The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania Advocacy

06/25/2026

Today is the anniversary of Olmstead v. L.C., the Supreme Court decision that affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities. And today, that right is at risk.

A new Department of Justice opinion says the federal government may stop enforcing one of the strongest protections people with disabilities have against institutionalization.

This opinion doesn’t erase Olmstead or take away the regulations that protect community living. But it’s dangerous because rights mean less when the federal government refuses to enforce them.

Our Senior Executive Officer Shira Wakschlag, told NPR: “This opinion is a direct threat to decades of progress toward community living for people with disabilities. People with disabilities shouldn't be forced into institutions because a state refuses to provide services in the community.”

Olmstead has helped millions be a part of their communities and live the lives they choose. We cannot go backward.

Read the NPR article: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/20/nx-s1-5865100/doj-memo-trump-disability-civil-rights-institutionalization

06/21/2026

Mark your calendar for call in day Thursday June 25th!

📲 Call your congress members next Thursday, June 25 and ask them to advocate for the protection of special education and opportunities for students with disabilities!

PACER Center will be joining other disability advocacy groups across the country in a National Call-In Day to urge lawmakers to oppose the U.S. Department of Education’s recent transfer of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the move of the Office for Civil Rights to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Prepare to call your senators and representatives and ask them to urge the U.S. Department of Education to reverse this decision to transfer critical functions to other agencies. Use the links below to find your congress members or call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.

Find your senator:https://www.senate.gov/general/resources/pdf/senators_phone_list.pdf
Find your representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Link to PACER's statement: https://www.pacer.org/press-release/pacer-statement-on-osers-move/

06/21/2026

🚨 New Statement from Education Law Center – PA (June 17, 2026)
ELC-PA is calling on state leaders not to abandon civil rights protections following the news of the federal administration's unlawful transfer of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) out of the U.S. Department of Education.
Until courts can reverse this move, ELC-PA is calling on Pennsylvania leaders to step up:
➡️ The PA Department of Education must strengthen oversight, enforcement, and support for students, families, and schools.
➡️ The PA Human Relations Commission must step up vigorously in enforcing anti-discrimination laws by quickly investigating and resolving the growing number of school-related complaints.

Read our statement here: https://bit.ly/4a9SVaa

06/21/2026

It's time for individuals, families and supporters to take active advocacy!!

The Supreme Court has already decided that living in the community is a legal right.

More than 25 years ago, the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision affirmed that people with disabilities have the right to live in their communities and not be forced into institutions.

That ruling changed millions of lives. But a right on paper only works when people can get the support they need. That’s what Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) make possible.

Congress made the biggest cuts to Medicaid in history last year. Now, many states are considering options that could reduce access to HCBS.

Help keep the promise of Olmstead alive. Tell Congress to protect Medicaid HCBS and the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities. https://bit.ly/4fAVl54

06/15/2026

The next meeting for the Arc of NEPA Parent/Family Caregiver group is Thursday June 18th at 10 am at The Arc Conference Room at 115 Meadow Ave in Scranton.

We also have a zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85428466353?pwd=Fwu7duHh2VBYNjtlZ0Fknst7Q3qaUl.1

Our topic is Assistive Technology
Presenter is Safe in Home
**Please note- UCP Technology Resource Center will join us at a future meeting.

The Arc parent and caregiver group strives to be a resource for families and caregivers to give them a sense of belonging and connection while providing information and resources on topics of interest. The group is geared towards families and caregivers of adults or transitioning to adulthood aged individuals, though anyone is welcome and may benefit.

RSVP or request more information : Roseann Polishan - Arc Advocate at [email protected] or 570-209-4180

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Our new peer support group 🫂 meets next Tues, June 16 @ 6pm at the Scranton JCC 🫶
Come meet our facilitators, Amy & Vince, find connection, and find NAMI in Scranton 💚💙

06/10/2026

Join us on September 10th for a virtual session on Student Anxiety and School Obligations with Attorney, Heather Hulse. Gain insights into the impact of anxiety on education and understand your rights. Register now for this important discussion.

06/09/2026

PA State Police Sunny Day Camp
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026
11:00 A. M. TO 2:00 P. M.PLEASE REGISTER TO ATTEND AT: Troop P Sunny Day Camp 2026
MAKE UP DATE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026
More general information is available at www.sunnydaycamp.org under the Find a
Camp Near You link, Troop P. Please be sure to like our page
for this special event. Thank you for your support of this
camp!