As we prepare to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this Monday, we are reminded that the fight for justice is not confined to history, it lives on in our communities, our policies, and our collective responsibility to stand up for one another. At Jawonio, Dr. King’s legacy resonates deeply with our work in disability rights, advocacy, and inclusion.

Dr. King taught us that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Disability rights are civil rights. Yet people with disabilities, especially those who also face racial, economic, or social inequities continue to experience barriers that limit access to opportunity, dignity, and full participation in society. This is where intersectionality matters.

Intersectionality recognizes that people do not experience injustice in isolation. A person with a disability may also be navigating stigma, poverty, transportation barriers, discrimination, or communication and language challenges. These overlapping identities often intensify inequities in healthcare, education, employment, housing, and community support. True equity demands that we address all of these realities together and not in silos.

That is why Jawonio is proud to host our 2026 Rally in the Valley, an upcoming gathering dedicated to disability rights, self-advocacy, and community action at the Rockland Community College Fieldhouse on March 13th.

Rally in the Valley is more than an event, it is a call to action rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.

At Rally in the Valley, we will hear directly from self-advocates who are leading the charge and sharing their lived experiences with courage and clarity. We will also hear from families, direct support professionals, and elected officials who understand that meaningful change happens when policies are shaped by the voices of those most impacted. This inclusive dialogue reflects the very essence of intersectionality: listening, learning, and acting together.

As we reflect on MLK Day, we recognize that the civil rights movement and the disability rights movement are deeply connected. Both demand access, equity, respect, and justice. Both challenge systems that exclude and marginalize. And both remind us that progress requires persistence, compassion, and collective courage.

Jawonio’s mission has always been grounded in the belief that people of all abilities deserve the opportunity to live full, independent, and meaningful lives. From early childhood education to vocational training, and from mental health to day services and community-based services to name just a few , our work is about breaking down barriers and building pathways to inclusion—for everyone.

Rally in the Valley is a moment to come together as a community and recommit ourselves to this work. It is a space to speak directly to our elected officials and amplify the voices of those who are too often unheard. Most importantly, it is a reminder that advocacy does not end with the rally; it continues in our daily actions, our policy decisions, and our shared responsibility to one another.

As Dr. King envisioned a world rooted in justice and equality, let us honor his legacy by standing with the disability community, not just on MLK Day, but every day. Join us at the rally, and be part of a movement that believes disability rights are human rights. Register Here

Together, we can create a more inclusive, equitable future for all.