Only a few hours remain to call Governor Abbott at 361-264-9653 or send a message online to encourage him to stop today’s execution of Robert Roberson, an Autistic man in Texas. Despite overwhelming evidence that no crime occurred, a case that relied heavily on bias against Roberson's Autistic behaviors, as well as widespread bipartisan support for clemency, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals denied
the request to stay Roberson's execution. Now, the only thing that would delay his execution is action from Governor Abbott. The Arc of Texas is supporting the Autism Society of Texas, the Innocence Project and other disability rights partners in this effort. This brief video summarizes the situation. Stay tuned to our social media channels for
updates.
The Legal Defense Fund, along with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, The Arc of Texas, The Arc of the United States, the Houston Area Urban League, and ArentFox Schiff, today applauded a decision delivered late Friday, Oct. 11, that struck down certain provisions of Senate Bill 1 (S.B. 1), an egregious Texas law that sharply limits voting access. In the decision from the United States
District Court for the Western District of Texas, the judge ruled that several provisions of S.B. 1 that restrict and criminalize voting assistance violate the Voting Rights Act and therefore cannot be enforced.
“This victory for voters with disabilities affirms, yet again, what a difference self-advocacy can make,” said Jennifer Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Texas. “I want to thank our members
and allies who provided testimony. Without it, the outcome could have been very different, but your willingness to speak up about the unfair barriers you face changed history today.”
The Arc of Texas encourages you to exercise your right to vote in the Nov. 5 election. Voting is one of the most powerful things the IDD community can do to help determine who represents you at the local, state and federal level. Afterall, these are the folks who make policies that impact our lives.
Make a voting plan with this guide for voters with disabilities from Disability Rights Texas.
If voting by mail, the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 25.
Find your polling location, track mailed ballots and more with My Voter Portal.
Veronica Ayala, a self-advocate for Texans with IDD and President Elect for The Arc of Texas Board of Directors, recently shared why voting is important to her:
We’re nearing the end of this year’s Tour Across Texas event series, 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! We’ve had such a great time meeting so many folks and seeing old friends! RSVP to attend a remaining event near you!
Let’s come together to acknowledge the value and talent of workers with disabilities during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, to ensure workers with disabilities have access to meaningful jobs and advancement. Check out resources and
services that support workers with disabilities.
Learn how Social Security work incentives, ABLE accounts, and the Ticket to Work program can enhance your employment journey. ABLE accounts provide an avenue for managing some of your earnings and maintaining your access to Medicaid.
This landmark report on child care accessibility for families with disabilities details interviews, survey responses and focus group feedback gathered from staff of the U.S. Government
Accountability Office and families connected to The Arc of U.S.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released comprehensive guidance to support states in ensuring the 38 million children with Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage receive the full range of health care services they need. Under Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment requirements, eligible children are entitled
to a comprehensive array of prevention, diagnostic, and treatment services.
