April is Autism Acceptance Month: Celebrating Diverse Voices at the Texas Capitol 

The Arc of Texas is proud to recognize Autism Acceptance Month alongside our partner organizations and advocates across Texas and beyond. This month is an opportunity to uplift the voices, talents, and contributions of people with autism while advancing policies that support their rights, opportunities, and inclusion. 

On Monday, we joined the Autism Society of Texas’ Texas Autism Advocacy Day, where advocates from across the state gathered at the Capitol to discuss key legislation, meet with lawmakers, and champion policies that support Texans with disabilities. We are grateful to our partner organizations for their continued commitment to empowering Texans to advocate for a more inclusive future!

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Our Recent Testimony

IDD Coordinating Council: House Bill 2807

WATCH our testimony (starts at 2:14:09)

On March 25, Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, The Arc of Texas Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, testified before the House Committee on Human Services in support of HB 2807, filed by Representative Toni Rose. The bill would establish a statewide Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Coordinating Council to support coordination and collaboration among state agencies on services and supports for individuals with IDD, and be tasked with developing, implementing, and maintaining a strategic plan to enhance these services and supports.
 

Study on Enrollment and Success of Students with Disabilities in Higher Ed: House Bill 271

WATCH our testimony (starts at 21:26)

On March 25, Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, our Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, testified before the House Committee on Higher Education in support of HB 271, filed by Representative Mary González. The bill would require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to prepare and submit a report to the Texas Legislature on the enrollment and success of students with disabilities in higher education, examining barriers to enrollment and whether institutions provide sufficient and accurate information on educational rights and protections for students with disabilities under state and federal law.
 

Study on Improvements to Specialized Services for People with IDD: House Bill 2542

WATCH our testimony (starts at 1:07:09)
On April 1, Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, our Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, testified before the House Committee on Human Services in support of HB 2542 by Representative Stan Kitzman. The bill would establish a work group to assess and recommend improvements to specialized services for people with IDD, including those with mental health conditions or high behavioral needs. The recommendations provided would serve in helping shape policies that better support Texans with disabilities.
 

Legal Assistance For Texans with Disabilities Experiencing Housing Discrimination: House Bill 1063

WATCH our testimony (starts at 1:21:55)
On April 1, Michael Clarke, our Deputy Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, testified before the House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs in support of HB 1063, filed by Representative Salman Bhojani. This bill would allow local governments to create a tenant legal services office to provide assistance to certain low-income residential tenants, including in cases involving housing discrimination based on disability. 
 

Federal Activities Impacting Texans

Advocacy Opportunity: Your Story Can Help Save Medicaid

The Arc of the United States is tirelessly fighting to ensure Medicaid is not cut in the upcoming federal budget. Your U.S. representatives need to hear from you to understand how Medicaid provides essential health care and services to millions of children and adults with disabilities so they can live healthier, fuller lives. We encourage you to share what Medicaid means to you through this quick form. Your voice matters!

Dismantling U.S. Department of Education Harms Students with Disabilities

On March 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to shift educational authority back to states and local communities. This move has sparked legal challenges from educators, school districts, and unions, arguing it violates the Constitution and federal law. Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States, highlights the Department of Education’s crucial role in funding special education teacher training, driving innovation, supporting parents, and enforcing disability rights laws. She notes that many disability-related complaints come from parents seeking appropriate education services, with the department often working directly with school districts to resolve issues. Learn more. 

The Arc of Texas is monitoring the implications of this decision and remains committed to advocating alongside students with disabilities to ensure continued government recognition and support for special education programs. We will continue working with other state chapters of The Arc to raise awareness and ensure the voices of Texans with disabilities are heard.

In Case You Missed It: Voting Rights Win in Texas

In a significant victory for disability rights, a federal court has ruled that Texas Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The ruling, issued by Judge Xavier Rodriguez, found that key provisions of SB 1 created unnecessary barriers for voters with disabilities, violating their fundamental right to vote. This is part of ongoing efforts by The Arc of Texas and other civil rights groups to protect voters with disabilities. Learn more.