Senator Bill Weber, ranking member of the New York State Senate Disabilities Committee, hosted a special roundtable discussion with Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Commissioner Willow Baer on Tuesday.
The event, held at the Finkelstein Memorial Library, brought together leading Rockland County disability service providers for an open, collaborative discussion of the challenges and opportunities within the system of care. Senator Weber’s office coordinated the visit to help strengthen communication between state leadership and local organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
Senator Weber encouraged participants to share their perspectives and concerns, noting that budget-related matters should be directed to him as a legislator, while programmatic questions and feedback should be shared with the commissioner.
One of the key takeaways from the roundtable was that providers across the region are facing many of the same challenges—from staffing shortages to rising operational costs.
Senator Weber continues to work closely with OPWDD, local agencies, and advocacy organizations to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the care, dignity, and resources they deserve.
“My office was honored to coordinate Commissioner Baer’s visit to our district,” said Senator Weber. “We had an enlightening discussion with leading providers from across Rockland—frontline heroes dedicated to supporting individuals living with disabilities. It was a wonderful opportunity for the commissioner to meet them personally and hear their experiences firsthand. As the ranking member of the Senate Disabilities Committee, I will always stand up for the most vulnerable Rocklanders, their families, and caregivers.”
