The Arc of North Dakota

06/19/2026

Yet another day brings another attack on the rights of people with disabilities. A recent DOJ opinion now suggests that your right to community-based care isn't legally guaranteed. We are monitoring this development closely.

The Office of Legal Counsel opinion released Thursday said states aren't required by law to integrate mentally disabled patients with their peers by providing community or home-based care.

06/19/2026

A child should not lose learning time while their family gets bounced between federal agencies.

This week, the Department of Education said it plans to move key offices that help students with disabilities out of the Department of Education. That means families could face more confusion, more delays, and more barriers when students with disabilities need help at school.

Students with disabilities are public education students first. Their education, rights, and futures belong in the Department of Education.

Tell Congress to oppose moving these offices and the services they provide out of the Department of Education.

Take action now: https://bit.ly/4xUOlqD

06/17/2026

A federal proposal would move special education oversight out of the U.S. Department of Education and into the Department of Health and Human Services — and shift civil rights enforcement to the Department of Justice.
For North Dakota families already navigating IEPs, 504 plans, and a thin bench of specialized providers in our state, that's one more place to get lost in when a school isn't following through on what a student is owed.
We're asking Senators Hoeven and Cramer to weigh in and keep this oversight where it belongs — inside an agency built to handle schools. Read more, including how to reach our delegation:
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For any North Dakota parent who has participated in an IEP meeting, the extensive team required to secure a child's rightful education is familiar: special education teachers, case managers, school psychologists, and advocates all play a part. In the background, the U.S. Department of Education main...

06/17/2026

The Arc of the United States statement on moving Special Education and Civil Rights Out of the Education Department.

The Arc warns that moving special education and civil rights offices out of the Department of Education could weaken protections for students with disabilities.

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

A win for family caregivers in Ohio — and a reminder of what's at stake across the country.
Thousands of North Dakotans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) rely on family members for daily support. The threat Ohio just defeated is not unique to Ohio. Similar proposals are emerging in states nationwide as federal Medicaid cuts ripple through state budgets.
The Arc of North Dakota is watching closely. Family caregiving is not a workaround — it is often the only option for families in rural and underserved communities across our state.

After a week of uncertainty at the Ohio Statehouse, families caring for loved ones with disabilities are breathing a sigh of relief.

06/13/2026

Don't forget to register for the 2026 Olmstead Conference before June 19!

Join us for a day of learning, networking, and advocacy. On top of our incredible lineup of speakers, we'll have 17 vendors, valuable resources, and lots of awesome door prizes throughout the day.

Also, the conference was approved for continuing education credits by the ND Board of Social Work Examiners.

06/10/2026

We've released a statement on North Dakota's new Medicaid Provider Revalidation Strategy — and what it could mean for the IDD population, particularly those in the autism community who rely on 1915(i) services.
Read it here 👇

Statement from Kirsten Dvorak, Executive Director, The Arc of North Dakota What Is HappeningEffective June 5, 2026, North Dakota Health and Human Services launched a two-year Medicaid Provider Revalidation Strategy. This was developed in response to a federal request from the Centers for Medicare an...

06/05/2026

We've released a statement on North Dakota's new Medicaid Provider Revalidation Strategy — and what it could mean for the IDD population, particularly those in the autism community who rely on 1915(i) services.
https://www.arcofnd.org/post/what-you-need-to-know-north-dakota-s-new-medicaid-provider-revalidation-strategy

05/12/2026

🌟 Now Recruiting: Citizen Member for the North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities! 🌟

Are you passionate about creating positive change for people with developmental disabilities in North Dakota? Do you believe in inclusion, self‑determination, and strengthening our communities? If so, we’d love to have you consider joining our Council!

The Council’s mission is simple but powerful: to promote and create positive change for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

DD Councils across the country work to identify the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities and advance public policy and systems change that help individuals gain more control over their lives.

Key activities include advocacy, systems change, capacity building, outreach, training, removing barriers, and keeping policymakers informed.

Here in North Dakota, our Council is made up of 23 members appointed by the Governor, and at least 60% of members are individuals with developmental disabilities or their family members.
This ensures that lived experience guides every decision we make.

We are currently seeking a Citizen Member who will help us:

✨ Strengthen the voices of people with developmental disabilities
✨ Shape our Five‑Year State Plan and guide long‑term goals
✨ Support advocacy efforts and community inclusion
✨ Help identify barriers and create innovative solutions
✨ Ensure that the perspectives of individuals and families remain at the center of our work

Serving on the Council is a meaningful way to make a statewide impact. Members help influence systems, support new ideas, and promote opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities.

If you or someone you know is committed to building a more inclusive North Dakota, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information. Your voice matters, and it can help shape the future.

💬 Interested? Comment below or message us to learn more about the application process!

You can also submit an application here: https://apps.nd.gov/gov/boards.