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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 […]

For millions of people with disabilities and their families, Medicaid isn’t optional. It’s the glue holding everything together. It’s the health care and therapies that help children grow. The prescriptions that manage chronic conditions. The daily support that helps adults with disabilities get out of bed, work, and participate in their communities. The safety net […]

In May 2025, The Arc and other disability rights organizations filed an amicus brief in support of the Plaintiffs-Appellants in the case Jonathan R. v. Morrisey. The case is about children with disabilities challenging disability discrimination in a state foster care system, and the ability of the district court to grant them relief. What Are […]

The R-word is everywhere again. It’s showing up on social media, in schools, in entertainment, in the media, and in everyday conversations. People throw it out casually as a joke or a way to tear someone down. But for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), it has never been “just a word.” It’s a […]

What is Disability Pride Month? Every July, Disability Pride Month offers newsrooms an opportunity to report on one of the largest—and too often overlooked—communities in the country: people with disabilities. Disability Pride Month commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. Today, more than 1 in 4 U.S. adults […]

What makes a great dad or father figure? For some, it’s a quiet kind of support that needs no spotlight. For others, it’s encouragement, guidance, a sense of safety, or someone who listens without judgment. Sometimes that person is a biological father. Other times, it’s a stepdad, grandfather, mentor, teacher, or chosen family member. What […]

Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond/St. Isadore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond In May 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court couldn’t agree on a big case about whether a religious school in Oklahoma should get public money. Because the justices were split 4 to 4, the lower court’s decision stayed in place. That […]

BIRMINGHAM, AL & WASHINGTON, DC – May 27, 2025 – Civitan International and The Arc announced today a strategic partnership to increase awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, and to connect those families to volunteer activities and resources. Civitan International, a global network […]

Early this morning, the House of Representatives passed a budget reconciliation bill that slashes Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), programs that millions of people with disabilities rely on to survive. The Arc of the United States urges the Senate to reject the Medicaid and SNAP cuts in the House passed bill that […]

Today, the House Ways & Means Committee will mark up a budget reconciliation bill that will include a $20 billion proposal diverting public funds to private schools via the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA). While the bill includes new language about so-called “protections” for students with disabilities, it is insufficient in providing meaningful, enforceable […]

Last night, staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee released their draft budget plan that outlines how they will cut Medicaid—and it’s moving fast. The committee will debate it this week. Let’s be clear: This proposal threatens the health and independence of millions of people, including people with disabilities, children, older adults, and caregivers. […]

Moms—or the people who love us like moms—are often the ones who just get us. They keep life moving. They see potential where others see limits. And for people with disabilities, that love can take many forms: hands-on care, fierce advocacy, deep listening, and unshakable belief. Some moms manage feeding tubes, therapy schedules, and school […]

WASHINGTON, DC – As national organizations dedicated to advancing the well-being of Autistic individuals, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, The Arc of the United States, Autistic Women and Non-Binary Network, Autistic People of Color Fund, and partners across the disability and public health sectors stand united in our call […]

The post Joint Statement on Upholding Scientific Integrity and Supporting the Autism Community appeared first on The Arc.

Below is a statement from Leigh Anne McKingsley, The Arc’s Senior Director of Disability & Justice Initiatives, on the killing of Victor Perez, an autistic teenager in Idaho who was shot and killed by police. Being disabled should never be a death sentence. Victor Perez, a 17-year old with autism, needed an intervention when police […]

The post Statement on the Police Killing of an Idaho Autistic Teen appeared first on The Arc.

In recent debates over Medicaid’s future, some have suggested that extending coverage to low-income adults through Medicaid expansion has diverted resources away from people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and undermined the program’s original purpose. That claim is both misleading and dangerous. It risks turning vulnerable communities against one another and distracting from the […]

The post The Truth About Medicaid Expansion and Disability Services appeared first on The Arc.

Medicaid is at the center of a major budget debate in Washington, DC. But what does this mean for people who rely on Medicaid? And how will proposed changes, including work requirements and spending cuts, impact health care for people with disabilities, seniors, and low-income families? In this Q&A, we break down what’s happening, what’s […]

The post Q&A: What’s Going on in Washington, DC, With Medicaid Cuts? appeared first on The Arc.

Millions of people with disabilities rely on Social Security benefits to survive. Recent changes at the Social Security Administration (SSA) may make accessing these benefits harder than ever. Long wait times, office closures and staff cuts, and policy rollbacks are already raising concerns and exacerbating customer service issues. Here’s what you need to know. What […]

The post What’s Happening at the Social Security Administration? Here’s What People With Disabilities Need to Know. appeared first on The Arc.

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.

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