The Arc of the United States

Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it! ?? We’re beyond thankful for advocates like YOU who have shown up all year to fight for disability rights—from reaching out to Congress to sharing our advocacy stories. With your help, we’re ready to keep advocating for change in 2025! ?

Family caregivers give so much to support their loved ones, but focusing on self-care is important to prevent burnout. It’s okay to ask for help and to take breaks when needed—a walk, a nap, or a few hours away to do something fun. Your well-being matters too. ?? Share this post and tag a family member who needs this reminder! #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth

“My son isn’t a burden. He’s a blessing. He is autistic and intellectually disabled. When he is supported appropriately for his needs, he can contribute just as much to his family, to his community, and to our world as anyone else. He wants to know you and be your friend.” Ray recently shared with us about his role as a caregiver and what he wants others to know about caregiving and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). “Being a caregiver for someone with IDD is no different from being a caregiver for anyone else. You work to meet the individual’s needs; honor their strengths, their uniqueness, and their beauty; and appreciate every day and every moment spent together. You ask for help when you need it too. A challenge is asking for help in a society and culture that see lesser value in disability and in disabled lives. “Every person with IDD is just as important and just as much a part of the whole—of us—as every person without IDD. This is my reality as a caregiver. It's tough, it's rewarding, and it's transforming our world, one day at a time.” #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth

Students with disabilities are more likely to experience suspensions and other informal removals from school compared to their non-disabled peers. A new toolkit from the U.S. Department of Education is designed to help educators take a proactive and preventative approach to address behaviors that can interfere with learning and keep kids in school. https://bit.ly/4hUnSRR All students benefit when positive strategies are used to create a more inclusive learning environment!

Barbara's son Jake is medically complex. He relies on Medicaid to provide skilled nursing and personal care services so he can be safe and supported at home. However, due to severe staffing shortages, only a small percentage of Jake’s authorized hours get filled each month. This means his family must fill in the gaps in care to provide that support. Barbara shared, "I am typically ‘on duty’ 24/7, providing clinical care without any qualification or expertise other than lived experience. The relentless task of providing full-time care results in chronic sleep deprivation, exhaustion, and isolation. There are no days off." Medicaid isn't just a program—it's a lifeline that makes living independently possible for millions of disabled Americans. Without more funding, this crisis will only get worse. Join us in telling Congress that lives depend on Medicaid funding. Take 2 minutes to send your message now! https://bit.ly/4hJrqGu #CareCantWait #WeActWednesday #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth

Barbara is a caregiver to her 70-year-old sister, Patricia, who has intellectual and physical disabilities. “I have witnessed how public support for the intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) community has changed over the last 50 years from a focus on what people with IDD were not capable of to a focus on what they are capable of,” says Barbara. “On a personal level, I watched my sibling grow in confidence and happiness as she moved into a group home and was given opportunities to socialize, to pursue her interests, and to express her needs and desires. Inclusion, accessibility, and support services have made a huge positive difference in her life.” Barbara reminds us of the vital role family plays in the lives of people with disabilities. They aren't just support systems—they're champions of inclusion, accessibility, and human potential. Today, we honor their dedication and call for better understanding and support for all caregivers. #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth Read Barbara and Patricia’s full story on our blog: https://lnkd.in/eeBjV4Hd

"I don't know any other way—this is our normal," says Anne Couldridge, Executive Director of The Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties (CPARC), when people tell her "I don't know how you do it.” In a feature with First for Women, Anne, a full-time caregiver for her 24-year-old son Connor, who has autism, shares her joyful everyday moments with Connor, like dancing to his favorite live concert and laughing over chef Gordon Ramsay. But she opens up about the challenges her family faces, including navigating the "chronically underfunded and understaffed" disability support system. Anne adds: "Soon, we were faced with what so many families are faced with: one parent leaving the workforce to stay home and provide stable and consistent care." To support Connor, she and her husband have built a close-knit "tribe" that understands their family's unique needs. Anne also makes sure to carve out time for herself—whether it's gardening, genealogy, or a quiet morning with a cup of coffee. Anne's deep love and pride for Connor shine in everything she does, including her career. "What is most important is Connor's happiness and well-being and he deserves to have a well-lived life on his terms—not societal norms,” she says. In sharing her family's story, Anne offers a window into the daily realities and unwavering commitment of caregivers supporting loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As she says, "Caregiving is not my identity; it's just a part of my family's dynamic." Read Anne’s full story in First for Women: https://lnkd.in/eeTRRwJG #NationalFamilyCaregiverMonth

Schools today face increasingly hostile threats, and all students (and their parents!) deserve to know that they will be safe if an emergency occurs. Unfortunately, students with disabilities are far too often left out of emergency preparedness, which could be life-threatening. In this The Washington Post piece, our CEO Katy Neas and parent advocates Nancy Baker Curtis and Lori Scott share why this matters and what parents and educators need to know. https://wapo.st/3UKP63x

Today is World Kindness Day. Let’s remember that kindness means creating a world where everyone feels valued—including people with disabilities. Saying hi, making sure conversations are inclusive, or learning about accessibility are all ways to show kindness. It’s not just about grand gestures—small, everyday actions can break down barriers and create a sense of belonging. People with disabilities often face isolation, exclusion, or misunderstandings. By taking a moment to listen, offer support, or simply make room, you can help build a more inclusive community. #WorldKindnessDay

Debbi Harris is a devoted mother to Josh, who is 31 years old and has complex medical needs and disabilities. Debbi shared with us the challenges and joys of being a family caregiver. "Josh's medical needs fluctuate daily, hourly, sometimes even more frequently. And those acute needs must be addressed so that he's stable and safe and comfortable, before any other plans can be carried out. "I have terrible chronic migraines and other stress-related health conditions. I'm anxious and terrified that something might happen to my son or to my husband. I try to write, play the flute, or read, but I cannot focus long, and I am needed all of the time. “Many people don't take the time to know Josh as a unique person. They limit his humanity and do not invest the time it takes to get to know him as the unique human that he is. We find ourselves feeling a bit isolated and left out much of the time. It has turned my shyness into boldness, as there is no room for silence when my son's health or well-being or access to something he needs to live is at risk. “It's captivating to watch how Joshua navigates the complex world around him with what we consider to be so many limitations. He has been through more medically than most people will ever experience, yet he comes back undiminished. He is happy to be back in his world again, and to see that is gratifying as a parent.” Learn more about Debbi and Josh on our blog: https://lnkd.in/erVqadZr #NationalFamilyCaregiverMonth