A new proposal to shift the oversight of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) from the U.S. Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could fundamentally change how we support and educate students with disabilities—and not for the better. First, it’s important to remember that Congress established the Office […]

The post Why Moving IDEA to HHS Could Harm Students With Disabilities appeared first on The Arc.

Statement from our CEO Katy Neas on the Executive Order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. To learn more, read Katy’s op-ed in Newsweek. “Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education is more than a policy shift—it will reverse five decades of progress for students with disabilities. While the right to a free appropriate public […]

The post Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education: Here’s What’s at Stake for Students with Disabilities. appeared first on The Arc.

WASHINGTON, DC – In a major victory for disability rights, a federal court has ruled that Texas Senate Bill 1 (S.B. 1) violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by imposing significant barriers to voting for people with disabilities. The ruling, issued by Judge Xavier Rodriguez of the […]

The post Federal Court Rules Texas S.B. 1 Violates Rights of Voters with Disabilities Under the ADA and Section 504 appeared first on The Arc.

WASHINGTON, DC – A coalition of national disability rights organizations is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the civil rights of students with disabilities in AJT v. Osseo Area Schools, a landmark case that could determine how disability discrimination claims are handled in schools. In an amicus brief filed this week, these organizations, including […]

The post National Disability Rights Organizations Urge U.S. Supreme Court to Protect Rights of Youth with Disabilities in Key Education Case appeared first on The Arc.

This op-ed from The Arc’s CEO Katy Neas was originally published in Newsweek. If the U.S. Department of Education disappears, millions of students with disabilities will face even greater barriers to getting the education they deserve. They are our neighbors, classmates, friends, and family members. When we take away the protections and resources that make […]

The post The Department of Education Helps Students With Disabilities. Don’t Let It Disappear. appeared first on The Arc.

Statement from our CEO Katy Neas on the tragic DC plane crash and claims that it could have been caused by the FAA’s DEI hiring practices, particularly of people with intellectual disabilities: “This is a devastating tragedy, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families. There is no evidence that FAA hiring […]

The post Statement on the DC Plane Crash appeared first on The Arc.

WASHINGTON, DC – For countless families in the District of Columbia, the daily trip to school is fraught with anxiety due to unsafe and unreliable transportation services for students with disabilities. Today, a federal judge signaled hope for change and cleared the way for parents and guardians of children with disabilities and The Arc of […]

The post Parents & Students with Disabilities Can Continue their Fight for Safe & Reliable Transportation appeared first on The Arc.

Journalists, Medicaid is under unprecedented threat—and the impact will be felt nationwide. As newly elected officials take office, many are considering cuts to Medicaid to fund other priorities like tax cuts, deficit reductions, or shrinking the size of the federal government. While Medicaid has been widely covered—from its role in public health to challenges during […]

The post Medicaid at Risk—What Cuts Mean for People with Disabilities—and All of Us appeared first on The Arc.

Statement from Robyn Linscott, Director of Family & Education Policy at The Arc of the United States, on the passing of the Autism CARES Act: “The Autism CARES Act of 2024 has passed, and it represents a critical step forward in addressing the needs of people with disabilities. This milestone is the result of years […]

The post The Autism CARES Act Has Passed! Here’s What It Means. appeared first on The Arc.

The Arc of the United States joined hundreds of stakeholders from across the political and faith spectrums to call on President Biden to commute federal death sentences before he leaves office. Several men on death row have intellectual disabilities, despite U.S. Supreme Court rulings that prohibit their execution. Below is our full letter that was […]

The post The Arc Joins Other Stakeholders to Call on Biden to Commute Federal Death Sentences appeared first on The Arc.

This fall, The Arc of the United States and other disability rights organizations filed an amicus brief in a case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit called Payan v. Los Angeles Community College District. The case is about what kind of damages Plaintiffs can receive when they file lawsuits under the […]

The post Ensuring People with Disabilities Have Opportunities for Meaningful Relief under Disability Civil Rights Laws appeared first on The Arc.

With the election of President Trump and a new Congress, The Arc of the United States will continue to partner with all elected officials, advocating and educating that disability is a part of our shared human experience—one that touches every family, every community, and every generation regardless of political party. When people with disabilities have […]

The post The Arc on Outcome of Election and Path Forward for People With Disabilities and Their Families appeared first on The Arc.

“My entire life, I have been proving people wrong about what I can do.” Born at 27 weeks and just over 2 pounds, Logan was small enough to fit in the palm of his mom’s hands. He spent a month in the neonatal intensive care unit on heart monitors and chest tubes, and his lungs […]

The post Logan Dreams of Starting His Business, But the SSI Asset Limit Holds Him Back appeared first on The Arc.

They’re cheerleaders and crisis managers, nurses and advocates, therapists and service coordinators. They’re not just family members—they’re lifelines. Family caregivers are the backbone of care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and their stories often go untold. This November, for National Family Caregivers Month, we’re spotlighting seven individuals caring for their loved ones […]

The post We’re Family Caregivers of People With Disabilities & Here’s What We Want You to Know appeared first on The Arc.

Marcus Stewart’s smile lights up the room as he talks about his dreams and his latest TikTok dance moves. At 23, the young man from Waldorf, MD aspires to be a pastor or a DJ, and he loves cleaning. He also wants to make enough money to get his own apartment. But Marcus, who has […]

The post An All-Too-Common Story of Untapped Potential appeared first on The Arc.

Media Contacts: The Arc, dilworth@thearc.org LDF, media@naacpldf.org Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., inquiries@deltasigmatheta.org ArentFox Schiff, nathan.carlile@afslaw.com Ray Shackelford, rshackelford@haul.org The Arc of the United States, along with The Arc of Texas, The Legal Defense Fund (LDF), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Houston Area Urban League, and ArentFox Schiff, today applauded a decision delivered late Friday, […]

The post Federal Court Strikes Down Restrictive, Suppressive Texas Voting Measures in S.B. 1 That Limited Voting Assistance appeared first on The Arc.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face issues with not having access to the health care they need throughout their lifespan. There are millions of children with IDD across the country. In some states, families wait up to 20 years to get access to behavioral health services. Sadly, people with IDD struggle to get […]

The post Close the Gaps: People With Disabilities Are a Special Medically Underserved Population appeared first on The Arc.

Have you ever caught yourself or someone else casually using the R-word? You know the one—that outdated term that’s somehow still in our vocabulary. It might seem harmless, but it’s far from it. The R-word is loaded with hurt, discrimination, and a painful history. Here’s why it’s time we ditched it for good. A Word […]

The post The R-Word: Why Language Matters and How We Can Do Better appeared first on The Arc.

Over 100,000 individuals in the United States are waiting for an organ transplant, including many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Thousands of people die each year waiting for a transplant. Unfortunately, many people with IDD get rejected at such high rates that it has become an ethical medical issue.1 For example, a study […]

The post Equal Lives, Equal Rights: Challenging Organ Transplant Discrimination Against People With Disabilities appeared first on The Arc.

The excitement of a new school year is in the air! For parents of children with disabilities, this time brings unique challenges and opportunities. At The Arc, we know that proper preparation can make all the difference in your child’s growth and success. Here are some practical tips to help you and your child start […]

The post The Ultimate Back-To-School Guide for Families of Children With Disabilities appeared first on The Arc.

The Arc of the United States, along with our partners, recently filed an amicus brief in a critical case before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Ex Parte Blaine Milam. This case highlights an ongoing issue in our criminal justice system: the unconstitutional execution of people with intellectual disability (ID). Here’s what you need to […]

The post Understanding the Fight to Protect People With Intellectual Disability From Execution appeared first on The Arc.

The Arc and AT&T launch $850,000 collaboration to boost technology skills through accessible digital skills training Imagine not being able to apply for jobs, access healthcare, or connect with loved ones online. For many with disabilities, this is the reality. Today, The Arc of the United States, The Arc San Francisco, and AT&T are excited […]

The post Empowering Through Technology: Major Initiative to Boost Digital Skills for Disabled Communities appeared first on The Arc.

In a new amicus brief, The Arc, Disability Rights Texas, and AAIDD urge Texas court to follow science, not stereotypes WASHINGTON, DC – In a critical death penalty case, The Arc of the United States, The Arc of Texas, Disability Rights Texas, and the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), along with law […]

The post Advocates Fight to Protect Texas Man With Intellectual Disability from Execution appeared first on The Arc.

From an early age, Lawrence Sapp found his calling in swimming. His parents enrolled him on a summer swim team at just 5 years old, hoping it would help their son find his voice and a life-saving skill. Little did they know, swimming would become Lawrence’s passion and lead him to incredible heights. Lawrence started […]

The post Paralympic Swimmer Lawrence Sapp: Defying Expectations About IDD appeared first on The Arc.

Many see college as a path to a better life and unlocking their dreams. But student debt often stops this, especially for people with disabilities. A major reason is due to income. People with disabilities experience poverty more than double the rate of individuals without disabilities. A study found that nearly 3 in 5 people […]

The post Unlocking Dreams: The Power of Student Loan Forgiveness for People With Disabilities appeared first on The Arc.

In an innovative partnership, The Home Depot has collaborated with leading disability rights organizations to remove barriers and improve job access for applicants with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Home Depot worked closely with The Arc of the United States, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), and Equip for Equality (EFE) to develop policy […]

The post The Home Depot Collaborates With Disability Community to Enhance Employment Access for Job Seekers With IDD appeared first on The Arc.

Family is at the heart of Burt Hudson’s connection to The Arc. Burt’s younger brother John, who he introduces as “my best friend for as long as I’ve been alive,” has an intellectual and developmental disability called WAGR syndrome. His love for John is boundless, but as a teenager, Burt was mad at the world […]

The post Spotlighting The Arc’s Changemakers: Burt Hudson, Treasurer of the Board of Directors appeared first on The Arc.

June 22 marks the 25th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C.,  a landmark case that opened the door for millions of people with disabilities to live in the community. What was the Olmstead case about? The Olmstead case involved two women from Georgia, Lois Curtis (the L.C. in the case […]

The post Celebrating 25 Years of the Olmstead Decision appeared first on The Arc.

Washington, DC – Our 25 organizations, representing patients with serious health conditions and disabilities and their providers, applaud the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling reversing the Fifth Circuit’s decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al. v FDA et al, on the grounds that the plaintiffs don’t have standing in their challenge concerning the use and […]

The post 25 Patient and Provider Groups Applaud Supreme Court Ruling, but Express Concern About Other Plaintiffs Keeping FDA Authority Challenge Alive appeared first on The Arc.

This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating Mike, a dad whose unconditional love and devotion are redefining society’s views on parenthood. Born with cerebral palsy, Mike has navigated life from a wheelchair, facing prejudices that often wrongly question the ability of those with disabilities to raise children. Mike is the proud dad to four children, ages 16, […]

The post A Father’s Love Knows No Limits appeared first on The Arc.

Voting is an essential part of our democracy and our right as citizens. Too often, people with disabilities struggle to be able to vote. Here are some (but not all) of the reasons that people may struggle: Polling places may not have accessible entrances, spaces, machines, or ballots. Poll workers and election officials may not […]

The post This Election Year, Know Your Voting Rights! appeared first on The Arc.

For some, August can be a time for camping trips, beach days, and other fun summer activities. But for members of Congress, August signals the start of Congressional Recess. During August recess, U.S. senators and representatives leave Washington, DC, and travel to their home states and districts to begin a fast-paced schedule of constituent meetings, […]

The post Tips to Advocate During August Congressional Recess appeared first on The Arc.

Washington, DC, May 16, 2024 – Today, The Arc of the United States and Comcast NBCUniversal announced a major expansion of their long-standing partnership that will break down barriers and create more equity and opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Comcast is providing a $1 million grant over two years to The […]

The post Comcast Grants $1M to Transform The Arc’s Data, Tech Training, and Spanish Education Resources appeared first on The Arc.

Journalists, are people with disabilities and disability issues at the forefront of your coverage? With over 61 million Americans and 1 billion people globally living with a disability, we all know and love someone with a disability. Yet this large and influential community remains underrepresented in media narratives. Too often, disability stories perpetuate negative stereotypes, […]

The post 5 Disability Stories Journalists Should Be Covering Right Now (2024) appeared first on The Arc.

The partnership will provide $100,000 to 10 communities to expand mental health support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities MINNEAPOLIS, MN and WASHINGTON, DC (May 6, 2024)–The United Health Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), has awarded The Arc of the United States a three-year, $2.5 million grant to improve mental […]

The post The Arc and United Health Foundation Launch $2.5M Partnership to Tackle Mental Health Crisis for People With Disabilities appeared first on The Arc.

Disability is a part of the rich tapestry of human diversity, and something that nearly all of us will experience at some point in our lives. It’s also a significant identity that defines how we experience the world. Yet people with disabilities have been marginalized and misunderstood for generations. All disabilities and their intersecting identities […]

The post Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month appeared first on The Arc.

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Why July? It marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society. People with disabilities deserve to live full, self-determined lives, […]

The post Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month appeared first on The Arc.

By James R. Meadours This month is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and it makes me think about when I was sexually assaulted as a teenager. When I got assaulted the first time, the girls made me have sex with them, but other times it was touching me and fondling me. They made me go into […]

The post Sexual Assault Could Happen to Anyone appeared first on The Arc.

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, eligible voters will have the opportunity to vote in federal, state, and local elections. The leaders who are elected will have a big impact on people with disabilities and their families, because they influence what policies are made and how tax dollars are spent. Your vote has the power to […]

The post Make Plans to Exercise Your Right to Vote in 2024 appeared first on The Arc.

The Arc Joins Law Enforcement Associations, Faith-Based Organizations, Medical Professionals, Legal Experts, Academic Leaders, Advocates, and Members of Congress in an Amicus Brief Urging an End to the Criminalization of Homelessness Washington, DC — In a historic move to protect the rights of people with disabilities experiencing homelessness, The Arc of the United States has joined […]

The post The Arc Fights for the Rights of Homeless People With Disabilities in Landmark Supreme Court Case appeared first on The Arc.

April is Autism Acceptance Month, celebrating the talents, contributions, and diversity within the autism community. At The Arc, autistic people and their loved ones are a part of our staff, volunteer leaders, and key people guiding our work every day. Their lived experiences are vital, as an estimated 1 in 36 children in the U.S. […]

The post Autism Acceptance Month: Celebrate Differences appeared first on The Arc.

A childhood friendship sparked Ken Oakes’ lifelong dedication to the disability community. His mom’s cousin Louise had Down syndrome and was only 10 years older than him, making her part of Ken’s inner circle growing up. This early exposure ignited a drive to serve, though he didn’t know where it would lead him yet. Ken […]

The post Spotlighting The Arc’s Changemakers: Kenneth Oakes, Immediate Past President appeared first on The Arc.

As we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Women’s History Month this March, we are reminded of the powerful role women have played in the disability rights movement. From visionary founders to modern-day pioneers, the fight for the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has been shaped by courageous women […]

The post Celebrating Women in the Disability Rights Movement appeared first on The Arc.

Around the country, families are struggling to find and afford child care, and child care centers are struggling to keep their doors open. Half the country lives in child care deserts, where the number of kids under age five far exceeds the child care slots available. Families of children with disabilities face even greater challenges […]

The post Tonya’s Struggle to Find Child Care for Her Daughter appeared first on The Arc.

Washington, DC – In the wake of the police killing of Ryan Gainer, a Black autistic teenager, The Arc of the United States and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) are announcing a landmark program to protect the lives and futures of people with disabilities. Just Policing—made possible […]

The post New Police Training Aims to Bridge Gap and Build Safety With Disability Community appeared first on The Arc.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to uplift the diverse talents and dreams of people with developmental disabilities. Common developmental disabilities include autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and learning disorders. The big picture: At The Arc, we believe people with developmental disabilities deserve every opportunity to live the life they choose. One where […]

The post Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Shattering Stigmas & Obstacles appeared first on The Arc.

The killing of Ryan Gainer, a Black autistic teen, is a devastating injustice. Too many people with disabilities, especially those from marginalized communities, cannot access the crisis intervention services they need. In the face of Ryan’s mental health crisis, his family called 911 for help. Instead of receiving the care he needed from a competent […]

The post The Arc’s Statement on the Killing of Ryan Gainer appeared first on The Arc.

Class Action Seeks to Remedy Systemic Failure and Violations of Federal and State Law March 7, 2024 – Parents and guardians of children with disabilities living in the District of Columbia (DC), along with The Arc of the United States, filed a class action lawsuit today against DC’s Office of the State Superintendent for Education […]

The post DC’s OSSE Sued for Failure to Provide Safe and Reliable School Transportation, Denying Disabled Students Access to Education appeared first on The Arc.

When Mitch was just ten days old, he had a stroke. Four years later, he began experiencing seizures, which would continue until he was 10 years old. The stroke and seizures mean that Mitch has trouble using both the left and right sides of his body—but it also inspires him to focus on his abilities […]

The post Spotlighting The Arc’s Changemakers: Mitch Routon, Secretary of The Arc’s Board of Directors appeared first on The Arc.

This letter was originally published in the Syracuse Post-Standard. It has been adapted with permission from letter-writer Barbara Davis, a member of The Arc’s National Sibling Council. I am the sister and legal guardian of a sibling with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD). She resides in Onondaga County in New York and receives services […]

The post Providers Who Care for People With Disabilities Deserve a Raise appeared first on The Arc.