Disabilities Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require employers to assure that persons with disabilities are given equal employment opportunities and are treated fairly as employees. These laws require employers to provide reasonable accommodation to employees with disabilities in order that they may perform their jobs successfully. State agencies are required to develop and implement an equal employment program aimed at assuring that persons with disabilities have access to positions in State government on an equal and competitive basis with the general population.

The Law Requires a DAC

Each state agency shall establish a committee of employees who are individuals with a disability to advise the head of the agency on matters relating to the formulation and implementation of the plan to overcome and correct any under-representation determined pursuant to Government Code Section 19234.

Staff Time

For most committee members, their involvement is an additional responsibility requiring staff time.

As a result, it may be necessary to arrange for approved staff time in order to accomplish specific committee objectives. For example, one committee has arranged for specific time allocations for DAC meetings and staff work (e.g., ten hours per month). At a minimum, the DAC chairperson may have time allocated for committee work if the committee is to succeed.

Program Concerns

Identify program concerns in areas relating to employees with disabilities such as providing reasonable accommodation both in the selection process and in employment; removing architectural and attitudinal barriers; ensuring employee training accessibility; complying with antidiscrimination laws, such as the ADA; and providing employment policies and practices which enhance the hiring, retaining and promoting of qualified persons with disabilities.

Problem Resolution

Recommend alternatives for resolving program problems impacting employees with disabilities.

Program Assistance

Assist in the development and implementation of program objectives that affect persons with disabilities.

Awareness Training

Assist in the development and presentation of training courses that are socially and culturally sensitive to the needs of persons with disabilities and that provide information regarding the positive benefits of employing persons with disabilities.

Are you interested in becoming a member?

Membership is open to all Department of Developmental Services employees. The committee’s composition must include some members who have disabilities. Contact us at DAC@dds.ca.gov for more information.

Members are appointed by the Director of Department of Developmental Services to serve a two-year term, unless filling a vacancy, with a maximum of three consecutive terms.

Coordination of the DAC will be under the direction of the Office of Human Rights and Advocacy Services.

California Department of Developmental Services Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) Contact Roster

Member Name Location Phone Number Fax Appt End Date
Alexandra Sanders, Chair DDS/HQ 916-654-1164 916-654-3641 11/30/2022
Jessica Ross, Co-Chairperson DDS/HQ 916-654-1611 3/31/2022
Alexandra Bravo, Secretary (Interim) DDS/HQ 916-654-2892 3/31/2022
Hussain Quettawala DDS/HQ 916-654-2271 3/31/2022
Seneca St. James DDS/HQ 916-654-3696 916-654-3641 3/31/2022
Charles Seielstad DDS/HQ 916-654-3089 3/31/2022
Director’s Office Support Location Phone Number Fax
Dena Ruiz (OHRAS) DAC Liaison 916-654-1842 916-651-8210

Meeting Notice

When: Third Tuesday of every three months, until further notice. Location:

Department of Developmental Services 1215 O Street Sacramento, CA 95814

Email: DAC@dds.ca.gov

2022 DAC Annual Calendar

Unless otherwise noted, the meetings will be held on the following dates.

Date Time Meeting Location
March 15, 2022 1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. Zoom
June 21, 2022 1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. Zoom
September 20, 2022 1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. Zoom
December 20, 2022 1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. Zoom

Please refer to the DAC Meeting Agenda for the conference call information.

Download DAC 2022 Calendar

2022 Agendas & Minutes

2021 Agendas & Minutes

2020 Agendas & Minutes

2019 Agendas & Minutes

More Meetings


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Last modified: April 17, 2024