On April 17, 2025, the Inland Regional Center (IRC) proudly participated in a powerful Disability Roundtable hosted by Congresswoman Norma J. Torres at OPARC Headquarters in Montclair, CA. This important event brought together local leaders, educators, families, and advocates to discuss the urgent needs of children and adults with disabilities, particularly in light of potential cuts to Medicaid and the proposed elimination of the U.S. Department of Education.

IRC was honored to have two of our beloved Client Advocates, Ismeth Estrada and Gregory Harrison, represent the voices of those we serve. Both Ismeth and Gregory shared heartfelt testimonies about how Medicaid-funded services have been life-changing, allowing them to live more independently, access critical healthcare, and engage fully in their communities. Their powerful stories illustrated the real-world consequences that cuts to Medicaid would have—not just for themselves, but for thousands of individuals and families across our region.

The roundtable also sparked important conversations around:

• Education & IDEA Protections: Participants emphasized the need to preserve and strengthen the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure students with disabilities receive the support they need to thrive in public schools.
• Employment and Independence: There was a strong call to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, with a focus on integrated, competitive work environments that promote independence and financial security.
• Caregiving: Families and advocates highlighted the critical role of caregiving services, including the need for increased support and resources for family caregivers who often provide around-the-clock care for their loved ones.

The Inland Empire was proudly represented at this meeting by leaders from key organizations who are deeply committed to serving individuals with disabilities. Attendees included Beth Burt from Autism Society Inland Empire, Clara Garcia from Colaboración, Liderazgo, Abogacía, Servicio y Educación (CLASE) — a Community of Practice supporting Hispanic and Spanish-speaking families with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties — Tenika Doyle from Chasing 7 Dreams, Ardena Bartlett from Access Non-Profit, Sofia Benitez, representing the IRC Vendor Advisory Committee, and Ruth Armstead, IRC’s SAE Program Manager. In addition, several SELPA Directors and other organizational leaders who advocate for the disability community participated in these critical discussions.

The message was clear: any cuts to Medicaid or threats to federal protections would have devastating effects on the disability community. The voices of advocates like Ismeth, Gregory, and our community partners served as a powerful reminder that policy decisions made in Washington have profound local impacts.

Author: Monica G. Munguia, Community Engagement Program Manager

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Community Engagement

Inland Regional Center's Community Engagement Unit can be reached at [email protected]