Senate Bill 2 passed during the recent
legislative session, establishing an Education Savings Account (ESA) program that allows eligible Texas families to use state funding for private school tuition and other educational expenses. To help you understand the impact of the new program on Texas kids with disabilities, we collaborated with the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities to create a one-pager on how much funding a family can receive, how families can use funding, differences between public schools and private schools,
and more.
Join the Disability Rights Texas Education team to learn
about recent legislation that could affect your child at school. Topics will include the new Education Savings Accounts, changes to school discipline, changes to school safety, and more. Free but must register.
The excitement of a new school year can bring unique challenges and opportunities for parents of children with disabilities. Proper preparation can make all the difference in a child’s growth and success. Here are some practical tips to help start the school year off right.
In case you missed it earlier this month, we are thrilled to honor the Handley Family of Katy, Texas, with the 2025 Virginia Eernisse Legacy Award, which celebrates advocates who
emulate Virginia's unyielding commitment to the rights of Texans with disabilities. Born of a desire to help their daughter Caytlin, the Handley family’s tireless advocacy has touched thousands of Texas families who, until now, were not informed of available intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) resources until their child’s 14th birthday—years beyond helpful intervention timing. The Caytlin Handley Act (House Bill 1188) became law on May 29, 2025! Known for her passionate pursuit of
equity and justice for people with disabilities, Virginia led with trademark courage, speaking truth to power about disability rights and fiercely supporting grassroots self-advocates in voicing their lived experience. She was appointed to the board that oversaw the closure of two state-supported living centers (SSLCs), and spearheaded the establishment of The Arc of the Gulf Coast. She also served on The Arc of Texas’ Board of Directors and Public Policy & Advocacy Committee and was a
founding member of Imagine Enterprises. Learn more about The Caytlin Handley Act in The Arc of Texas 2025 Impact Report, which sheds light on the real, lasting difference our collective efforts are having in the lives of Texans with IDD.
Recent Supreme Court Rulings Impacting the Disability Community
The U.S. Supreme Court has recently ruled on several cases that have implications for people with disabilities. Check out these explainers:
Trump v. CASA: “Can a federal court stop the government from enforcing a harmful policy that violates people’s rights, even if those people aren’t part of a lawsuit? That’s the core question […] that could reshape how civil rights cases are handled, including those brought by and for people with disabilities.”
Stanley v. City of Sanford: “What happens when a worker with a disability retires and then faces discrimination in the benefits they were promised? […] The answer the Court gave was disappointing: under federal law, workers with
disabilities lose protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) once they fully retire. It’s a narrow interpretation with sweeping consequences, and it sends the wrong message about fairness, dignity, and how we value disabled people in the workplace and beyond.”
The Arc U.S. recently shared this resource to help chapters of The Arc navigate the current immigration landscape as it relates to our work. “While we recognize that most chapter settings will not qualify as “healthcare facilities” as defined by the CDC and as referenced in this document, the information in it may offer chapters ideas and additional resources to gain more clarity around
immigration issues as it relates to chapter operations. Please take note of page 10 of the document that lists a variety of resources and support organizations,” said Carrie Hobbs Guiden, SEO of Chapters and Community at The Arc U.S.
The Ohio State University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program is conducting a study to gain perspective of legal guardians on new genetic testing for individuals with intellectual disabilities under their care. Participation entails a 20-minute 48-question survey (collected anonymously). Questions? Contact Alyssa Slayden at alyssa.slayden@osumc.edu or 614-293-9713, or Dawn Allain at dawn.allain@osumc.edu.
The scholarship program from United Health Foundation’s Health Care Scholars United supports current and former health professionals like nurses, mental health providers, midwives and more, who are pursuing additional clinical credentials. The Foundation’s goal is to support 10,000 scholars by 2033 and ultimately help improve healthcare access, experiences, and outcomes for
all.
Let's get social! Follow @TheArcOfTexas:
Your financial support is crucial to our mission. A gift of any amount is meaningful to us and is put to work immediately to advocate for and with Texans with disabilities. Thank you!
