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 […]

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.