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After 13 years working alongside Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Director of Public Policy & Advocacy Ginger Mayeaux's last day with The Arc of Texas is August 27, 2021, to relocate to her home state of Louisiana. Current Deputy Director of Public Policy & Advocacy Ashley Ford will assume the position as director on September 1. Read more in our press release
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Gov. Greg Abbott called a second special legislative session that convened August 7. The priorities from the first special session were carried over, plus a few extra items.
Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), which deals with elections, was quickly introduced and scheduled for a hearing. Despite a formal request to provide virtual testimony at the SB 1 hearing, only in-person testimony was permitted. During the hearing, Chairman Bryan Hughes indicated that emailed testimony would be accepted by the committee hearing the bill, but it is unclear whether that testimony would be put into public record.
The Arc of Texas Manager of Public Policy & Advocacy Alex Cogan provided in-person testimony during the hearing on August 9, opposing the harmful provisions within SB 1. The testimony includes specific details of the provisions within SB 1 we oppose. During her oral testimony, Cogan shared that Texans with disabilities were shut out of the process because of insufficient notice and not allowing virtual testimony. She emphasized the importance of people with disabilities having a seat at the table when making decisions that directly impact their lives. Cogan was also able to share The Arc of Texas member Courtney P.'s written testimony with the
committee.
On August 11, Senator Judith Zaffirini read part of Cogan’s statement on the Senate Floor, which you can watch here (1:23 mark), as one of the reasons she voted "no" on SB 1.
Later on August 11, Sen. Carol Alvarado started what became a 15-hour-long filibuster on the Senate floor, reading testimony from Texans concerned about how SB 1 would affect their voting rights. Sen. Alvarado read Courtney's testimony, which you can watch here (3:54 mark) or read her testimony our website.
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The Arc of Texas submitted testimony for Senate Bill 15, which addresses virtual and off-campus electronic instruction at a public school, the satisfaction of teacher certification requirements through an internship teaching certain virtual courses, and the allotment for certain special-purpose
school districts under the Foundation School Program.
The Arc of Texas is concerned about the health and wellbeing of students with disabilities in school districts and open-enrollment charter schools that do not require masks to be worn during the school day. We shared that local programs delivering virtual instruction must comply with federal accessibility requirements for students receiving special education services, and learners with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) must not be removed from virtual
instruction if academic institutions determine the student does not meet minimum academic standards. Read the testimony on our website
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It's not too late to learn how to grow your disability advocacy skills! Our four-part virtual series with our co-hosts Easterseals Central Texas is available to stream on your schedule. You can find all four session recordings at thearcoftexas.org/advocacytraining.
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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking applications for new members on the Intellectual and Developmental Disability System Redesign Advisory Committee. The committee advises HHSC on how to implement a redesign of services for people with IDD (i.e., if and how more services will move into a managed care model). This is an opportunity for self-advocates, family members, service providers, and others to give input on
how to improve services for Texans with IDD. Your voice is important for the process! Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CT on Aug. 22, 2021.
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If you’re looking for an opportunity to meet other people with disabilities from the comfort of your home, look no further than our new, free Virtual Support Group. The Arc of Texas is proud to facilitate this casual meet-up event hosted by people with disabilities for people with disabilities of all backgrounds and beliefs. Sign up for alerts about when the group meetings will launch at thearcoftexas.org/virtualgroup.
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Disability Rights Texas is hosting a free, virtual legal clinic on September 1, 2021, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. CT for college students with disabilities to learn about their rights. Students as young as 14 years old are welcome to attend, since they are eligible to apply for vocational rehabilitation services to stay on track as they transition to high school and then to college.
To register for the virtual presentation, go to drtx.org/collegeclinic. If you are seeking a private appointment with an attorney, call DRTx intake at 1-800-252-9108. The deadline to schedule a private appointment is August 26.
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The Arc of Texas Virginia Eernisse Legacy Award honors an individual’s contributions to promoting, protecting, and advocating for the human rights and self-determination of Texans with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. The late Mrs. Eernisse believed in self-advocacy and zealously advocated for individuals with disabilities to have access to the supports and services needed to live well in the community.
People with disabilities, their family members, and their allies are all encouraged to submit nominations. Self-nominations are also accepted. Nominations are due August 15, 2021. If you need accommodations to submit your application, please call 512-454-6694 or email
us. The winner will be honored at Boots & BBQ on September 24 at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin.
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