The Arc of the United States

06/23/2026

Our CEO Katy Neas joined MS NOW to explain why moving special education and school civil rights offices out of the Department of Education matters for students with disabilities.

Students with disabilities need federal oversight that understands schools, education laws, transition planning, accommodations, and discrimination, and can work together when something goes wrong.

Special education is an education right that needs to be protected.

Watch the full interview: https://youtu.be/2HV_Gj93cZE?si=uZs5bzaW_33BNV1o

06/22/2026

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

06/22/2026

Have unused United Airline miles?

You can use them to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities get to The Arc’s National Convention in Portland, Oregon, this November.

Now through August 29, United MileagePlus® members can donate unused miles to The Arc through United’s featured charity miles program. Our goal is to collect one million miles to help cover travel for as many people as possible.

For many people with disabilities, Convention is a chance to connect with other advocates, learn about issues affecting their lives, build confidence, and be part of a national community. But travel costs can put that opportunity out of reach.

Your unused miles could help change that. Donate your United MileagePlus® miles to The Arc today: https://donate.mileageplus.com/Charity/Details/3217613

06/18/2026

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

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

06/16/2026

BREAKING: The U.S. Department of Education announced plans to move special education oversight and school civil rights enforcement out of the Department and into agencies that weren't designed to run education programs.

For students with disabilities and families, this could mean more confusion, longer delays, and weaker accountability when schools deny services, accommodations, accessibility, or protection from discrimination.

UPDATE: You can now take action and tell Congress to keep Special Education where it belongs! https://bit.ly/4xC1jsR

Read our full statement: https://bit.ly/4fPsjPs

06/11/2026

Big win for The Arc of Ohio and disability rights! Family caregivers can continue supporting their loved ones in Ohio thanks to the incredible advocacy work of The Arc of Ohio, people with disabilities, their families, allies, and family caregivers.

Thousands of people with disabilities depend on family members for everyday support, and similar threats are emerging across the country after the Medicaid cuts enacted by Congress last year.

We will keep fighting to ensure people with disabilities and their families get the support they need to thrive!

Learn more in the news article featuring The Arc of Ohio CEO Gary Tonks: https://local12.com/news/local/ohio-drops-proposal-targeting-families-caring-disabled-loved-ones-mental-physical-disabilities-funding-funds-money-medicaid-waivers-nurses-doctors-hospital-bills-charge-syndrome-at-home-care-cincinnati?fbclid=IwY2xjawSXsoRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFKVXM4aEZvdXhNUUQwMGlGc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHm-FfULXkcsHQb8UCtZIIz-0JySUd8HzNDxmsVlMagdEIkfDBsmNUyQoiHTQ_aem_otqM6J22kCQ39B13A1Zn6w

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

06/11/2026

Think about all the ways you rely on the internet. Applying for jobs, learning new skills, paying bills, connecting with friends and family. Now imagine all of those doors being closed.

For many people with disabilities, accessing the internet or knowing how to use it isn’t easy.

We’re working with АT&Т to change that. We have free digital skills training online and in person, so more people can build confidence with technology and access the tools they need in everyday life.

Get started today using the link in comments.

06/10/2026

Keith shares what’s possible for people with disabilities when they get the support they need to live in their communities.

Like millions of others with disabilities, Keith depends on Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) every day. But due to cuts, these vital services are at risk.

Take action today and tell Congress to protect Medicaid HCBS ➡️ https://bit.ly/43ljiGi

06/09/2026

Disability issues are being shaped in real time across the country right now.

That’s why we’re working hard to show up in the national media and make sure the perspectives of people with disabilities and their families are part of the conversation.

Swipe through to see some of the recent news stories featuring The Arc and the issues that matter to the disability community.