The Arc of Texas

07/30/2026

This week, took us to The Arc of El Paso, where we had a great time visiting about the issues most important to folks in that area! We discussed how state-level policies are made, how they impact Texans with disabilities, and how each of us can advocate for disability rights from home and at the Texas Capitol! Big thanks to Rep. Mary González's office for joining us!

07/28/2026

We want to extend our sincere thanks to Texas Representative Mihaela E. Plesa for standing with Texans with disabilities! After joining us at our Tour Across Texas event in Dallas-Fort Worth and meeting with constituents form The Arc of DFW Area Rep. Plesa sent the attached letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton expressing concerns about Texas' participation in the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit and requested answers about what it could mean for the rights of Texans with disabilities.

In a social media post yesterday, Rep. Plesa said, "Thirty-six years ago, a Republican president [(George H.W. Bush)] signed the Americans with Disabilities Act with overwhelming bipartisan support because disability rights are not Democratic rights or Republican rights. They are civil rights. Texas should be building on that legacy by expanding independence, accessibility, choice, and opportunity for people with disabilities. We should be moving forward, not backward."

⭐ We are grateful for leaders who listen to the disability community, ask important questions, and advocate for transparency and accountability when fundamental civil rights are at stake. Thank you, Rep. Plesa, for your partnership and your commitment to protecting the rights of Texans with disabilities!

Ken Paxton

07/27/2026

Longtime friend, Ricky Broussard, loves living and working in his community. As someone who previously lived in institutional settings, he says we MUST protect supports and services Texans with disabilities need to live, work, engage and thrive in their community! We couldn't agree more! Show your for by sharing Ricky's video!

Ricky is a rockstar disability rights advocate and serves on the board of Texas Advocates. Thanks, Ricky!

07/21/2026

What a great group! We had a great time last week with for ! We discussed how state-level policies impacting Texans with disabilities are made, and how each of us can use our voice to educate elected officials about our experiences. Thanks for having us!

07/16/2026

Way to go Veronica! We love seeing members of our board involved in these messages!

07/13/2026

Join us in your region for this month's events where we'll be talking about disability rights advocacy and how you can use your voice! Contact your local chapter for details and to RSVP:
🔸Tuesday, July 14 (6-8pm): The Arc of Wichita County
🔸Saturday, July 25 (10am-Noon): The Arc of El Paso

A great way to celebrate !

07/09/2026

Learn more and take action: https://act.thearc.org/campaign/164015/

Complicated paperwork shouldn't be the reason people lose their Medicaid coverage. A new federal rule requires many adults who get Medicaid to prove they're working, studying, or volunteering 80 hours a month. People with disabilities are supposed to be exempt, but the rule adds so much paperwork that many could lose coverage anyway—not because they're ineligible, but because they can't keep up with the red tape.

Tell the government to fix this. Submit a comment here by the July 31 deadline: https://bit.ly/4wmhKIk

06/23/2026

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