The Arc of Texas Chapter Update: New benefit to share with your members, #txlege updates and materials available

Published: Wed, 01/20/21

Share this new benefit with your members

The Arc of Texas has launched Disability Dispatch, a new monthly e-newsletter. The mission of Disability Dispatch is to deliver allies regular updates on disability rights issues in an easy-to-digest format. The first issue highlighted the our joint report with the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, The Texas Tribune article featuring Ricky Broussard, and Master Pooled Trust Director Haley Greer's podcast interview about special needs trust. Share the sign-up form at thearcoftexas.org/get-informed.

87th Texas Legislative Session Begins: Rep. Dade Phelan named Speaker of the House; COVID-19 protocols continue to evolve

The 87th Texas Legislative Session kicked off on Tuesday, January 12. In the 140 days of session, representatives and senators will have the challenging task of passing a budget, addressing COVID-19 issues, tackling redistricting, and passing or killing numerous other bills.

Texas State Representative Dade Phelan of Beaumont has been elected to serve as Speaker of the House. Speaker Phelan has a strong relationship with The Arc of Greater Beaumont, and we are looking forward to working with him to address issues for Texans with IDD this session.

During this unprecedented time, session will look different than it has in the past. The Texas Tribune reports that Texas House will require masks and declined to expand virtual testimony. We are still waiting on exact rules and guidelines for the public, and will update you as soon as possible.

The Arc of Texas has been advocating for a safe way to ensure Texans with IDDs voices are heard, and will continue to do so.

Be prepared to meet with your Texas legislators

The Arc of Texas 2021 Public Policy Priorities packet is now available. The five-page packet includes the info sheet we created last year and one-pagers on our four pillars. These can be used together or you can extract individual pages for your needs. Download the packet

Keep track of legislation that could affect Texans with IDD

Follow a sampling of bills The Arc of Texas is tracking during the 87th Texas Legislative Session on our website at thearcoftexas.org/bills. The list will continue to populate as The Arc of Texas team members find bills that might be of interest to our allies. In addition to this public-facing list, the team is tracking hundreds of bills that affect our areas of focus and will separately make calls to action when there are priority bills.

Important opportunity to inform HHS on the DSP workforce in Texas

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is seeking organizations and agencies to participate in the National Core Indicators (NCI) Staff Stability Survey 2021. National Core Indicators (NCI) is a voluntary effort by public developmental disabilities agencies to measure and track their own performance. View previous years reports here.

Responses to the survey will provide data on the quality and stability of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce working with Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Interested participants should complete this survey by January 22.

Partners in Disability Leadership application opening soon

Know people who would be a good fit for the 2021 Partners in Disability Leadership program? Have them sign up at thearcoftexas.org/disabilityleadership to receive updates when the application period for the next cohort opens. This is also the page to watch for forthcoming information.

Calling all communicators! Join The Arc of Texas Communications & Marketing Network

Want to talk with other local chapter peers about your communications and marketing initiatives? The Arc of Texas Communications & Marketing Network is a new, informal group for communications professionals across local chapters to discuss our work. Whether communications and marketing is your formal role or it's yet another hat you wear, this is the chance to talk about our challenges and successes, and find ways we can partner and expand our reach. If you are interested in being a part of this new, informal group, please contact Summer Mandell for more information.

The Arc of Texas Upcoming Events

2021 Holiday Closures

President's Day

February 15

Memorial Day

May 31

2021 Board Meetings

Quarter 1

March 6

Quarter 2

June 12

Quarter 3

September 25

Quarter 4

December 4

Local Chapter Leadership Calls

Quarter 1

March 10

Quarter 2

June 16

Quarter 3

September 29

Quarter 4

December 8