The Arc of the United States

Mariela is a caregiver to her son, Samir, who has intellectual disability, hydrocephalus, and apraxia. We asked Mariela what she wants people to know about caregivers who support a family member with a disability, and this was her response: “It is important to fight for them, advocate for them, speak for them, include them, and don’t let people give up on them or label them. People with disabilities are perfect the way they are, so don’t outcast them, and don’t allow anyone to do it. They matter too.” Learn more about Mariela and her life as a caregiver on our blog: https://lnkd.in/equP-H5A #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth

Last weekend, over 500 of us gathered for an unforgettable National Convention in Columbus, Ohio. We covered important disability rights issues—from education, employment, and criminal justice reform to advocacy strategies, navigating change, and leadership development. Lifelong relationships are made at our annual gathering, and in between all the learning and networking, we still found time for plenty of fun. The connections and community we’re building together are invaluable. Thank you to The Arc of Ohio and everyone who made it an unforgettable weekend! #TheArcConvention

Today, advocates in Washington, DC, attended a hearing for a class action lawsuit against DC’s Office of the State Superintendent for Education. The city has failed to provide safe, reliable, and effective transportation to and from school for students with disabilities. Our very own Evan Monod handled part of the oral argument opposing the District's efforts to get rid of the lawsuit. Every student deserves equal access to education! Learn more about the case here: https://lnkd.in/esRc4quB

With the election of President Trump and a new Congress, The Arc of the United States will continue to partner with all elected officials, advocating and educating that disability is a part of our shared human experience—one that touches every family, every community, and every generation regardless of political party. When people with disabilities have the support they need to live, learn, work, and participate fully in their communities, all Americans benefit. Yet, every day, people with disabilities and their families face remarkably challenging circumstances. Children with disabilities are being denied educational supports that will ensure they get a strong foundation for their lives ahead. The unemployment rate of adults with disabilities is 2 times higher than the rate of non-disabled people. Nearly 700,000 people are stuck on years-long waiting lists for home and community-based services, which allows them to live independently in their communities. Caregivers are stretched to the breaking point, balancing work, financial stability, and the fight to secure essential services. These aren't abstract policy issues—they are daily realities that affect families in every neighborhood, town, and state across America. We have work to do—and The Arc will never stop advocating for the policies that people with disabilities need to thrive. The Arc has deep roots in communities nationwide. For 75 years, our strong network of self-advocates, families, and professionals has shared their expertise with elected officials to ensure policy decisions reflect the pressing, serious needs of everyday Americans. We've seen firsthand that the most enduring progress comes when all leaders recognize disability rights as human rights.

Today’s Election Day, and you have the right to an accessible polling place! 🗳️ ✔️ You can bring someone to help you vote. ✔️ You can ask a poll worker for help using the accessible voting machines. ✔️ You can ask a poll worker for a chair if you cannot stand in a long line. If you have questions about voting or think your rights have been violated, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-687-8683. Learn more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/ehua86Th

November is National Family Caregivers Month. We honor the dedication, resilience, and compassion of caregivers who support family members with disabilities—from help with daily activities to emotional support. An estimated 53 million people in the U.S. support a family member who is aging or disabled. Many make significant sacrifices to provide round-the-clock care. They face challenges like isolation, exhaustion, and financial strain. But caregiving is an act of love, and the unwavering commitment of our caregivers makes a big difference every day. Join us this National Family Caregivers Month (and every month!) in recognizing and celebrating caregivers nationwide. Caregivers, you are not alone. Read more stories from caregivers on our blog: https://lnkd.in/enm-ix_U #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth

To wrap up our National Convention, Joze Piranian - Transformational Speaker headlined our closing session. Using a mix of comedy and real talk about facing life's ups and downs, Joze shared his journey from struggling with a stutter to becoming a world-class speaker. His message? We all have an "inner stutter"—those fears and doubts that hold us back. He taught us how to defeat the discomfort of learning new skills and how to reframe our relationship with fear. #TheArcConvention

It’s day 2 at #TheArcConvention! Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) make life in the community possible for people with disabilities. Experts from The Arc broke down the programs into easy-to-understand ideas. They talked about important changes that impact people with disabilities and highlighted the issues we're working on to make these programs work better for everyone. Check out our Medicaid resource page to learn more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/etYcnSNx Get ready to fight for disability rights with us in 2025!

🎉 Today, we kicked off our 2024 National Convention in Columbus, Ohio! Our opening session was about using emotional intelligence to make real change in our advocacy and community work. Dr. Hassan Abdulhaqq taught us how to decode nonverbal cues and unspoken needs in our communities, build trust, transform conflicts into opportunities, and more! Over the next few days, we’ll gain new insights into how to build a better future for people with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. #TheArcConvention

A huge congratulations to Marty Ford, Senior Advisor at The Arc! She received the National Academy of Social Insurance prestigious Robert M. Ball Award. This major honor recognizes her 40-year legacy of shaping federal disability policy at The Arc. It also highlights her work as a leader of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities. Former Representative Earl Pomeroy spoke of Marty’s expertise, tenacity, and impact. Marty was not able to attend the event, so her longtime colleague, Julie Ward, accepted on her behalf. Marty's work has touched millions of lives—join us in celebrating Marty Ford!