The Arc of Texas

From The Texas Tribune: “In theory, with this new updated formula that considers all of these really important pieces, ISDs would be getting a more appropriate amount for providing the services that they’re already doing and are federally required to do,” said Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, The Arc of Texas Dir. of Public Policy & Advocacy. https://lnkd.in/gMsXW5Tn #txlege #education #disabilityrights #ddawareness2025

Last chance! Register for this Wednesday's webinar to hear findings and solutions from our investigative report, "Out of Options: Addressing Inequities in Care for Texans with IDD and Mental Illness." https://ow.ly/ibIu50VfUOA #MentalHealth #IDD #Txlege #DDAwareness2025 #DisabilityRights #MentalHealthMatters The Whole Person Project is supported by Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities . . . Image ID: A purple, orange, white and yellow image says, "WEBINAR: Out of Options: Addressing Inequities in Care for Texans with IDD and Mental Illness. Findings and recommendations from The Arc of Texas' investigative report." An animated laptop screen says, "This Wednesday, Zoom Webinar, 11 a.m. CST (1 hour)" An arrow points from the laptop to a bubble that says, "Register now." The image includes The Arc of Texas logo.

Way to go Julia! Julia Chalker is a member of our Public Policy & Advocacy Committee & on the board of The Arc of DFW Area. She spoke up to #ProtectMedicaid for people with #disabilities at her rep's town hall: https://ow.ly/FeWI50VgYZb

This washingtonpost.com article features @thearcus legal expert Shira Wakschlag and The Arc of Texas Board President-Elect Veronica Ayala who'd be impacted by Texas v. Becerra lawsuit threatening critical Medicaid services that help people with disabilities avoid institutions. We're fighting back! https://lnkd.in/e9UkPMBD

Our advocate spotlight this week is Brooke Hohfield! Brooke is Co-Executive Director of Texas Advocates, the largest statewide self-advocacy organization run by and for Texans with #IDD. Her #advocacy makes a real impact in the fight for equal opportunities for all Texans. Brooke recently testified at the Texas Capitol to the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Article II, highlighting how important it is for Texas to provide adequate services and supports for people with disabilities. Watch Brooke's heartfelt testimony (starts at 7:01:42): https://ow.ly/emSw50VcaWx #txledge #disabiltyrights #medicaid #protectmedicaid

In today's legislative newsletter: Our disability budget requests for TX, federal activities threatening Texans with IDD, a spotlight on Brooke Hohfield, and more! https://ow.ly/I7Wy50VcM9Z #TxLege #DisabilityRights #IDD

Governor Abbott has named Ellen Bauman, member of The Arc of Texas Public Policy & Advocacy Committee, as Chair of the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, which recommends changes in disability policies and programs, supports a network of committees on people with disabilities, issues awards to promote greater awareness, and promotes compliance with disability related laws. Ellen, thank you for your continued leadership! https://ow.ly/qrj750Vbrhf An excerpt from the press release: Ellen M. Bauman of Joshua has served on the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities since 2018. She formally worked as the special needs ministry liaison for First United Methodist Church in Arlington and is a certified Christian educator. She is a member of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee, Durable Medical Equipment Back-Up Taskforce, and The Arc of Texas Public Policy Advocacy Committee. Additionally, she is the immediate past president of the Arc of DFW Area and board chair of Texas Parent to Parent. Bauman attended Texas Wesleyan University and Tarrant County College and received a certificate of Christian Education from Columbia College in Columbia South Carolina. #txlege #disabilityrights #advocacyinaction

Here's a few findings from our investigative report, "Out of Options: Addressing Inequities in Care for Texans with IDD and Mental Illness." Hear proposed solutions at our 3/19 webinar: https://ow.ly/wY6l50Vas4g #MentalHealth #IDD #DisabilityRights #Txlege #DDAwareness2025 Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

The Arc of Texas gathered today with #disabilityrights allies to tell TX Atty General Paxton “Don’t Mess with 504!” Paxton is asking the court to make all Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act unconstitutional, which would harm Texans with #IDD. Disability Rights Texas #txlege #protect504 #DisabilityRights Image ID: 1) Self-advocates posed in front of the Texas Capitol holding “Protect 504” signs. Some are in wheelchairs and have assistive devices. 2) Self-advocates are gathered and speaking on a mic. 3) The back of a person with a hand-painted “Protect 504” sign with hearts attached to their backpack. 4) A person holding “Don’t Mess with 504” signs.

It's Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! An excerpt from @thearcus blog post: Here’s what drives us at The Arc: the fundamental belief that everyone deserves to write their own life story. That means real access to education, meaningful employment, quality healthcare, and genuine community connections. Right now, too many barriers stand in the way of these basic rights. This month, we’re turning up the volume on voices calling for change. https://ow.ly/6E1p50V9CWR #DDAwareness2025 #DisabilityRights #IDD