September 4, 2026

The Arc Opposes Removal of Integration Protections

This Week, The Arc of the United States and other national disability rights organizations released a statement opposing the proposed resolution of Texas v. Kennedy.

On August 31, the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS) joined the remaining states in the lawsuit in filing a joint motion for final judgement in the contentious case. The motion asks the federal court to remove all references to community integration throughout the 2024 HHS Section 504 regulations, including the entire community integration provision, which clarifies states' obligation to provide services in the most integrated setting possible.

The proposed resolution is the administration's latest action to erode federal enforcement of the right of people with disabilities to live and receive services in their communities.

The resolution would not and cannot overturn the Olmstead v. L.C. decision, or change the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504. Only congress can change law, and longstanding legal precedent for interpreting the law remain in place. However, the resolution would remove important federal regulatory language that ensures these protections are put into practice.

Read the full statement for additional information. You can also You can also visit The Arc’s DOJ Olmstead Enforcement resource hub for legal documents, advocacy tools, media coverage, and ongoing updates.

Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Transfer of Special Education Offices

A bipartisan bill introduced in the House on Wednesday seeks to prevent the transfer of four U.S. Department of Education offices to other federal agencies. Those offices lead activities and oversight for special education, postsecondary education, Native American education, and elementary and secondary education.

The bill — introduced by Reps. John Mannion, D-N.Y., Bobby Scott, D-Va., and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa. — is companion legislation to a Senate bill that currently awaits a full vote. The Arc New York thanks Rep. Mannion for his ardent and consistent advocacy on behalf of all New Yorkers with disabilities.

This overview from K-12 Dive providers more detailed information about the legislation and quotes from the sponsors.

To further support the effort to stop of the dismantling of US Department of Education, take action now through our one click campaign!

Tell Congress: Direct Support Professionals Need Our Support

Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S. 3211/H.R. 6137) is again gaining traction in Washington. We're asking Congress to take a big first step in solving the direct care workforce crisis by creating a federal Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) for DSPs.

Direct Support Professionals are not designated with their own SOC by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Without a distinct SOC, DSP wage and occupation data cannot be accurately captured. This diminishes the true impact of the workforce crisis, and hinders opportunities for professional advancement, certifications, and the pursuit of a life-long career.

We must acknowledge that DSPs are skilled professionals who deserve a path forward, and that people with IDD deserve the high-quality care, support, and advocacy their trusted staff provide daily.   

This Act would enable the government to gather important information about the DSP workforce, such as wages, employment status, turnover, and job vacancies. This data will help federal and state policymakers understand the challenges facing DSPs, so they can develop solutions to strengthen the workforce.  

Contact your members of Congress and tell them what DSPs mean to you.

Urge them to pass the bipartisan Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S. 3211/H.R. 6137).

Register Now for Advocacy Session with Ketrina Hazell

Join the NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities for "Rolling Through My Advocacy Journey with Ketrina Hazell" on Sept 9 at 6 pm.

Ketrina Hazell is a motivational speaker, self-advocate, and Ms. Wheelchair New York 2018. She is also a certified life coach and author of the published book, Special Education to College, The Ketrina Story: Breaking Those Glass Ceilings.

Ketrina’s life will share her journey and how she learned to advocate for herself and others with developmental disabilities. The program is open to all, so please spread the word! Register Here.

The National Convention Has Sessions for Everyone!

Registration is open for The Arc’s National Convention, November 18–20 in Portland, Oregon! Join people with disabilities and advocates for three days of ideas, connection, and community.

The Arc has built five tracks of sessions for a range of roles, backgrounds, and experience levels. Wherever you're coming from, you'll find your fit. The full schedule his now available on the convention website. From family centered services to public policy, to AI and technology, this year's National Convention has something worth your time.

Early bird registration rates end September 30. Register Now!

Additional Information in our Archive!

Please remember to check our Advocacy Update Archive, which includes our continued campaign to support the restoration of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian and Syrian refugees, further background on the DOJ Olmstead decision, comments on work requirements, and more!

Also, visit The Arc US Action Center for more opportunities to advocate directly to your elected officials.