On Feb. 23, The Arc of Texas sent a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton requesting his office withdraw from the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit, which attacks Section 504 and seeks to invalidate long-standing, critical protections under federal law for people with disabilities. (See our press release.) This lawsuit threatens to upend decades of progress made toward community living, independence, inclusion, and self-determination for people with disabilities in Texas and throughout the U.S., making it harder for people with disabilities to exercise their right to live in their communities and access already limited home and community-based services. The likely result would be increased, unnecessary institutionalization.

How you can help right now:

• Watch our 60-second video overview.
• See how families like The Lundays could be impacted in “The Fight to Stay Home: How a Texas Lawsuit Could Upend Disability Care” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
• Contact Paxton to demand the state’s withdrawal from the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit and to stop attacks on Section 504 by emailing Ken.Paxton@oag.texas.gov and Ryan.Kercher@oag.texas.gov; calling Paxton’s Special Litigation Division at 512-936-0567; or submit comment through the Texas Attorney General’s online form. We have heard these email addresses and phone number are intermittently disconnected due to the high volume of advocacy. Don’t let them silence us! If you experience this, please submit comment through the online form. 
  • Sample language: “My name is [NAME] and I live in [CITY, Texas]. I am reaching out to ask Attorney General Ken Paxton to withdraw Texas from the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit. People with disabilities should be able to live in the community with needed supports and services, and Texas should not be part of a lawsuit that puts that at risk. Our state should keep people with disabilities connected to their communities and families, rather than force them into he isolation of institutions. Thank you.”

Access to voting is a disability rights issue. Unfortunately, many voters with disabilities face barriers when trying to register and vote, such as polling places that are not fully accessible, lack of access to transportation, and stricter voter ID rules. Limiting mail-in voting would make it harder for many people to vote. Some proposed bills would require people to register in person, making it even more difficult for people with disabilities. Right now, Congress is considering bills that could change how people must register and vote. Tell Congress to protect voting rights for people with disabilities through our quick form.

The Arc of Texas understands that the dynamic of being a family member who is non-disabled can be challenging and isolating. Starting next Thursday, on April 2, we will provide a safe and supportive space where adult family members of people with disabilities can come together to engage in interactive, educational discussions, share experiences, offer advice, and provide emotional support to one another. Learn more by checking out our flyer. Led by The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust's social work team, this five-session virtual support group is limited to seven to 10 family members of people with disabilities who can attend at least three of the five sessions (Noon-1:30 p.m. on April 2, 6, 9, 13, and 16). Learn more by checking out our flyer.

Submit an interest form.

Open to all Texans: Do you want to make things better for and with Texans with disabilities but don't know how to make it happen? Join ACE Workshops offered by The Arc of DFW Area to learn about key disability issues, how to advocate and tell your story to lawmakers, and how to build change in your community. RSVP for the all-virtual session happening on April 11! Questions? Contact julia@thearcofdfw.org.

As part of Partners Resource Network’s Statewide Webinar Series, Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) will provide an overview of what a Medicaid waiver is, what waiver programs we have in Texas, including information about eligibility, how to get added to the interest list, and what the different waiver programs cover. Register today! Questions? Contact training@prntexas.org.

The Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing is leading a unique, statewide research study to learn what matters most to people with disabilities and their families in the areas of language, advocacy, and learning pathways. How do you prefer to learn about and engage in advocacy? Your input can help strengthen disability organizations and advocacy efforts across Texas. They hope to hear from more than 4,000 Texans with disabilities, their families, and professionals or providers who serve them. Take the survey and share the opportunity with others. Questions? Contact Kari Maddox at kari_maddox1@baylor.edu or 254-710-6167. This project is supported by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities.

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) supports Texans with developmental disabilities (DD) in making choices and achieving their goals for independent living, productivity, and community participation. They are seeking individuals with disabilities, as well as family members of people with disabilities to serve on their 27-member Council. Council members serve staggered six-year terms and share the expertise of their own lived experience. That experience is vital to educating decision-makers and to effectively supporting self-advocates and families in becoming community leaders and influential policy advocates. The goal is to identify gaps in the system and fund projects that address them so people with disabilities are included in all aspects of daily life—such as making friends, attending college, going to work, and staying healthy. If interested in applying, fill out the interest form to get started. Need assistance or have questions? Contact Koren Vogel at koren.vogel@tcdd.texas.gov or 512-948-2035.