During the last Texas legislative session (2022-23), less than 1% of Medicaid waiver requests were funded – 1,549 slots to be exact. And yet, 170,000+ Texans are waiting for critical community services. On Aug. 27, our Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, testified before the Texas House Human Services Committee to let them know, "That number should be unconscionable to us." Watch The Arc of Texas' 5-minute testimony (start the video at 2:10).

Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, who has been on staff since 2023, has joined our leadership team to head up our state-wide public policy and advocacy work. As Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, Sabrina will set the organization’s legislative priorities and engage folks across the state in advocacy supporting Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Her personal experience as a sibling of someone with IDD fuels her passion and approach for disability rights. Previously, Sabrina served The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Justice Initiative of the Center for American Progress, and the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in Washington, D.C. Meet Sabrina at an upcoming Tour Across Texas event!

This event series is so popular that we’ve extended it into the fall! The Arc of Texas Public Policy & Advocacy Team is continuing the Tour Across Texas through October, stopping at local chapters around the state to provide an update on disability rights issues and share advocacy tips to help you prepare for the 89th Texas Legislative Session! Open to everyone in the disability community, it’s a great chance to meet folks who care about people with IDD. RSVP to attend an event near you! Coming up: The Arc of Wichita County (9/20), The Arc of DFW Area (9/21), The Arc of McLennan County (9/24), The Arc of El Paso (9/28), and The Arc of Smith County (10/3).

Last week was National Disability Voting Rights Week, but there’s still time to make sure you, your family and friends are registered to vote! Texans must register to vote in the Nov. 5 Presidental Election by Oct. 7. Get registered (or confirm your voter registration) today. People with IDD can and should vote – our vote is our power! Who we elect has an impact on our quality of life and the U.S. President isn’t the only thing on the Nov. 5 ballot. For example, state-level elected officials make decisions about funding for programs, services and supports for people with IDD. Nearly 18 million people with disabilities voted in the last presidential election, but many more were eligible. Let’s show the country that our votes matter! (Image credit: The Arc U.S. Sean Pevsner, pictured and quoted above, is a member of The Arc of Texas' Public Policy & Advocacy Committee.)

Through interviews and focus groups, this study aims to identify the challenges victims of violence with IDD experience in trying to find help. Ultimately, the study will inform policy recommendations to improve access to help.

This orientation, hosted by The Arc U.S., provides insights and support for individuals stepping into a Chapter Leader role. It is tailored to help navigate the responsibilities and challenges that come with this vital position within The Arc community