City proclaims April Autism Acceptance Month; regional mobile evaluation unit wins $350,000 grant

The City of Imperial proclaimed April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month and recognized the local autism fair and support services during its April 1 meeting.

James Gonzalez, identified as assistant director with the San Diego Regional Center, thanked the city for its long‑standing support and said the mobile evaluation unit — created to bring assessments closer to families across Imperial County — has received an additional $350,000 grant through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) equity program. Gonzalez said the funding will expand the pilot, support a paid evaluation team, and target more than 120 evaluations over a two‑year period in communities including El Centro and Imperial.

Local volunteers and advocates echoed appreciation for the city’s backing of the autism fair. Gloria Brandila (who identified herself as West Morland schoolboard president) described the fair’s role in connecting families to services and noted that 21% of students in her small district receive special‑education services, underscoring local demand. Gabby Garcia described a therapy‑dog outreach program centered on Roxy, a dog used in social‑story visits to prepare children for new places and events.

Why it matters: The grant and the mobile evaluation unit reduce travel burdens for families across rural parts of the county and are intended to speed access to diagnostic services and early intervention — an issue advocates said increases long‑term support prospects for children and families.

Next steps: The mobile unit will continue pilot operations and expand visits; organizers invited councilmembers to the autism fair at Eager Park (April 11) and said they will continue to coordinate with city staff on fairs and outreach.