The Arc of Nevada

10/13/2026

Autism is a natural variation in human biology, not a condition to be cured. 🧬

We are sharing an important guide from the National Autistic Society that breaks down the science behind how autism develops. The research is clear: autism is primarily genetic and runs in families.

At The Arc of Nevada, we firmly stand behind the neurodiversity approach. Autism is lifelong, and autistic individuals do not need to be "fixed." True advocacy means shifting the focus away from harmful "cures" and instead pouring our resources into real support, accessibility, and community inclusion.

Let's prioritize the voices of autistic individuals and their families to build a world where everyone is accepted for exactly who they are. 🙌

You can read the full guide at National Autistic Society. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/about-autism/what-causes-autism?

10/13/2026

🎄✨ Registration is officially OPEN for The Arc of Nevada’s annual Jingle Bell Brunch! ✨🎄

Join us for a festive, judgment-free, and sensory-friendly morning designed specifically for families with at least one child age 12 and under with an intellectual and/or developmental disability. We prioritize a supportive and understanding environment where every single child and family feels comfortable, safe, and celebrated!

📅 When: Sunday, December 20th | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Where: Culinary Academy of Las Vegas
👥 Capacity: Limited to 80 guests (max 50 children, up to 6 per family)

What to expect: Enjoy a buffet for selective eaters, crafts and games, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and age-appropriate gifts.

👇 Register here: https://arcnv.org/programs/

10/12/2026

🍕 Get ready to mix, top, and taste! The Arc of Nevada's next Pal-Ooz-Around Pizza Making Party is heading to California Pizza Kitchen, and it’s going to be a deliciously fun time! 🎉

Bring your creativity and get ready to hang out with great friends while learning the secrets of perfect pizza-making to create your very own custom pie! 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

🗓️ When: Saturday, October 17th
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Where: California Pizza Kitchen at Town Square
💰 Cost: $45 (Eligible for respite reimbursement through DRC for one person)

⚠️ RSVP DEADLINE: Friday, October 16th. Spots are limited, and your registration is not complete until payment is made!

👉 Secure your spot today by visiting https://arcnv.org/programs/or email [email protected] for more information.

Tag a pal below who loves pizza! 👇✨

10/10/2026

This is incredibly alarming. The CDC's National Center for Health Statistics has proposed cutting the National Health Interview Survey from 482 questions down to just 150 for 2028, completely removing vital questions about hearing aids, fatigue, cognition, and mobility devices.

As disability advocates like The Arc have pointed out, if you aren't counted, you don't exist in the eyes of federal funding and policy planning. Cutting these questions will lead to a massive undercount of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What you can do: The CDC is currently accepting public comments on this proposal. If you want to make your voice heard, you can go to regulations.gov, search for CDC-2026-1387 and click "comment" or upload a document. Deadline to submit is Monday, October 19, 2026.

We cannot let our community be erased from federal data! 🚨

A draft 2028 redesign of CDC's National Health Interview Survey drops questions on hearing aids, fatigue, and wheelchairs. HHS cites costs. Comments are due Oct. 19.

10/09/2026

Help Protect Medicaid and SNAP!

Recent changes to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are affecting people with disabilities and their families as states struggle to make up for lost funding.

These programs help people afford health care, food, and the supports they need to live and work in their communities.

But cuts, paperwork problems, delays, and confusing requirements are putting access to these benefits at risk, even when someone qualifies for help.

Your action today can help ensure people with disabilities and families can continue to access these programs.

Tell Congress to Take Action!

10/09/2026

There are many elections this year at the local, state, and federal level. Who’s in office matters for people with disabilities. Make sure you’re registered to vote so you can vote for the candidates that you want to represent YOU! Check your registration status and encourage others to do the same at https://www.nvsos.gov/votersearch/.

10/08/2026

Recent data indicates that developmental disability diagnoses among U.S. children have risen to nearly 20%, highlighting an urgent need for evolving systems of care, education, and community support. The Arc of Nevada emphasizes the importance of expanding early intervention services, advocating for inclusive education, and strengthening community infrastructure for affected families. You can read the full report on Medscape.

About 1 in 5 US children have a reported developmental disability, with gains in autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and any other developmental delay, a survey analysis shows.

10/08/2026

🍕 Get ready to toss some dough! 🍕

The Arc of Nevada’s next Pal Around activity is heading to California Pizza Kitchen, and it is going to be a deliciously fun time!

Here is what we have cooked up for you:

• Become a Pizza Chef: We will learn the secrets of perfect pizza-making and create our very own custom pies.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tour: While our culinary masterpieces are baking in the oven, we will get a special guided tour of the restaurant kitchen!

Come hungry, bring your creativity, and get ready to hang out with great friends.
📅 When: Saturday, October 17th
⏰ Time: 9am - 11am
📍 Where: California Pizza Kitchen at Town Square
🎟️ RSVP: Spots are limited! Secure your spot by October 16th at https://arcnv.org/programs/

Tag a pal who loves pizza! 👇

10/07/2026

🔒 Your Safety Online Matters! 💻✨

Families and caregivers: As we advocate for greater digital inclusion, teaching online safety is key. The Arc of Nevada supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in building the digital skills they need to navigate the web safely.

From identifying secure online relationships to understanding social media rules, clear and accessible digital training empowers our loved ones to safely explore the internet.

💡 Tip: Start the conversation early. Use simplified visual guides or Easy Read materials to talk about internet safety together.

10/06/2026

There's still time to register!

Lunch & Learn 2026- Special Needs Planning- “How do We Start Planning?
Presented by Dennis Farrar with WealthWave
October 7, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST via Zoom
Registration: Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5RbNAM5qPsGS8Msq0ojLg8TsiZMEj5iuK-s2BHji1IvsiAA/viewform?usp=header

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86900097511?pwd=gmfRvkeYObDFVeW4PinzkVVhdSJ6AY.1

This class will introduce the basics of Special Needs Planning for individuals with all types of disabilities and the importance of involving parents, family members, and the next generation of caregivers in the planning process. Participants will learn how to begin building a plan that addresses personal, legal, financial, and resource needs. We will focus on creating a Letter of Intent as an important first step to document an individual’s needs, preferences, routines, supports, and wishes. Starting this process early can help families create greater continuity, security, and peace of mind for the future.

Nevada Governor's Council On Developmental Disabilities