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We Shared Your Voices at Last Week's House Human Services Committee Hearing
Last week, with your help, we testified before the House Human Services Committee on the challenges Texans with IDD face when trying to access supports to thrive in their communities. Your voices made a difference!See what committee members had to say(alsoon Instagram). There are real opportunities to strengthen Texas’ IDD system. Collaborative advocacy makes this possible!
Watch: Renee Is Committed to Living In Her Community
In case you missed Renee Lopez's short video on social media, watch it here and share (also on Instagram)! Renee, who serves on the boards of The Arc of Texas and Texas Advocates recently shared what she loves about living in her community, and why she never wants to live in an institution again. In her words: "We have options. Don't take those away!"
Contact Texas Attorney General Paxton and Tell Him to Withdraw from Texas v. Kennedy Lawsuit
Background: A couple months ago, we sent a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton requesting his office withdraw from the
Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit which seeks to invalidate long-standing, critical protections under federal law for people with disabilities. It threatens decades of progress made toward community living, independence, inclusion, and self-determination for people with disabilities, and it's part of a broader effort to weaken disability rights across the nation.
Sample Language—Contact Paxton to
say: “My name is [NAME] and I live in [CITY, Texas]. Withdraw Texas from Texas v. Kennedy. People with disabilities should be able to live in the community with the supports that make life possible, and our state should not be part of a lawsuit that puts that at risk. Thank you.” Email[email protected]and [email protected], call 512-936-0567, or submit a comment on Paxton's Portal.
Participate in Study to Support Disability Advocacy
Raising Texas Voices is a statewide research study focused on listening to Texans with disabilities and their families to better understand what matters most to them, including how they talk about disability, advocate, and learn and/or find help. This will inform stronger, more effective advocacy efforts in Texas. Take this quick survey to see if you qualify.
Texas Governor Appoints Seven to Governor’s Committee On People With Disabilities, Including The Arc of Texas Board Member, Shelbi Davenport
Related: Take Survey by July 15:The Texas State Independent Living Council, in collaboration with the abovementioned committee, launched a statewide survey to better understand the priorities, barriers, and support needs of Texans with disabilities. People with disabilities, their families, and caregivers are encouraged to participate to help community partners and decision-makers better
align policies and resources with lived experience.
Resources for Chapters of The Arc
Funding Opportunity (Apply by July 1): The Mutual of America Foundation is accepting applications for a national award recognizing nonprofits demonstrating strong partnerships that drive meaningful community impact. Unrestricted funds support ongoing work. Email the funderif you have questions and let us know if you apply.
Webinar: Rural Health Transformation (June 2):As states move quickly to allocate Rural Health Transformation Program funding within a
one-year window, this webinar will help rural chapters understand what’s changing and how to take advantage of opportunities.
Your Vote is Your Voice: Make a Voting Plan for May 26 Texas Runoff Elections
Disability Rights Texas says, "The winners of this spring's primary runoff elections will advance to the general election in November. Make a voting plan nowso you're ready to vote in the runoff
elections."
