The Arc of the United States

Independence is not a privilege; it's a right. “What if I was able to go across the country for the few years needed for my grad school? What would my career look like?” Zoe’s opportunities for grad school and an eventual career are limited because, as a person with a disability, she relies on support from Medicaid to live independently. If she were to move to a different state, she would risk ending up on a waiting list for services. It shouldn’t be so difficult for people with disabilities to access the support they need. Take a minute to use our easy form and send a message to Congress that #CareCantWait! https://lnkd.in/eRgxNDVZ #WeActWednesday

DON’T MISS OUR SUMMER SALE! ☀️🏷️ Use promo code LI24 at checkout to save $30 on our online Special Education Advocacy Curriculum (available in English and Spanish!): https://lnkd.in/eikHZuCu Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or non-attorney advocate, this course will help you gain a better understanding of the special education basics. Start now to become a stronger, more knowledgeable champion for students with disabilities! You will learn about: ✏️ Building a foundation for advocacy ✏️ The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ✏️ Early intervention services ✏️ The anatomy of an IEP ✏️ Section 504 ✏️ Procedural safeguards ✏️ And more! Sale ends 7/31.

Hello, my name is Ashley Sattler. I am a young adult with autism, ADHD, and an intellectual disability. I currently live in Beaumont, TX. I’m proud of my art and promoting myself. I work for a shirt company called We Can Crew. I draw designs on my iPad, which come to life on a shirt. What I really love is making a difference in the world because I love creating beautiful things, and I love promoting advocacy through what I design and do. I designed a communication board for the Beaumont Children's Museum. The communication board is a beneficial tool that helps others who are deaf and can’t fully communicate what they want. It gives them a chance to connect with the world. It has everyday pictures and sayings on it, and they can communicate with their parents or their guardian. I work and volunteer at The Arc of Greater Beaumont. We serve any individual, whether they are young, teens, or adults. It’s a place where a community of individuals with different disabilities can grow and prosper in everyday activities and functions. #DisabilityPrideMonth DisabilityPride

3 DAYS LEFT to stop the shock & abuse of people with disabilities! On July 10, the House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee will vote on a bill that, if passed, would prevent a ban on the electric shock devices that are still used as behavior modifications for people with disabilities. We have been working for decades to stop this, and we’re so close. Please contact your member of Congress on this committee NOW and tell them to stop the abuse of people with disabilities once and for all! 1️⃣ Check to see if you have a member of Congress on the committee that’s voting on this bill: https://lnkd.in/e4iZY-UA 2️⃣ If you do, send a message NOW: https://lnkd.in/esmQbQUR 3️⃣ Share this post to encourage others to take action! #StopTheShock

Announcing our 2024 National Convention keynote speakers! 🎤 Dr. Hassan M. Abdulhaqq is a consultant on transforming workplace culture and a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert. He'll share how emotional intelligence can make your advocacy work even better—whether you’re a professional, self-advocate, or family member. Joze Piranian is an award-winning motivational speaker and comedian who talks about inclusion and resilience based on his own life experiences as a person with a disability. He’s on a mission to change our relationships with fear and discomfort and help us embrace our authentic selves. Join us in Columbus, Ohio, this November to hear from these inspiring keynotes and other thought leaders and advocates as they share insights and experiences aimed at enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. Save up to $200 with early bird registration! https://lnkd.in/eWGnw__2

In the spirit of celebrating independence, we celebrate the important freedom that programs like Medicaid home and community-based services and Supplemental Security Income support people with disabilities to have. For people with disabilities, that freedom means having the ability to: 🎇 Have jobs 🎇 Live independently 🎇 Participate in their communities 🎇 Maintain social connections 🎇 Engage in meaningful activities You can make a difference by advocating for changes that support independence for people with disabilities by joining our movement ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eZyvgjf4 #WeActWednesday

Kyle kicks off #DisabilityPrideMonth with a must-hear message: "People with disabilities are just like you. We want a job, we want a family, we want a purpose in life." 🔥💯 #DisabilityPride

#DisabilityPrideMonth takes place every year in July. This is a time to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. It’s a time to show what disability pride means and what people with disabilities are proud of. Why is this celebration so important? Because it challenges the outdated stereotypes and stigma that too often surround disabilities. Disability Pride Month reminds us that disability is not something to be ashamed of but rather a vital part of our rich human tapestry. By promoting disability pride, we hope to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued—no matter their abilities. We want to break down barriers, foster understanding, and build a society that embraces and supports every individual, regardless of their differences. Learn more about why and how to celebrate #DisabilityPride: https://lnkd.in/eDk9QaMp

Meet Burt Hudson—a proud father, brother, and advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Get a glimpse into how Burt's remarkable family has fueled his passion for creating a more inclusive world. Visit our blog to read Burt’s full story: https://lnkd.in/eaZBk8H6

As a direct support professional (DSP), Lawrence takes pride in the trusted role he has in the lives of people with disabilities. He helps transport people to and from appointments, gives medicine, cooks, cleans, dresses, changes, and feeds people who may not be able to do these things for themselves. He even seeks out specialized training that is needed to support people who have challenging behaviors that may result in injury to themselves and others. It is hard for many DSPs, like Lawrence, to support themselves and their families on these below-average wages. The critical skills required to be a DSP are often overlooked by those making Medicaid funding decisions. This means there are not enough DSPs to help all the people who need care. We need Congress to take action NOW! Take a minute to sign our petition to tell Congress to support the HCBS Relief Act, which will mandate services in Medicaid. https://lnkd.in/e2Cx_s6e #CareCantWait #WeActWednesday