improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. A supported life is not a special life — it is the life everyone deserves.

Grows from a person's own choices, desires, and dreams — not from the services available
Goes beyond meeting basic needs to reaching a rich, full quality of life in all its areas
Is the kind of life we all want — not unique to people who happen to have disabilities
Reflects the community's obligation to support all of its members and grow through its diversity
People with disabilities connecting and engaging together in community

Supported Life Institute · Sacramento, California · Est. 1991

What We Do

Programs & Initiatives

Supported Life Annual Conference

The annual Supported Life Conference is a cornerstone event drawing hundreds of people with disabilities, family members, service providers, and policy advocates from across California. Supported Life 2026 — "Strengthening Supports in an Evolving Environment" — takes place October 8–9 at the Wyndham Sacramento Hotel. Session proposals are open now.

View conference details
Conference attendees engaging in discussion

Supported Life 2026 · October 8–9, 2026 · Sacramento, CA

California Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference

Now in its 30th year, the California Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference is a premier gathering organized by and for people with developmental disabilities. "May the Self-Advocacy Force Be With You" — the 2026 conference runs May 8–9 at the Wyndham Hotel Sacramento. Registration materials are available in accessible formats including text-only versions for screen reader use.

Download registration materials
Self-advocacy conference attendees

SA 2026 · May 8–9, 2026 · Wyndham Hotel Sacramento

Training & Workshops

Beyond our annual conferences, the Supported Life Institute delivers targeted training and workshop programs for individuals, families, and service provider organizations across California. Our curriculum is grounded in the values of supported life — centering choice, dignity, and full community participation. We partner with regional centers, advocacy networks, and educational institutions to deliver relevant, accessible training.

Explore training opportunities
Training workshop participants

SLI Training Program · Available Statewide

College & Career Success Project

The College Students and Professionals with Disabilities Project produces peer-authored resources for people with developmental disabilities pursuing higher education and careers. Our publications — "Success in College" and "Success in the Workplace" — collect first-person strategies from college graduates and working professionals with disabilities. A connected YouTube channel and Facebook community extend the reach of peer mentorship beyond print.

Read the Success in College guide
College students celebrating graduation

College & Career Project · Peer-authored Resources

Peer Advocacy Connection

Communication is the foundation of every supported life

The Communication Technology Education Center (CTEC), a close partner of the Supported Life Institute, works to ensure that people with complex communication needs have access to the tools, training, and support required to make their voices heard. When communication barriers fall, self-determination rises.

Visit CTEC and the Peer Advocacy Connection

A supported life is the kind of life we all want — and it is not unique to people who happen to have disabilities. When we build communities that truly include everyone, the whole community becomes stronger.

Supported Life Institute Core Values Statement · Sacramento, California

Announcements & Resources

Dates, Updates & Publications

All announcements
May 8 2026
Conference

30th California Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference — "May the Self-Advocacy Force Be With You"

2-day in-person event at the Wyndham Hotel Sacramento. Registration materials available in PDF and text-only formats for screen reader accessibility.
Oct 8 2026
Annual Conference

40th Annual Supported Life Conference — "Strengthening Supports in an Evolving Environment"

October 8–9 at the Wyndham Sacramento Hotel. Speaker RFP application open now — submit session proposals online.
Pub 01 Guide
Resource · PDF

Success in College — Advice from College Students and Graduates with Developmental Disabilities

A peer-authored guide featuring first-person strategies, insights, and encouragement from college students and graduates with developmental disabilities.
Pub 02 Guide
Resource · PDF

Success in the Workplace — Strategies from Professionals with Developmental Disabilities

Career strategies and first-person accounts from professionals navigating work with disabilities — as featured in Comstock's Magazine.

Support Our Work

Help bring voice to people with disabilities

The Supported Life Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your support makes it possible to deliver communication training, self-advocacy programming, and conference events that center the voices and dignity of people with disabilities across California.

Donations are tax-deductible. You will receive a receipt for your records.

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