The Department of Education calls its plan to move special education oversight to Health and Human Services and school civil rights enforcement to the Department of Justice a “partnership.” Disability, civil rights, education, parent, and educator organizations see something very different: core education and civil rights responsibilities being moved away from the agency Congress charged […]

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a legal opinion that threatens one of the most important civil rights protections for people with disabilities: the right to live and receive services in the community, not be unnecessarily confined to institutions. The opinion targets Olmstead v. L.C., the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision that recognized institutional […]

After The Arc’s recent Teen Vogue op-ed about Euphoria’s repeated use of the R-word, thousands of people responded across social media. Some comments showed gratitude and deep pain. Others showed how many people don’t understand the harm this word carries. Again and again, people defended the word with some version of: “People are too sensitive,” […]

Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced plans to move the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The Arc of the United States warns that the move disregards federal […]

In August 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court made it harder for health researchers to restore NIH grants that were canceled under the Trump administration’s new funding directives. In National Institutes of Health v. American Public Health Association, the Court said challenges to the government’s broader guidance can likely still move forward in federal district court, […]

More than 25 years after the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C., people with disabilities are still fighting for the right to live in the community instead of being unnecessarily stuck in institutions. In Brown v. D.C., that fight is playing out in the nation’s capital. In late 2024, a federal district court […]

In Hamm v. Smith, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a closely watched death penalty case about how courts should evaluate intellectual disability. The case asked whether courts can consider multiple IQ test scores as part of a full clinical assessment when deciding whether a person is intellectually disabled and therefore protected from execution under the […]

Every person deserves the chance to live, learn, and be part of their community. For many people with disabilities, Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) make that possible. These services help people stay healthy and connected to their communities, with the support they need. Without HCBS, many families would face fear, isolation, and impossible choices. […]

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDD, are part of every community. They are students, workers, voters, family members, advocates, neighbors, and people directly affected by the systems journalists cover every day. But too often, people with IDD are left out of stories about disability, Medicaid, education, healthcare, housing, transportation, employment, criminal justice, and […]

Staff for the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) released a new report yesterday documenting a steep decline in enforceable civil rights outcomes at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), including in cases involving students with disabilities. The report finds that OCR reached 112 resolution agreements in […]

Nine U.S. states—Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, South Dakota, and Texas—are still part of Texas v. Kennedy, a lawsuit that targets Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 requires that any program or service supported with federal funding be accessible to people with disabilities. This case focuses on the rights […]

Statement from Katy Neas on RFK Jr.’s Medicaid and HCBS Comments: “Recent comments from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a House Committee hearing, and similar statements from CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, reflect a troubling pattern of mischaracterizing Medicaid and the essential role of home and community-based services (HCBS). People with disabilities want to […]

The Autism Society, The Arc, and the undersigned organizations are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Alex LaMorie, who was fatally shot during a police response to a behavioral health crisis in Columbia, Maryland. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and all those affected, including first responders. This tragedy demands […]

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face disproportionately high rates of sexual assault, yet too many health care providers are still not trained to respond well when survivors come forward. The Arc’s Transforming Health care Project is working to change that. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to confront a reality that […]

As Congress debates the SAVE America Act, people with disabilities have reason to be alarmed. The bill would require in-person proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, government-issued photo ID that matches current name and address for in-person voting, and copies of photo ID with mail-in ballots. For voters with disabilities, that […]

What Is Voting? Voting is how people make choices together. When you vote, you say what you want. We vote for people who want to lead our country, state, and city. These people are called candidates. When they win, they become elected officials. Elected officials make choices about our lives. They decide how programs work. […]

Important decisions about programs for people with disabilities are happening right now. Congress is closely divided, so every action and message can make a difference. Here’s what we’re watching this spring and how you can help. Federal Funding for Disability Programs Every year, Congress decides how much money federal programs get. Our policy team watches what […]

If you get Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other supports tied to income and assets, saving money can feel risky. An Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It lets you save for disability-related expenses and, in most cases, keep benefits like SSI and Medicaid. […]

Every child with a disability deserves the chance to learn, belong, and thrive in school. The federal special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), guarantees a free, appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities. To be eligible, a child must have a disability and need specialized instruction in order to benefit […]

Today, the U.S. Government Accountability Office released a new report documenting major disruption at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and a sharp rise in the dismissal of discrimination complaints in schools, including those involving students with disabilities. From March through September 2025, the office received more than 9,000 discrimination complaints, and […]

Updated: April 3, 2026 Moving is hard. Moving when you rely on Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or disability services can feel risky. One paperwork delay can mean a gap in care, equipment, medication, or supports that keep daily life stable. This guide is a plain-language checklist to help you plan a move across state […]

On January 23, 2026, Texas and eight other states—Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, and South Dakota—renewed their attack on Section 504 and the integration mandate. The integration mandate is a requirement under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It allows people with disabilities to receive services […]

Congress passed a new law that made cuts to Medicaid, called Public Law 119-21. This law says that some adults with low income who get health coverage through Medicaid will need to report their work or community activities to the state in the future. If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, this law […]

Public education is one of our country’s most important promises: a commitment that every child, no matter their abilities or background, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and participate fully. For the 95% of students with disabilities who attend public schools, that promise is both vital and vulnerable. Today, that promise is under strain. Funding shortfalls, […]

For families with children with disabilities, the education journey often feels like navigating an obstacle course blindfolded. Yet with the proper support systems, these children don’t just survive in school—they thrive, discovering talents and confidence that change their lives forever. Quality education has always driven The Arc’s advocacy, and in 1975, students with disabilities won […]

Forbes has ranked The Arc of the United States #21 on its list of America’s Top 100 Charities for 2025. That puts The Arc in the top 25 charities nationwide, and the highest-ranked nonprofit focused on disability issues. Key facts at a glance Ranking: #21 on Forbes’ America’s Top 100 Charities (2025) What it signals: […]

The Arc of the United States has joined a major lawsuit challenging federal actions to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. The case, Somerville Public Schools et al v. Trump et al, argues that because the Department was created by Congress, it cannot be restructured or eliminated without Congressional approval. The lawsuit also asserts that […]

Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-6), Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring the 75th anniversary of The Arc of the United States, one of the nation’s most influential organizations advocating for the civil and human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1950 […]

Technology opens doors to education, employment, and human connection. For people with disabilities—who are three times less likely to go online—this digital divide doesn’t just limit opportunities; it can create a painful isolation that goes beyond mere inconvenience. Since 2017, The Arc and Comcast have been breaking down digital barriers, one person at a time. […]

If the government shutdown continues, people who rely on SNAP and WIC may not receive their full food benefits starting November 1, 2025. SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps. It provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential […]

New partnership places The Arc’s logo and QR code on Caroline’s Carts nationwide, advancing accessibility and inclusion in everyday shopping. Caroline’s Cart, the first patented special needs grocery cart designed for older children and adults with disabilities, is proud to announce a new partnership with The Arc, the nation’s leading advocacy organization for individuals with […]

Guest post by Jared Ciner, Certified Personal Trainer, Disabilities Support Counselor Founder/Director of SPIRIT Fit & Health As you may already know, an extremely high percentage of people in America are suffering from obesity. What you may not know is that people with developmental and other disabilities are 58% more likely to be obese than […]

Broad Coalition of Disability, Civil Rights, and Education Organizations Call for Reversal of Layoffs at Department of Education A broad coalition of national, state, and local disability, civil rights, and education organizations is sounding the alarm over sweeping layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education. These cuts have gutted key offices—including the Office of Special […]

Disability advocates are warning that sweeping staff reductions inside the U.S. Department of Education have effectively dismantled the federal offices responsible for protecting the rights of students with disabilities. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has lost most of its personnel, leaving only a small team to oversee the nation’s special education […]

Updated Oct. 1, 2025, 9:10 a.m. ET At 12:01 a.m. Eastern today, the federal government shut down because Congress did not approve funding for Fiscal Year 2026 beginning October 1, 2025. Since Congress did not pass the budget legislation, many federal government agencies and programs that rely on annual funding will be paused. Many people […]

About 34% of adults with disabilities have high blood pressure compared to 26% of individuals without disabilities. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the “silent killer.” Many people have high blood pressure and go about their business every day not even knowing it. This is one of many reasons why regular check-ups are […]

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Supreme Court will soon hear Hamm v. Smith, a case that will determine how courts apply the death penalty to people with intellectual disability. At issue is whether judges must continue to follow established clinical standards or whether states can rely on a narrow focus on IQ scores. Today, The […]

When public officials talk about autism, their words carry weight. Too often, those words have painted the diagnosis of autism as a tragedy, erasing the dignity and humanity of autistic people. Research into the causes of autism and the support needs of people with autism must be grounded in credible science, transparent data, and the […]

If you’ve been following The Arc’s work this year, you’ve already felt Meredith Sadoulet’s steady influence. She stepped into the role of Board President in January, and while she’s not new to the job anymore, many in our community may still be getting to know her. Meredith is thoughtful, values-driven, and deeply committed to creating […]

In a fast-moving case with massive consequences for education, the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education to continue while a legal challenge plays out. The decision came without a full hearing or written explanation, and it greenlights layoffs of federal employees that could devastate services for students with […]

Can a federal court stop the government from enforcing a harmful policy that violates people’s rights, even if those people aren’t part of a lawsuit? That’s the core question in Trump v. CASA, a U.S. Supreme Court case that could reshape how civil rights cases are handled, including those brought by and for people with […]

What happens when a worker with a disability retires and then faces discrimination in the benefits they were promised? That was the question at the heart of Stanley v. City of Sanford, a case that made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court this year. The answer the Court gave was disappointing: under federal law, […]

Washington, DC — The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, the National Disability Rights Network, the Center for Public Representation, the National Health Law Program, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, and The Arc of the United States condemn the issuance of an Executive Order on “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.” The […]

What does a perfect day look like for a family that’s often navigating a world that excludes them? On July 9, families connected to The Arc of Ohio found out, thanks to our national partnership with Lids and the Lids Foundation. It was a day full of joy, connection, and the kind of belonging that […]

Statement from Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States on the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act The Americans with Disabilities Act reshaped this country for the better. For the first time, people with disabilities had legal protections against discrimination and exclusion. It created a framework for access and sent […]

If you’re on Medicaid, you’re supposed to be able to choose your own doctor. That right still technically exists, but now you can’t go to court to enforce it if states take that choice away. The U.S. Supreme Court made that decision in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, ruling that Medicaid beneficiaries no longer […]

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to issue a ruling in a case that could have had a major impact on how people with disabilities fight discrimination through class action lawsuits. The case, LabCorp v. Davis, involves blind patients who sued LabCorp over self-check-in kiosks that were inaccessible to them. While the Supreme Court ultimately didn’t […]

Today, the U.S. House passed the Senate’s version of the Budget Reconciliation Bill. The legislation now heads to the President’s desk. If signed into law, this bill will result in deep and harmful cuts to the programs that millions of people with disabilities rely on to live, learn, and thrive in their communities. At a […]

On June 12, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, a case that could’ve shook the very foundation of disability civil rights. The Court ruled that students with disabilities have the right to seek justice for discrimination in schools without facing legal barriers that don’t exist in workplaces, […]

The Senate just passed the budget bill, and it’s bad. The bill includes: Nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts. That’s about 20% of the federal Medicaid budget. It would cause nearly 17 million people to lose coverage. Nearly $200 billion in cuts to SNAP. Less food assistance means more people will go hungry, including millions […]