We were honored to welcome Congressman Pete Aguilar to the Rolling Start Inc. office today for a meaningful and productive conversation about the work we do and the ongoing needs of the disability community.
His visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the critical role independent living centers play in fostering access, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities across our region.
During the discussion, we addressed the complex challenges presented by the recent passage of H.R. 1, “the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” and its wide-reaching impact on disability services, Medicaid access, and long-term community-based support systems.
Congressman Aguilar showed a strong understanding of the importance of independent living and the need to ensure that essential services reach those who rely on them most.
We’re always grateful for the chance to share our mission and insights with public officials who are committed to listening, learning, and taking action to move disability rights forward.
Pictured Top Right slides: Congressman Pete Aguilar is sitting down in a group and listening intently as the RSI board president, a disabled veteran, speaks to him.
Congressman Pete Aguilar is sitting down with Wheelchair users and disabled veterans, discussing issues that concern them.
Executive Director, Lisa Hayes, in a wheelchair, is showing Pete around. Shows shows him the Rolling Start kitchen as a volunteer is loading food into bags, preparing packages to go for consumers coming to get food from our food pantry.
Bottom Slides: A group photo of several wheelchair users, veterans, RSI staff members and Pete Aguilar smiling for the group photo
A photo of Lisa sitting behind a panel, speaking about our services while Pete Aguilar is at a podium, listening to her speak. Eddie McCreight and Randy Schlecht sit beside her at the table.
A photo of the conference area with RSI staff and board members, whom are all wheelchair users, posing for a photo with Pete Aguilar standing with them behind a table with the Rolling Start Inc logo.
Pete Aguilar greeting a disabled veteran and board president, David Wilder. He is a wheelchair user and visually impaired. They are shaking each other’s hand as they introduce eachother.
Congressman Pete Aguilar is sitting down with Wheelchair users, including veterans and RSI staff and boardmembers discussing issues that concern them.
Congressman Pete Aguilar is sitting down with Wheelchair users and disabled veterans, discussing issues that concern them. A wider view with more of the background with the podium in view and cameras in the background.
English
Spanish