A woman with a visual impairment sits in a library, using a phone.

Empowering Through Technology: Major Initiative to Boost Digital Skills for Disabled Communities

The Arc and AT&T launch $850,000 collaboration to boost technology skills through accessible digital skills training

Imagine not being able to apply for jobs, access health care, or connect with loved ones online. For many with disabilities, this is the reality. Today, The Arc of the United States, The Arc San Francisco, and AT&T are excited to announce an $850,000 collaboration to advance digital literacy and bridge the digital divide for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This initiative will ensure that people with IDD and their families receive access to digital literacy resources and support in using these vital tools.

In today’s digital age, technology is essential for accessing transportation, education, employment, health care, and social interaction. However, people with disabilities face significant barriers to understanding and adopting digital tools, often due to higher rates of poverty and limited access to adaptive technologies. According to Pew Research Center, 38% of adults with disabilities do not own a computer, compared to 19% of those without disabilities, and 28% of people with disabilities do not own a smartphone, compared to just 12% of the nondisabled population.

Together, The Arc and AT&T will provide $20,000 grants to 24 local chapters and $10,000 grants to 2 local chapters of The Arc, empowering them to train 6,250 people with IDD. These chapters will deliver accessible, easy-to-understand digital literacy training through both in-person and virtual workshops. Participants will benefit from plain language materials and adaptive technologies such as screen readers and accessible devices, ensuring everyone can effectively use digital tools.

The 26 chapters receiving grants are: AHRC Nassau (NY), Arc GLOW (NY), CCARC Inc. (CT), Mohave County Arc (AZ), Northeast Arc (MA), Ridge Area Arc (FL), The Arc of Bartholomew County and The Arc of Jackson County* (IN), The Arc of Bradford County (FL), The Arc of Butte County (CA), The Arc of the Capital Area (TX), The Arc of DFW Area (TX), The Arc of El Paso (TX), The Arc of Evansville (IN), The Arc of High Point (NC), The Arc of Illinois, The Arc Maryland, The Arc of Mid Ohio Valley (WV), The Arc Muskegon (MI), The Arc of Nevada, The Arc of Oklahoma, The Arc of Racine County (WI), The Arc for the River Valley (AR), The Arc of South Carolina, The Arc Southern Maryland, and The Arc of Virginia.

*Partnering and splitting funds

“A lack of access to technology and digital skills robs millions of people with disabilities of their independence and the ability to fully engage in community life,” said Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States. “The digital divide closes doors to employment, education, health resources, and human connections that many of us take for granted. The pandemic has amplified these inequities, making it even more urgent to address the digital skills gap for people with disabilities. This collaboration with AT&T is a crucial step towards ensuring that everyone can harness the extraordinary possibilities that technology offers.”

“Access to the internet is just one part of the digital divide. Knowing how to use it effectively is just as important,” said Mylayna Albright, AVP, Corporate Social Responsibility, AT&T. “This collaboration with The Arc will provide high-quality digital literacy and learning resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the country.”

In addition to direct training, The Arc of the United States will launch a public awareness campaign aimed at reaching over 3 million people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to digital literacy resources. From June 2024 through May 2025, this collaboration will equip those who are often left behind with essential technology skills, empowering them to learn, earn, and fully participate in their communities.

 

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About The Arc of the United States: The Arc advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy, and other diagnoses. Founded in 1950 by parents who believed their children with IDD deserved more, The Arc is now a network of nearly 600 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people with IDD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Through the decades, The Arc has been at the forefront of advances in disability rights and supports. There are over 7 million people with IDD in the United States, which encompasses over 100 different diagnoses. Visit www.thearc.org or follow us @TheArcUS to learn more. Editor’s Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc, not The ARC and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T: We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning® to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008 we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states, Washington D.C and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.

Media Contact:

Jackie Dilworth

dilworth@thearc.org

The Arc logo

Advocates Fight to Protect Texas Man With Intellectual Disability from Execution

In a new amicus brief, The Arc, Disability Rights Texas, and AAIDD urge Texas court to follow science, not stereotypes

WASHINGTON, DC – In a critical death penalty case, The Arc of the United States, The Arc of Texas, Disability Rights Texas, and the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), along with law firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, have filed a “friend-of-the-court” brief urging the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to protect people with intellectual disability from unconstitutional executions.

The group is taking a stand in support of accurate identification of intellectual disability in the case of Blaine Milam, an inmate now on death row. Their message to the court is clear: when it comes to determining who has intellectual disability, courts must refer to clinical standards—not stereotypes.

Shira Wakschlag, Senior Director of Legal Advocacy and General Counsel with The Arc of the United States: “The Arc’s advocacy led to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling more than 20 years ago that bars the execution of defendants with intellectual disability. Yet too often, outdated stereotypes and misconceptions lead to unjust outcomes, particularly in capital cases. We’re fighting to ensure that courts rely on clinical standards to ensure people with intellectual disability are properly identified and protected from execution. The stakes couldn’t be higher.”

Jason Kanterman, an attorney from Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP representing The Arc in this matter, commends The Arc and its team for their efforts in this case: “The Arc, Disability Rights Texas, and AAIDD play a pivotal role in protecting the rights and interests of individuals with intellectual disability and Fried Frank is proud to support these organizations in those efforts.”

The amicus brief comes at a critical time. Despite a 2002 U.S. Supreme Court ruling banning the execution of people with intellectual disability, the practice continues. In Atkins v. Virginia (2002), the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the special risk of wrongful execution faced by people with intellectual disability and banned their execution as cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. In Hall v. Florida (2014), the Court rejected an arbitrary cutoff for IQ scores in making the intellectual disability determination and emphasized the importance of courts consulting clinical standards in their analysis. In Moore v. Texas (2017 and 2019), the Court strengthened this precedent by emphasizing the need to rely on well-established clinical standards—rather than stereotypes—in making intellectual disability determinations in death penalty cases. The Arc and AAIDD filed amicus briefs in Atkins, Hall, and Moore to educate the Court on the clinical diagnosis of intellectual disability and ensure that the important precedent set in Atkins continues to be strengthened and upheld in jurisdictions around the country.

Maggie Nygren, EdD, Executive Director & CEO of AAIDD: “Twenty-two years post Atkins, people with intellectual disability, particularly people of color, are still vulnerable to wrongful convictions and death sentences. That’s because some states continue to rely on stereotypes rather than clinical standards for determining and defining intellectual disability.”

The amici have deep sympathy for the family and friends of victims in this case and support appropriate punishment of all responsible parties. However, it is critical that courts utilize clinical standards and abide by the Constitution. In Mr. Milam’s case, the State’s expert did not rely on clinical standards for diagnosing intellectual disability. This was after the State’s previous expert used the proper standards, concluding that Mr. Milam is a person with intellectual disability and should not be put to death.

This case in Texas could have far-reaching implications by undermining vital U.S. Supreme Court precedent on cruel and unusual punishment for people with intellectual disability. Executions have become less common as society’s perspectives on the death penalty have shifted. A growing number of states have been responding to these rising concerns by banning or putting a hold on executions. The pressure is mounting on other states to ensure their practices are constitutional.

The Arc and its partners will continue their fight to protect the rights of people with intellectual disability in the criminal justice system, ensuring that the Constitution’s protections extend to all.

 

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About The Arc of the United States: The Arc advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy, and other diagnoses. Founded in 1950 by parents who believed their children with IDD deserved more, The Arc is now a network of nearly 600 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people with IDD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Through the decades, The Arc has been at the forefront of advances in disability rights and supports. There are over 7 million people with IDD in the United States, which encompasses over 100 different diagnoses. Visit www.thearc.org or follow us @TheArcUS to learn more. Editor’s Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc, not The ARC, and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase.

About The Arc of Texas: The Arc of Texas promotes, protects, and advocates for the human rights and self-determination of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Follow The Arc of Texas on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and learn more at thearcoftexas.org.

About Disability Rights Texas: Disability Rights Texas is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency (P&A) for people with disabilities in Texas established in 1977. Its mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society. To learn more, visit our website: www.drtx.org.

About the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD): Established in 1876, AAIDD is the oldest and largest professional society in the U.S. concerned with intellectual and developmental disabilities. AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with IDD. AAIDD engages its members and the general public through its three highly regarded professional journals, catalog of well-respected books and assessment tools, quality educational programming, and partnerships with other leaders within the disability community to address issues that are important to people with disabilities and their families.  Learn more at www.aaidd.org.

About Fried Frank: Fried Frank’s more than 750 lawyers are located in the key financial and government centers of New York, Washington, DC, London, Frankfurt and Brussels. The firm provides highly commercial guidance on sophisticated transactions, advises some of the largest private equity and asset management firms in the world, and develops effective litigation strategies to address its clients’ most critical challenges. More information can be found at www.friedfrank.com.

Lawrence Sapp swimming in a race. He is wearing a swim cap and goggles.

Paralympic Swimmer Lawrence Sapp: Defying Expectations About IDD

From an early age, Lawrence Sapp found his calling in swimming. His parents enrolled him on a summer swim team at just 5 years old, hoping it would help their son find his voice and a life-saving skill. Little did they know, swimming would become Lawrence’s passion and lead him to incredible heights.Lawrence Sapp swimming in a race. He is wearing a swim cap and goggles.

Lawrence started competitive swimming at age 12 and hasn’t looked back. Now 22, Lawrence is a student and NCAA Division 2 swimmer at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. He’s also a trailblazing Paralympic athlete, shattering stigmas about what’s possible for people with autism and intellectual disabilities. In 2020, Lawrence made history as the first male Paralympic swimmer with autism and an intellectual disability to join the Team USA National A team. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, he placed 5th in the 100m butterfly, 12th in the 200m individual medley, and 14th in the 100m backstroke. As he shared, “I was proud that I could represent my country in a sport that I love.” Lawrence will also be competing with Team USA for the 2024 Paris Paralympics in August and already has his sights set on Los Angeles 2028.

The path was not easy at first, as Lawrence struggled to find high-level training tailored for swimmers with intellectual disabilities. So, Lawrence sought out coaches open to learning and adapting alongside him. The tools they developed for Lawrence’s success, like writing out sets on a whiteboard, ended up benefiting many swimmers because accommodations can lift up entire teams, not just individuals with disabilities. The coaches credit Lawrence with helping them cultivate more patience and compassion and becoming better coaches overall.

“I had to learn to be more patient while they figured things out,” Lawrence shared. “I also learned how to speak up when I felt that I wasn’t getting what I needed. My USA Swimming coaches were also very supportive.”

Lawrence Sapp sitting on a bench, wearing a "Team USA" t-shirt and smiling.That perseverance continues to propel Lawrence to chase his dreams, powering him through twice daily swim sessions plus lifting when he’s at school and daily 4:30 am swims during breaks. “I have goals that I want to reach, and I just focus on my goals and what I need to do to achieve those goals,” he says of how he stays focused. His pre-meet routine of eating sandwiches and spaghetti helps him fuel up.

Lawrence and his family standing together, smiling.Beyond the pool, Lawrence hopes his story will shatter misconceptions about people with disabilities and their potential. “They think that we are happy with letting people do things for us and telling us what to do,” he says of societal attitudes toward autism and intellectual disabilities. “They don’t think that we are capable of making decisions for ourselves and can do things independently.” Lawrence also plans to “graduate from college in 2025, get a job doing something I love, and one day have my own home.”

To others with disabilities pursuing big dreams, Lawrence’s message is one of empowerment: “I would tell them not to give up. Talk to people that can help you and don’t let people trick you into doing something else. You can do anything you want to do.”

With an impressive roster of World Championships experience and medals—including 2 golds and 1 silver in butterfly and backstroke events from 2017-2023—it seems there’s no limit to how far Lawrence’s perseverance can take him.

“My dream is to make the Team USA team…and show people what people with autism and intellectual disabilities can do if you support us and include us,” he said. “We are always told what we can’t do but people with disabilities need to be shown what they can do.”

Lawrence is doing just that—and so much more.

A crowd of graduating students against a black backdrop. They are all raising their right arm and turning the tassels on their caps to the other side.

Unlocking Dreams: The Power of Student Loan Forgiveness for People With Disabilities

Many see college as a path to a better life and unlocking their dreams. But student debt often stops this, especially for people with disabilities. A major reason is due to income. People with disabilities experience poverty more than double the rate of individuals without disabilities.

A study found that nearly 3 in 5 people with disabilities with student loans struggle with food insecurity and paying house or utility bills. Facing these challenges can force borrowers to take additional jobs to pay for debt. It can stop people from buying houses or cars or seeking more education. On average, people with disabilities graduate with $27,490 in student loan debt and many have a debt of over $100,000.

The Arc has been a leader in advocating for changes to the Total and Permanent Disability (TDP) Discharge Program to include automation, simplifying the program, and eliminating the monitoring period. TDP is a program that relieves people who are totally and permanently disabled from repaying certain federal student loans.

The Biden administration has made significant changes to TDP. Now, more than half a million people with disabilities have received student loan forgiveness since 2021.

A woman wearing a graduation cap and gown. One of those people is Renee.

Renee’s dream was to be a nurse. She was excelling in a nursing program and working in an intensive care unit while she finished her degree. Unfortunately, she injured her spine while moving a patient and that started her personal disability journey. Due to this injury, Renee’s nursing education ended. Determined to earn a degree to help others, she returned to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree in human and community services and a master’s degree in social and public policy.

Right before graduating from her master’s program, Renee needed emergency spine surgery. The surgery and recovery made her unable to complete the required internship for her program. Because of this, she couldn’t work in her chosen field.

By this point, Renee was over $100,000 in debt with no way to get a good-paying job in her field. Her family was unable to make the $1,000 monthly student loan payments, and it made it more difficult for them purchase the things they needed for their family. Renee learned about the TPD loan forgiveness opportunity. She applied and she later discovered that her student loans were discharged. Renee stated that this relief was a blessing. Not only were they able to purchase things that their family needed, but it opened doors for her family to buy a home.

Student loan debt is a disability rights issue. The Arc has relentlessly advocated for changes to relieve people with disabilities from student loan debt. Learn more about TDP here.

The Home Depot logo

The Home Depot Collaborates With Disability Community to Enhance Employment Access for Job Seekers With IDD

In an innovative partnership, The Home Depot has collaborated with leading disability rights organizations to remove barriers and improve job access for applicants with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Home Depot worked closely with The Arc of the United States, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), and Equip for Equality (EFE) to develop policy changes that will create a more equitable hiring process for this underrepresented talent pool.

As part of this process, The Home Depot undertook a comprehensive review of its entry level hiring and reasonable accommodation process and, with advice and input from The Arc and ASAN, made adjustments to avoid the potential for unintended screen out of applicants with IDD. The changes that The Home Depot has implemented include explaining up front, and in plain language, more details about the steps in the company’s hiring process and the availability of reasonable accommodations, including by providing examples of specific accommodations for applicants with IDD, such as obtaining assistance from a job coach or support person and the ability to ask for a waiver of The Home Depot’s online assessment, as well as conducting additional training on inclusive and accessible hiring practices that includes the recent changes.

Research from a collaboration between Accenture, Disability:IN, and the American Association of People with Disabilities shows that companies that employ people with disabilities financially outperform companies that don’t. In addition, people with disabilities, on average, stay in their jobs longer than their counterparts without disabilities. Despite this, people with IDD continue to face unemployment and underemployment. Roughly 85% of people with IDD are unemployed. Many want to work and have skills to contribute but are not given serious consideration or opportunities. Among those who are employed, people with IDD are working fewer than 13 hours a week on average and less than one-fifth of them are getting any workplace benefits. This collaborative partnership is paving the way for more inclusion.

A good job is a key part of living a meaningful and inclusive life in the community for many people with IDD,” said Katy Neas, Chief Executive Officer, The Arc. “For too long, this talented and capable workforce has faced barriers that shut them out from reaching their full potential. Today’s announcement represents a pivotal step forward. By proactively listening to people with disabilities, The Home Depot is taking decisive action to dismantle employment obstacles. This collaborative approach marks a shift toward true equity and respect for people with IDD to pursue meaningful careers.”

“Progress has been achieved today through dialogue and partnership between disability advocates and Home Depot,” said Zena Naiditch, President and CEO, Equip for Equality. “We are delighted to partner with Home Depot to develop solutions that will ensure greater access to employment for job seekers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The proactive approach Home Depot is taking is critically important to ensuring greater access to employment for people with disabilities.”

“We’re hopeful that this collaboration will result in a more inclusive hiring process and job opportunities for people with IDD,” said Avery Outlaw, Executive Director, Autistic Self Advocacy Network.