We cannot give in to the mounting attacks on disability rights. We must keep going, and we need your help to do so. Barriers to critical supports and services are jeopardizing the quality of life, health, and safety of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) like never before. But, we know when polickymakers hear directly
from Texans with IDD, they are more likely to make decisions that help us. If you can, please make a tax-deductible donation to The Arc of Texas today.
Just think: If everyone receiving this email gives just $10 today, that would cover nearly $40,000 of our 2026 budget, allowing us to assist and collaborate with hundreds more disability rights advocates in sharing their lived experience and expertise with Texas policymakers—like the advocates below! We've made so much progress through the years together. Let's keep it up!
Voices Making a Difference: Celebrating Disability Rights Advocates
Shelbi Davenport: We are thrilled to have Shelbi’s expertise and passion on the board of directors for The Arc of Texas. Here’s an excerpt from her story, "Living with ataxia, working with purpose,” featured in The Battalion, a student newspaper of Texas A&M University: "At 5 years old, Shelbi Davenport ‘20 was diagnosed with ataxia, a progressive neurological disease that affects speech, motor skills and balance. Her family was shocked and unsure of what her future would look like, but they committed themselves to supporting her dreams despite the
potential challenges posed by the diagnosis.
Since then, Davenport’s life has exceeded the expectations of doctors and educators alike.” Shelbi says, "I want to get the word out there for more individuals with disabilities who may be told ‘No’ like I was, before I can’t do that anymore.” It was our honor
to collaborate with Shelbi during the last Texas Legislative Session where her hard work and "testimony was critical in the passage ofTexas House Bill 2081, a piece of legislation that would support educational
and occupational opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in higher education institutions."
The Handley Family:Last weekend, at The Arc of Texas board meeting, we honored The Handley Family’s extraordinary advocacy during the most recent Texas Legislative Session. Announced earlier this year, Carey, Boyd and their daughter, Caytlin, are the 2025 recipients of the 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’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. Thanks to their idea, and their persistence and collaboration throughout the legislative process, The Caytlin Handley Act (House Bill 1188) became law on May 29, 2025! We are grateful, also, for Carey's service on our Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.Learn more about their efforts on page 17 of our 2025 Impact Report.
Self-contained video cameras in classrooms protect students who, due to their disabilities, might not be able to report abuse and neglect. If requested, school districts and public charter schools must install a video camera which records when one or more students are present.
This webinar, hosted by The Arc of the U.S., will provide a summary of major provisions of the 2025 budget reconciliation law HR1, known as “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” and provide ideas of what to expect and how to prepare at the state and local levels.
