|
|
|
Read More
|
A collective of Texas-based organizations representing millions of Texans with disabilities of all ages are calling for the third special session of the 87th Texas Legislature to address decades of severely inadequate funding for Medicaid community attendants and direct care workers. Community attendants and direct care workers support Texans with disabilities so they can live with family, in their own home, or other community settings such
as small group homes—all options allowing people to live and thrive in their community and age in place.
Community attendants and direct care workers in Texas are primarily paid by Medicaid, which is funded based on policy and budget decisions made by the Texas Legislature. Long underpaid, the COVID-19 pandemic is devastating this essential workforce. Read more in our press release
|
|
|
|
|
Read More
|
The Arc of Texas and two members submitted testimony on August 30 in response to public education bills HB 141 and HB 164.
The Arc of Texas strongly opposed HB 141, which would have prohibited face covering mandates for public school students.
The organization supported HB 164, which intended to provide board of trustees of school districts and governing bodies of open-enrollment charter schools the flexibility to require individuals to wear face coverings to reduce the spread
of infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
Both bills were left pending in Committee during the second Special Session of the 87th Texas Legislature. You can find testimony we have provided during each session on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The third special session of the 87th Texas Legislature convened September 20. Gov. Greg Abbott's priorities for this special session include redistricting, vaccine mandates, and allocating $16 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds. The Arc of Texas will continue to monitor legislation
making its way through the session and provide updates on issues relevant to our public policy priorities.
|
|
|
|
|
Read More
|
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan announced last week the formation of the House Select Committee on Youth Health and Safety for the third special session of the 87th Texas Legislature. Phelan says its creation is an effort to improve coordination of mental health services, education, juvenile justice and family and
protective services for Texas youth.
This committee formation has the potential to positively address issues facing Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), since students with IDD are acutely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, co-occuring mental health and IDD diagnoses are prevalent, and equitable access to justice and services means Texans with IDD are less likely to become victims of abuse or crime.
“To mitigate the educational and mental health impacts that COVID-19 has had on Texas children, this select committee will tackle the substantive issues facing our young Texans,” Phelan said. “We must close the gap on learning loss, provide adequate mental health services, and prevent Texas kids from entering the criminal justice system. The formation of this select committee continues our chamber’s commitment to addressing the lingering fallout of the pandemic
on the health and well-being of Texas children, and I thank the members of this distinguished select committee for their service to our state on these important issues.”
|
|
|
|
|
Read More
|
This year Texas voter registration is due on Monday, October 4, 2021. Check if you are registered to vote, even if you think you are. If you have moved to a new address, you may need to update your voter registration information by October 4. Learn more about who is eligible to vote in Texas, how to register, and important deadlines for this
year at www.thearcoftexas.org/vote.
|
|
|
|
|
Read More
|
The Your Best Shot street team gives people helpful information about the COVID-19 vaccine through a peer network, so they can make informed decisions about their health.
The team is organized by Texas Partners for Inclusive Access, a collaborative effort between 17 state agencies, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations, including The Arc of Texas, to increase education and decrease barriers for Texans with disabilities and their families.
We are looking for people who live all over Texas, so that more Texans have a chance to get information. People with disabilities, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or anyone who is a member of a diverse community is encouraged to apply. People who like to use social media—like Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram—and have engaged followers are encouraged to apply. People who like to meet new people, whether virtually or in-person, and who are passionate about the cause, are
encouraged to apply. Visit the website to access the application
|
|
|
|
|
Read More
|
The Texas chapter of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (TX APSE) is the only state organization focused exclusively on Employment First to facilitate the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community. Its members work to make inclusive workplaces, fair wages and benefits, and the dignity of a job well done a reality for people with physical, mental health, intellectual, and developmental
disabilities.
TX APSE offers a range of memberships for individuals and organizations. Through membership, you can gain timely information, tools, and support that help make you the strongest Employment First advocate possible.
|
|
|
|
|
Read More
|
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. Join us on Friday, October 1, 2021, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. CT for this casual meet-up event hosted by people with disabilities for people with disabilities of all backgrounds and beliefs. Register for the first Zoom session at thearcoftexas.org/virtualgroup.
|
|
|
|
|
Read More
|
The Arc of Texas is hosting Boots & BBQ on Friday, September 24 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Wildflower Center in Austin. We will be honoring the 2021 Virginia Eernisse Legacy Award recipient Ricky Broussard,
and guests have exclusive after-hours access to one of Texas's most charming location. Docents will lead tours of the garden from 6 to 6:30 p.m., we'll have barbecue from our event partners Stiles Switch, and it might also be one of the only places you can find Topo Chico in Texas!
Limited tickets available at www.thearcoftexas.org/bootsbbq. If you're unable to attend, you can still check out our online auction to bid on a wide variety of items from some of the best Texas-based companies.
|
|
|
