Dani Anderson – Disability Access Manager, County of Ventura

Dani Anderson is the County of Ventura’s first ever Disability Access Manager. In addition to her lifelong lived experience, Ms. Anderson’s entire career has been in the disability field including experience in the state and federal government, non-profit, and corporate arenas. She is focused on community education around disability pride and improving communication between individuals with and without disabilities, as well as emergency preparedness for those with access and functional needs.

Dani was born and raised in Ventura County, and she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from California State University, Channel Islands.

Jay Harris – Program Manager – Older Individuals who are Blind program – California Department of Rehabilitation

Jay is a native Californian, diagnosed with diabetes at the early age of 14 months. Jay grew up with a wide variety of friends, enjoyed reading, working on his car, swimming in local rivers and lakes, camping, and reading. Jay began having trouble with his vision, due to diabetic retinopathy, when he was 21 years old and attending CSU Chico. He was totally blind shortly after his 22nd birthday. Jay dropped out of college and began receiving services from DOR shortly thereafter, including attending training at the Orientation Center for the Blind where he learned all the critical skills necessary to live independently.

With newfound confidence, living on his own, Jay returned to CSU Chico where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Welfare, graduating with honors. Shortly after graduation, Jay is the former Assistant Director, Jay worked there as Assistant Director for almost 14.5 years before he relocated to Sacramento and began his work with DOR as the Older Individuals who are Blind Program Manager.

Jay met his husband three years after moving to Sacramento and they married in 2017. He enjoys spending time with his husband, Martin, his Guide Dog Shuttle, and their two parrots. Jay enjoys loom knitting, going to concerts, reading, and cooking. On the topic of Pride, Jay says “I have always been proud to be me. Life is a journey that has molded me into the person I am, good and bad. I am always seeking to improve both professionally and personally.”

Jose Peña – Reasonable Accommodation Specialist – Human Resources

Jose Peña (He/Him) is the Reasonable Accommodation Specialist for DRC. In this role, Jose connects with employees with disabilities, to identify Reasonable Accommodations to aid with essential functions of their job and ensure access to employee benefits. Jose is part of different Employee Resource Groups and Committees ensuring accessibility. He holds an Assistive Technology Professional Certification from RESNA.

Prior to his role at DRC, Jose worked at an Independent Living Center advocating and furthering the rights of the disability community, which he is part of. In his free time, he enjoys learning about new assistive technology, trying new food places, and spending time with his family.

Gabriel Taylor – Senior Advocate – Voting Rights Practice Group

Gabe Taylor is the Senior Voting Rights Advocate with the Voting Rights Practice Group. Gabe currently serves as co-chair for both the Orange County and Los Angeles County Voting Accessibility Advisory Committees. He also serves on the VAAC committees in five other counties as well.

Gabe works with other counties in Southern California as a collaborator and trainer, by providing counties feedback on how to improve polling place accessibility, promoting best practices when assisting voters with disabilities. Through his work, Gabe hopes to engage people with disabilities, to empower them to get involved in the elections process and have a voice with their vote.