From The Arc of the United States: “Disability rights and racial justice are deeply connected. Black people with disabilities experience higher rates of discrimination in education, health care, housing, and the criminal justice system. These barriers don’t exist in isolation. They are shaped by history, policy, and long-standing inequities.” Read Disability Rights Florida ‘s article about 17
Black disability advocates who shaped the fight for disability rights.
Considering a Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA), also referred to as a school voucher? Applications have opened and we want families of students with disabilities to know that public and private schools have very different legal requirements. This quick resource breaks down what rights and protections apply in public schools versus private schools, how much funding a family can receive and how it can be used, and what to know before applying.
Background: Senate Bill 2 passed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session last year, establishing an Education Savings Account program that allows eligible Texan families to use state funding for private school tuition and other educational expenses. To help you understand the impact of the new school voucher program on Texas kids with disabilities, we collaborated with Texas Council for
Developmental Disabilities to create the resource above.
The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust is hosting a five-session virtual support group for young adult family members (18-30 years old) of disabled individuals. Capped at 10 participants, these interactive, engaging sessions offer a space where young adults can come together to share their experiences, offer advice, and provide emotional support to one another.
Submit an interest form today (first come, first served). Questions? Contact careconnect@thearcoftexas.org.
Looking for a meaningful way to spread some love with and for the disability community this Valentine’s Day? Here’s a few ideas:
Find
who represents you in the Texas legislature and learn how to use your voice this Valentine’s Day by checking out our Advocacy
Toolkit! Your state elected officials make decisions that shape the lives of the people you love. Reaching out is your right and ensures your voice is heard.
Take 10 minutes to call or email your legislator with a message like this: “Happy Valentine’s Day! My name is [NAME] and I am your constituent from [CITY, Texas]. I’m calling/writing to encourage you to have a heart for The Arc of Texas and make policy decisions that support Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities
(IDD), their families, and communities. As you prepare for the next legislative session, beginning in January, you can find helpful information about The Arc of Texas’ policy priorities, as well as resources for your constituents with disabilities by visiting their website at thearcoftexas.org.”
NOTE: If you’re calling your member of the Texas Legislature, try the district office phone number first.
Elected officials and their staff are often best reached at their district offices during the interim.
Primary Election Day in Texas is March 3, 2026, and early voting begins Feb. 17. Hang this poster, from Disability Rights Texas, for all to see to help folks with disabilities understand their voting rights.Learn more about your rights.
Advancing Inclusivity in the IDD Space (Feb. 24) Practical strategies to advance inclusive, person-centered practices across your programs. For IDD providers, leaders, and direct support professionals. Hosted by Relias LLC and Eastern Michigan University’s School of Social Work.
Family Quality of Life: Theory, Measurement, and Applications Across the Lifespan (Feb. 26) Hosted by University of Illinois Chicago’s Family Support Research and Training Center, explore Family Quality of Life (FQOL) in IDD across the lifespan, including theory, measurement, and real-world applications, with data highlighting how FQOL informs family-centered practice, services, and policy.
