The Arc of the United States

Are you ready to vote? Michael shares three easy tips to make a voting plan. 1?? Start by making sure you’re registered to vote: https://bit.ly/4eNZZcu 2?? Decide how you will vote—in person, by mail, or voting early. 3?? Check the rules where you live so you don't miss any deadlines. BONUS TIP: Voting in person? Plan out how you’ll get to the polling place and what identification you need to take with you. Every vote counts! #WeActWednesday #DisabilityVote #TheArcVotes

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and we want to clear up some common stereotypes about people with Down syndrome. ?? Swipe to learn what’s true and what’s not. If you learned something new, like this post! Think your friends would find it helpful? Share it ↗? to spread the word! Thank you to the National Down Syndrome Society for these facts! #NationalDownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #DownSyndromeAwareness

Using intellectual disability as a pejorative isn't just wrong—it's a painful reminder of the discrimination people with disabilities face daily. When public figures mock disability, they're not just attacking political opponents—millions of people with disabilities and their families are hearing that they and their loved ones are devalued. People with disabilities deserve to be seen for their full humanity, their unique strengths, and their inherent dignity. It's time our language and actions reflect that fundamental truth.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Did you know that people with disabilities are at higher risk of experiencing mental health crises and suicidal thoughts? Melanie from The Arc of Arizona shares vital insights from our Mental Health First Aid training, part of our ongoing partnership with UnitedHealth Group. These skills save lives. Find a chapter of The Arc offering Mental Health Training near you: https://lnkd.in/exZ-AxwR #SuicidePreventionMonth

Imagine being on a waiting list for your entire life. Due to inadequate funding, hundreds of thousands of people across the country, like William, are stuck on Medicaid waiting lists and can’t get access to the services they need. Congress can and MUST do better. Help William and the hundreds and thousands of people stuck on waiting lists by taking a minute to act—send a message to Congress that #CareCantWait! https://bit.ly/4e1bKfk #WeActWednesday

1 in 4 Americans has a disability. They're our parents, caregivers, coworkers, siblings, friends, and neighbors. In this election season, their perspectives and questions matter more than ever. At The Arc, we're committed to fighting for the rights, inclusion, and full participation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in every aspect of society.

Crucial New Research ?? The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) just released a report on child care accessibility for families with disabilities. The Arc proudly contributed to this research, helping to shed light on a critical issue affecting millions. Key findings: ??2.2 million children under 5, and 3 million parents of young children have a reported disability ??Families face significant barriers in finding and maintaining appropriate child care, impacting work and overall well-being ??Child care providers struggle to meet families' needs due to staff shortages and funding constraints ??Many parents are unaware of available resources to support their search for inclusive child care This report provides vital data to inform policymakers as they work to improve child care access. We're particularly grateful that GAO created an Easy Read version, making the findings more accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While this report focused on early childhood, we acknowledge that families face ongoing challenges finding appropriate care throughout childhood. We continue to advocate for inclusive, accessible care options for children of all ages. Read the explainer blog to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g39cu9hx

Learning to drive is a big step for everyone, and it's no different for people with disabilities. Everyone has their own unique driving story. Some of us took lessons from patient parents, while others had hilarious mishaps with driving instructors. Julian’s experience is like so many of ours—he learned to drive as a teenager and is proud that he got his license. And just like many of us, he’s been caught speeding once or twice! ???? Read more stories from people with disabilities: https://lnkd.in/g82tmN-r

Navigating the special education system can be tricky, especially for parents new to the special education process, as it adds an even bigger level of complexity. With our online Advocacy Curriculum, you’ll gain a better understanding of the special education basics and become a stronger, more knowledgeable champion for students with disabilities! Last year, through a program funded by The Arc’s partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation, we provided hundreds of scholarships to families across the country. Of parents who completed the Advocacy Curriculum, 97% showed an increase in special education knowledge. This demonstrates the importance of this information for families and being able to advocate for their child with a disability and understand accommodations specific to their child’s needs. The Coca-Cola Company Get started now with our self-paced training program! https://lnkd.in/eTapEXdx

Have you struggled to save money because of the outdated Supplemental Security Income (SSI) asset limits? The SSI asset limit of $2,000 was set in 1989 when gas was only $1 per gallon! Gas prices have TRIPLED since then, yet SSI asset limits remain unchanged. We know this impacts people who rely on SSI to pay for the basic necessities of life, like food and rent. Take action with our easy-to-use form. Tell Congress to #UpdateSSI by supporting the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act: https://bit.ly/3XGk3HK