Washington, D.C. – This week, instead of finalizing a deal that would provide certainty and stability to a program that moves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) out of institutions and into the community of their choice, Congress reauthorized the program for only five months. The Money Follows the Person program, or MFP, provides […]
Month: December 2019
Paid Leave for Federal Workers Approved by Congress – But Falls Short for Disability Community
Washington, D.C. – This week, Congress approved 12 weeks paid parental leave for federal workers caring for newborns, newly adopted children, and foster children, but the benefit falls short. Federal employees with disabilities and their family members need paid time off for their own medical needs and for caregiving for reasons beyond welcoming a new […]
The Arc Deeply Troubled by Affordable Care Act Ruling
Washington, D.C. – The Arc is deeply troubled by Wednesday’s Federal Appeals Court ruling in Texas v. United States jeopardizing the health care of millions of people with disabilities. In a disappointing decision, the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declared part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unconstitutional. In sending the case back to […]
The Arc Disgusted by Allegations of Human Subject Experiments, Abuse, and Inadequate Care in Iowa State Institutions for People with Disabilities
Washington, D.C. – The Arc is disgusted by monstrous allegations against two institutions for people with intellectual disabilities operated by the state of Iowa. The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly investigating whether the state violated the civil rights of residents at the Glenwood Resource Center by subjecting them to sexual arousal studies and other […]
The Arc Condemns New Food Stamp Program Rule
The Arc is concerned that a new federal rule in the food stamp program will hurt hundreds of thousands of people who experience food insecurity, including many with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), made final by the USDA this week, will make it harder for many […]
Huge Victory for Community Living for People With Disabilities: Agreement in Congress to Commit to Money Follows the Person Program
The Arc celebrates a major milestone victory in our decades-long fight to bring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) out of the dark shadows of institutions to live meaningful, independent lives in the communities of their choice among their family members and peers, with appropriate supports and services. U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron […]
Spreading the Holiday Spirit of Giving with The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham
Now in its second year, The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham’s “Santa Run, Walk, ‘N Roll” brings the community together during the season of giving to raise awareness and funds for the chapter. Capitalizing on the holiday spirit and everyone’s love of festive cheer, the event provides Santa suits and elf ears to make everyone […]
The Arc Applauds Federal Action to Support Parents With Disabilities
Washington, D.C. – The Arc applauds the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for taking action to protect the rights of parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) under federal civil rights law. Parents with I/DD must not be subject to discrimination or be denied the opportunity to raise their children in their home […]
Navigating Special Education: A Comprehensive Online Training for Families, Educators, and Advocates
The services and supports and the quality of education available to students with disabilities has continuously improved since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) first required schools to educate all students with disabilities back in 1975. However, the process of identifying which students should receive special education services and what services they should receive […]
Opening Up the Online World to People with Disabilities: Employment Spotlight
Digital technology is revolutionizing our day-to-day lives. It is rapidly expanding access to information, tools, and entertainment that helps us connect with the world and each other. It helps us dream bigger and achieve more. But with rapid change comes barriers to understanding and access. This is especially true for people with intellectual and developmental […]