REGISTRATION
RALLY IN THE VALLEY
March 13, 2026 at 11 AM
Rockland Community College Fieldhouse (INDOOR EVENT)
145 College Road, Suffern, NY
OVERVIEW:
As affordability challenges and skyrocketing costs threaten staff, families, health coverage, and the stability of our care system, Jawonio and 35 partner providers expect federal and state elected officials to be true partners; to advocate, protect Medicaid, invest in the workforce, ensure access and dignity.
We watch. We listen. We advocate. We vote.
Join thousands of advocates to urge Federal & State representatives to commit to an investment in people with disabilities, mental health challenges, and chronic medical needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is the location and address for the event?
The Rally will take place indoors at the Rockland Community College Fieldhouse. The address for your GPS is 145 College Road, Suffern NY.
What time should I arrive at the Rockland Community College Fieldhouse?
We recommend arriving at 9:45 am, to ensure that you will be situated when the event begins at 11.
Where will we park?
There will be signage and volunteers directing you to the parking areas. There will be designated areas for wheelchair vans and general parking available for cars.
Should we wear our agency-branded clothing?
Yes! We encourage you to represent your agency with shirts. hats, or other apparel and swag.
Is the venue handicapped accessible?
Yes it is. The Rockland Community College is designed to be universally accessible and comfortable for all advocates and persons with disabilities.
Should we bring our own lunch/snacks and water?
Yes. There will be no food or drinks at the venue.
Where can we eat?
TBD re: Venue regulations. Agencies of course can go offsite to lunch in the immediate area.
Where do agency staff, advocates and families sit once we enter the venue?
Each agency will have a section in the stands. There is general seating within your agency section. For community members, there is general seating.
Should we bring homemade signs?
Yes – bring a lot!!
Will there be ASL interpreters at the event?
Yes.
THANK YOU TO OUR RALLY IN THE VALLEY PARTNER/PROVIDERS (in formation)
Abilities First, Access Supports for Living, Adapt HV
AHRC Nassau, AHRC NYC, Another Step
The Arc New York, The Arc Rockland, The Arc GHVNY
The Arc Westchester, Birch Family Services
Center for Discovery, Coordinated Care Alliance
CP State, CP Unlimited, CP Unlimited HV
CP Westchester, Community Based Services Inc.
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Gateway, Greystone
Independent Living Inc, InFlight, Inspire CP, New Hope Community
New Horizons, New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation
Opengate, Richmond Community Services, St Dominic’s
UCP Nassau, UCP Suffolk, Venture Together
WIHD, Wraparound Services, YAI
NY STATE : 2026 Priorities** (**NY Disability Advocates)
- A 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase – Without additional funding to meet inflation, Medicaid reimbursement will continue to lag behind costs, leaving non-profit agencies unable to fairly compensate direct support professionals (DSPs), maintain utilities, transportation, food, insurance, housing, and more.
- CareForce Affordability Initiatives – Key proposals include establishing incentives to expand housing opportunities. Additionally, funding for childcare centers, expanding the NYS Child Tax Credit for human services workers, and increasing healthcare coverage funding will help address the affordability challenges the workforce faces.
- Infrastructure and Care System Investment – Strengthen the care system through targeted investments that modernize facilities serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
