The Arc Wisconsin

09/04/2026

Come to the Legislative Breakfast on September 25th!

Make sure you register: https://arcfdl.org/legislative-breakfast/

Two options to come: Virtual or in person!

09/04/2026

⏰ There is still time to join us today!

What’s After High School?🎓

Today's learning session offers a practical look at the transition to adult life for youth with disabilities and special health care needs.

Explore what comes next — from school and health care to benefits, employment, housing, guardianship, advocacy, and community living — while also talking about the foundations for building a meaningful adult life.

🕙11:30 - 12:30 pm
💻Virtual

🔗Register: https://familyvoiceswi.org/events-calendar/

We would love to have you with us! 🧡

09/04/2026

🔍 Myth-Busting Friday

MYTH: Students with disabilities who go to college can't handle the same coursework as other students.

FACT: Students with disabilities attend colleges, universities, technical schools, and apprenticeship programs across Wisconsin and the country. With accommodations such as note-taking support, accessible materials, assistive technology, flexible testing environments, or interpreters, students with disabilities can succeed and reach their educational goals.

A disability does not determine someone's intelligence, potential, or ability to learn.

✅ Disability is a natural part of human diversity.
✅ Accommodations help level the playing field, not provide an advantage.
✅ Students with disabilities belong in higher education.

This Myth-Busting Friday, let's focus on removing barriers and expanding opportunities for all learners.

09/04/2026

On this episode of In the Spotlight, we meet Richard. He shows us a...

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

CPR and National Disability Rights Partners Condemn DOJ’s Proposed Elimination of the Integration Requirement in Federal Rule

On August 31, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ), on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), along with Texas, Florida and Alaska filed a proposed resolution of Texas v. Kennedy. These states challenged the HHS 2024 regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by recipients of federal funds. The lawsuit focuses on the regulations’ provisions regarding community integration for people with disabilities. The resolution asks the court to enter an order vacating references to community integration throughout the Section 504 regulations, including the entirety of the integration provision. The resolution does not impact other portions of the 2024 HHS Section 504 Rule.

We strongly and unequivocally condemn the actions of DOJ and HHS. This resolution continues the federal government's abandonment of its duty to enforce the right of people with disabilities to live in their own homes and communities. The resolution relies on the June 18, 2026 memo from the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel. That memo reflects the federal government's reversal of its longstanding interpretation of the law and of its own authority. The federal government’s Section 504 regulations have included integration provisions since 1977.

To be clear, this resolution does not and cannot change longstanding legal precedent interpreting the requirements of Section 504 or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Nor does it change the ADA or Section 504 themselves. Only Congress can change the law.
DOJ's new interpretation of the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C., the ADA, and Section 504 is simply wrong and inconsistent with 50 years of law. DOJ itself admits that its interpretation is "out of step" with the interpretation of the law by courts across the country.

The disability community opposes any effort to turn back the clock on disability rights and community integration or to strip disabled people of their dignity and autonomy. We join together against discrimination and segregation of people with disabilities.

This statement was created by The Arc of the United States, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Center for Public Representation, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, Justice in Aging, the National Health Law Program, and American Civil Liberties Union, with contributions by Alison Barkoff, Hirsh Health Law and Policy Associate Professor, George Washington University.

09/03/2026

📣 CALL FOR PRESENTERS: Help Shape the 2027 Circles of Life Conference! 📣

May 6-7, 2027 | Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells

Community, Connection, Resilience

Do you have experience, knowledge, or ideas to share with families and professionals? We are inviting parents and professionals to submit presentation proposals for our May 2027 Conference!

Building community, fostering lasting connections, and finding ways to remain resilient through times of change are at the heart of our 2027 conference theme.

We are seeking presentations that give conference attendees practical, actionable strategies to care for their families, build meaningful connections, and maintain strength and balance during times of change.

Your experience and ideas can help shape the conference.

👉 Submit your presentation proposal: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=z25Y2NFhDU6Grc9L9lWVWobUcteA7oBHrOUdmB9niYBUNUZRQ1dTWDA0VFVXNjU5WjVYRUM3QUVITS4u&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl

09/02/2026

Join Independence First - The Resource for People with Disabilities virtually for September’s Learn & Advocate Lunch Series, featuring Brian Peters for “Advocating with ADA in Real Life”

Using curriculum from the ADA National Network, participants will explore how different titles of the ADA apply to everyday life, learn to recognize potential violations, and discuss approaches to disability advocacy.

Virtual meeting: Thursday, September 10, from noon–1 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83469954745?pwd=BgRghUxgTOmSqxDzfhXjgTNw9iC375.1

Learn more:
https://www.independencefirst.org/Events/Learn-and-Advocate-Lunch-Series---Advocating-with-ADA-in-Real-Life.htm?Occurrence=2026-09-10T12:00:00

09/02/2026