Archive for year: 2025

A white woman on a city street holding a cardboard protest sign that says "Education for All"

Why Public Education Matters for Students With Disabilities and for Us All

December 16, 2025/in Advocacy/by The Arc

Public education is one of our country’s most important promises: a commitment that every child, no matter their abilities or background, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and participate fully. For the 95% of students with disabilities who attend public schools, that promise is both vital and vulnerable.

Today, that promise is under strain. Funding shortfalls, teacher shortages, and policies that divert resources away from public schools threaten the foundation of inclusive education. For families of students with disabilities, those challenges are deeply personal.

Stories of families like Amanda’s, Christina’s, Kristen’s, and Susannah’s remind us why public schools and special education services must be protected and strengthened, not dismantled or defunded.

Reaching Her Potential: Kristen’s Journey to Graduation

As a former special education student, Kristen knows firsthand how a strong public education can shape a person’s future. Kristen credits her Individualized Education Program (IEP) team and family for helping her meet her goals and graduate high school, something that might not have been possible without that support.

Now an adult, Kristen advocates for reinvesting in public education so that every student, with or without disabilities, has the same opportunity to succeed.

“This is not the time to take money from public schools but rather to put more money into public schools and services so all students have the opportunity to achieve their goals and reach their full potential, like I was given.”

Building Confidence and Hope: Amanda’s Family Finds Support

When Amanda’s son was diagnosed with ADHD, her family worried about how he would manage in school. But public education gave them more than academic success; it gave them hope.

“Thanks to dedicated special education teachers and an individualized support plan, [my son] received the guidance and attention he needed. The school helped him build confidence, develop important skills, and feel supported every step of the way. These services didn’t just help him do better in class; they gave our whole family hope and relief.”

The Only Door That Opens: Susannah’s Fight for Inclusion

For Susannah, the promise of public education isn’t theoretical—it’s the only thing standing between her child and exclusion. Her 12-year-old son has a rare genetic disorder, Turnpenny-Fry syndrome, and requires significant support to learn safely and effectively.

Private schools turned him away, even with tuition assistance through a voucher. Public school was the only place willing and equipped to meet his needs, with specialized staff, accommodations, and a commitment to serve every child.

“More vouchers for private schools would directly harm my child,” Susannah said. “Federal funding is vital to ensure his constitutional right and access to a free, appropriate education.”

Starting Early: Christina’s Story of Hope and Early Intervention

For Christina’s son, the public education system’s support began before preschool. Through the North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program, he receives critical early intervention services, made possible through federal law under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

“It was clear early on that [my son] had global delays. He wasn’t making eye contact and was having a hard time lifting his head during tummy time. After a medically complex diagnosis, it was important to get interventions and therapies in place. By 6 months old, [my son] already had an individualized family service plan put in place under IDEA. With these plans, a team is able to assist in ensuring that he gets the interventions he needs through physical therapy, occupational therapy, vision therapy and speech. This plan will help him has he enters the school system at the age of 3 and beyond.”

Early intervention can change the course of a child’s life. These programs not only prepare children for school but help families understand how to support their development from the very beginning.

Protecting a Promise and Strengthening a System We All Depend On

These stories remind us that public education and special education are not optional extras. They are essential civil rights and the foundation of an inclusive society.

The current public school system isn’t perfect. It needs more funding, more staff, and more understanding. The answer isn’t to pull resources away or funnel them into systems that exclude the very students who need support most.

We must strengthen public schools by investing in teachers, therapists, and aides; expanding early intervention; and honoring our collective promise that every child deserves a chance to learn.

Public education is not just a service. It’s a commitment to fairness and inclusion. It’s how we, as a society, say to every child: You belong here, you matter, and we will help you succeed.

Take Action Today: Tell Congress to Protect this Promise for All Students.

The Arc and Comcast Are Opening Doors for Education and Success

December 15, 2025/in Programs and Supports/by The Arc

For families with children with disabilities, the education journey often feels like navigating an obstacle course blindfolded. Yet with the proper support systems, these children don’t just survive in school—they thrive, discovering talents and confidence that change their lives forever. Quality education has always driven The Arc’s advocacy, and in 1975, students with disabilities won the right to a free and appropriate education—a victory The Arc helped secure. Today, partnerships with companies like Comcast support programs that teach and connect parents, children, and teachers to make success in school a reality.

Empowering Parents to Be Better Advocates for Their Children

Countless nights in tears after frustrating meetings where their children’s needs were misunderstood or dismissed. The stress of losing valuable time at key points in their child’s development when the system drags its feet. We have no shortage of stories from parents of children with disabilities who tell us how complex the special education system is. This complexity becomes even more pronounced for Spanish-speaking families who want to better understand their rights. The Arc@School is making a big impact on their lives.
“When I enrolled in The Arc’s training, I was just a parent trying to understand the special education system for my child. I didn’t know that this program would change our lives so much. The training taught me about my child’s rights and the resources available. I learned to work with teachers and administrators to make sure my child gets the education they need. Before the training, I felt lost in school meetings. Afterward, I felt more confident and prepared to speak up and advocate for my child. The Arc not only gave me tools; it gave me a voice.” —Parent from Denver, CO

Emanuel: From Struggle to Confidence

Emanuel, a child with autism, struggled to keep pace in class. Thanks to tech coaching at The Arc of South Florida, funded by Comcast, he discovered a world of possibilities. Emanuel was trained on the Starfall app, which made reading come alive for him and improved his comprehension. He mastered typing skills and learned to do online research for projects. A visual schedule helped him organize assignments.
The change was remarkable. Emanuel now completes homework independently, participates in class, and proudly shares his work. His newfound confidence has ignited a passion for learning that grows by the day.

The partnership between The Arc and Comcast has bloomed into a lifeline of opportunity, providing 300 scholarships to The Arc@School and funding Tech Coaching programs at 10 chapters of The Arc in the past two years alone. Behind these numbers are countless stories of people with disabilities who discovered new possibilities and are better positioned for success.

“Digital skills are a powerful catalyst for independence and inclusion—especially for people with disabilities,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer of Comcast Corporation. “Through our partnership with The Arc, we’re not just delivering training—we’re opening doors to new possibilities. It’s partnerships like these that inspire our work every day and allow us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.”

Comcast’s partnership with The Arc is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to create digital opportunities and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people, Project UP is focused on connecting people to the internet, advancing economic mobility, and opening doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

The Arc y Comcast Abren Puertas a la Educación y el Éxito

Para las familias con niños con discapacidades, el camino educativo a menudo se siente como navegar por una carrera de obstáculos a ciegas. Sin embargo, con los sistemas de apoyo adecuados, estos niños no solo sobreviven en la escuela, sino que prosperan, descubriendo talentos y una confianza que cambian sus vidas para siempre.
La educación de calidad siempre ha impulsado la defensa de The Arc, y en 1975, los estudiantes con discapacidades obtuvieron el derecho a una educación pública gratuita y apropiada—una victoria que The Arc ayudó a asegurar. Hoy, las asociaciones con compañías como Comcast apoyan programas que capacitan y conectan a padres, niños y maestros para hacer el éxito escolar una realidad.

Empoderando a los Padres para Ser Mejores Defensores de sus Hijos

Incontables noches en lágrimas después de reuniones frustrantes donde las necesidades de sus hijos fueron malentendidas o desestimadas. El estrés de perder tiempo valioso en puntos clave del desarrollo de sus hijos cuando el sistema se arrastra. No nos faltan historias de padres de niños con discapacidades que nos cuentan lo complejo que es el sistema de educación especial. Esta complejidad se acentúa aún más para las familias de habla hispana que desean comprender mejor sus derechos. The Arc@School está teniendo un gran impacto en sus vidas.
“Cuando me inscribí en la capacitación de The Arc, solo era una madre tratando de entender el sistema de educación especial para mi hijo. No sabía que este programa cambiaría tanto nuestras vidas. La capacitación me enseñó sobre los derechos de mi hijo y los recursos disponibles. Aprendí a trabajar con maestros y administradores para asegurarme de que mi hijo reciba la educación que necesita. Antes de la capacitación, me sentía perdida en las reuniones escolares. Después, me sentí más segura y preparada para hablar y abogar por mi hijo. The Arc no solo me dio herramientas; me dio una voz.” — Madre de Denver, CO

Emanuel: De la Lucha a la Confianza

Emanuel, un niño con autismo, luchaba por seguir el ritmo en clase. Gracias al coaching tecnológico en The Arc of South Florida, financiado por Comcast, descubrió un mundo de posibilidades. A Emanuel le enseñaron a usar la aplicación Starfall, que le facilitó la lectura y mejoró su comprensión. Dominó las habilidades de mecanografía y aprendió a hacer investigación en línea para proyectos. Un horario visual lo ayudó a organizar las tareas.

El cambio fue notable. Ahora Emanuel completa la tarea de forma independiente, participa en clase y comparte su trabajo con orgullo. Su nueva confianza ha encendido una pasión por el aprendizaje que crece día a día.

La asociación entre The Arc y Comcast se ha convertido en una vía de oportunidad, proporcionando 300 becas a The Arc@School y financiando programas de Coaching Tecnológico en 10 divisones de The Arc solo en los últimos dos años. Detrás de estos números hay incontables historias de personas con discapacidades que descubrieron nuevas posibilidades y están mejor posicionadas para el éxito.

“Las habilidades digitales son un poderoso catalizador para la independencia y la inclusión, especialmente para las personas con discapacidades,” dijo Dalila Wilson-Scott, Vicepresidenta Ejecutiva y Directora de Impacto e Inclusión de Comcast Corporation. “A través de nuestra asociación con The Arc, no solo estamos entregando capacitación, sino que estamos abriendo puertas a nuevas posibilidades. Son colaboraciones como estas las que inspiran nuestro trabajo todos los días y nos permiten marcar una diferencia significativa en la vida de tantas personas.”

La asociación de Comcast con The Arc es parte de Project UP, la iniciativa integral de la compañía para crear oportunidades digitales y ayudar a construir un futuro de posibilidades ilimitadas. Respaldado por un compromiso de $1 billón de dólares para llegar a decenas de millones de personas, Project UP se centra en conectar a las personas a internet, avanzar en la movilidad económica y abrir puertas para la próxima generación de innovadores, emprendedores, narradores y creadores.

A black graphic that says "Forbes America's Top 100 Charities 2025"

Forbes Names The Arc #21 on America’s Top 100 Charities for 2025

December 12, 2025/in Press Releases/by Jackie Dilworth

Forbes has ranked The Arc of the United States #21 on its list of America’s Top 100 Charities for 2025. That puts The Arc in the top 25 charities nationwide, and the highest-ranked nonprofit focused on disability issues.

Key facts at a glance

Ranking: #21 on Forbes’ America’s Top 100 Charities (2025)
What it signals: strong financial stewardship and accountability
What your support powers: disability rights, special education, and community-based supports

This recognition matters because trust matters. When you support a nonprofit, you deserve to know your time and resources are used carefully and responsibly. Forbes uses financial measures like private donations and efficiency. This ranking reinforces what people with disabilities, families, and partners know every day: The Arc shows up, and we stay.

For 75 years, The Arc has worked alongside people with disabilities and their families to protect rights and expand opportunity. We partner with advocates, corporations, and lawmakers from across the political spectrum so people with disabilities and their families aren’t an afterthought when decisions get made.

What this ranking cannot measure, but families live every day

The Forbes ranking can’t fully measure what makes The Arc essential. It can’t measure what happens when a parent needs answers fast or when a student’s rights are ignored or when a family is left without the services they need to survive.

It also can’t capture historical impact. Many of the rights and supports people with disabilities rely on today exist because The Arc pushed for them, year after year: federal special education protections, the right to live at home instead of in an institution, income and care supports, and civil rights that show up in daily life. The Arc helped open those doors, and we keep working to make sure they stay open.

What The Arc did in 2025, and why it matters for 2026

In 2025, critical supports were on the chopping block and remain at risk heading into next year. Families faced growing fear about health care, special education, and basic dignity. The Arc never stopped centering people with disabilities and their families in national debates.

We fought to protect health care and services that allow people to live safely at home and in their communities. We defended special education and joined a major lawsuit to protect federal oversight. We pushed back when dignity and civil rights were at risk. We made sure national media coverage reflected the real lives of people with disabilities and their families, not stereotypes or soundbites. Together with people like you, we sent 658,208 messages to Congress in 2025, helping shape decisions that affect families nationwide.

That work doesn’t stop on December 31.

As we head into 2026, more families are turning to The Arc for guidance, advocacy, and stability. We’re ready for what comes next, but we can’t do it without public support.

Why The Arc is one of the best charities to support right now

The Arc is one of the best charities to donate to in 2025 because we combine national reach with direct impact. We do the hard work that protects daily life: nonpartisan advocacy, legal action, and grassroots organizing that helps families get answers and keeps disability rights on the public record.

Our work is recognized by independent charity watchdogs, national media, and now Forbes.

If you’re considering a year-end donation, Forbes’ recognition is one more reason to give with confidence. Your gift supports work that protects health care, special education, and civil rights for millions of people with disabilities and their families.

Please make a gift today to support The Arc’s work in 2026.

If giving isn’t possible right now, sharing our work, taking action, and staying connected makes a difference.

Thank you for trusting The Arc and for helping ensure this work continues.

FAQ

What does Forbes’ America’s Top 100 Charities list measure?
It highlights the largest charities using financial measures like private donations and efficiency.

Is The Arc a good charity to donate to right now?
Yes. Forbes ranked The Arc #21 for 2025, and your donation fuels disability rights advocacy, legal action, and grassroots support that affects daily life.

What does The Arc do?
The Arc advocates for and supports people with disabilities and their families, with a focus on rights, inclusion, and access to needed supports.

Picture of the U.S. Department of Education building in Washington, DC

The Arc Joins Lawsuit to Protect the U.S. Department of Education and the Rights of Students With Disabilities

November 25, 2025/in Press Releases/by Jackie Dilworth

The Arc of the United States has joined a major lawsuit challenging federal actions to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. The case, Somerville Public Schools et al v. Trump et al, argues that because the Department was created by Congress, it cannot be restructured or eliminated without Congressional approval. The lawsuit also asserts that recent mass layoffs and other efforts to stop the Department’s work have stripped away essential protections for students with disabilities.

At the center of the case is a question with national impact: What happens to students with disabilities when the very offices that support them and protect their education rights are gone?

Since early 2025, thousands of Department employees have been laid off, including nearly all staff in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). These offices are the backbone of federal enforcement for disability education laws. They:

Ensure schools follow the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Distribute education funding to states and schools
Investigate discrimination complaints
Fund research on effective teaching strategies
Support training and retention of special educators
Coordinate transition services that help youth with disabilities prepare for employment and independent living

The absence of these offices threatens to unravel decades of progress toward equal educational opportunity.

The Arc joined this lawsuit as a plaintiff to help ensure the Department remains fully functional, open, and accountable to students with disabilities and their families.

What Is the Somerville v. Trump Case About and Why Did The Arc Join It?

In March 2025, nearly half of the Department of Education’s 4,133 employees were fired, including many responsible for implementing and enforcing federal disability education laws.

A coalition of educators, school districts, and unions filed a lawsuit soon after to stop the mass layoffs and dismantling of the Department. In April 2025, The Arc filed a declaration in support of the lawsuit, explaining how these changes would harm students with disabilities and their families.

In May 2025, a district court judge issued an injunction temporarily stopping the mass firings and dismantling. Two months later, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the firings and efforts to dismantle the Department of Education to continue while the case proceeds in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

In October 2025, the situation worsened when nearly all remaining staff in the OSERS were laid off during the government shutdown, leaving only a few employees to oversee the nation’s special education and vocational rehabilitation systems. These layoffs were reversed in mid-November as part of a deal to end the shutdown.

The Arc joined the lawsuit as a plaintiff on November 25, 2025.

Why Is the U.S. Department of Education So Important for Students With Disabilities?

The Department of Education plays a central role in protecting the rights of students with disabilities and ensuring that schools have the tools and guidance to meet students’ needs.

The Department’s core responsibilities include:

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) implements and oversees federal laws like IDEA and Section 504, ensuring that every child receives a free and appropriate public education.
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) provides teacher training, technical assistance, and guidance to help schools support students with disabilities.
The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) helps youth with disabilities transition from school to work and community life.
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) investigates disability discrimination in schools under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504, as well as other statutes, allowing families to resolve legal issues without going to court.

When these offices lose staff and resources, families lose access to the federal safety net that ensures their children can learn, participate, and thrive.

How Could Dismantling the Department of Education Affect Students With Disabilities?

Weakening or eliminating the Department of Education will make it harder for students with disabilities to receive the education they are guaranteed under federal law. These cuts could reduce enforcement of disability rights, slow the distribution of IDEA funding, and limit training and guidance that schools and teachers rely on to support their students.

The impact is deeply personal. It affects whether:

A child with Down syndrome receives the therapies outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A teenager with autism has access to vocational and transition services
A parent can challenge a school’s failure to provide necessary accommodations

For many, the Department of Education has been the last line of defense against discrimination and neglect. Without it, families face inconsistent state standards, longer wait times, and fewer options for resolving disputes.

What Is The Arc’s Role in Protecting Special Education and Disability Rights?

The Arc joined this lawsuit to defend the rights of students with disabilities to a free, appropriate public education guaranteed by federal law. The Arc’s involvement ensures that the voices of families and people with disabilities are represented as the case moves forward.

This action builds on The Arc’s long history of advancing educational rights through litigation and advocacy. In 1971, The Arc of Pennsylvania brought PARC v. Pennsylvania, the landmark case that established the constitutional right to a public education for children with intellectual disabilities. That decision paved the way for IDEA and the modern Department of Education.

Today, The Arc continues to advocate through the courts and with partners nationwide to ensure every student with a disability has the opportunity to learn, grow, and belong in their community.

Learn More About the Department of Education Lawsuit and Disability Rights

Written by Shira Wakschlag, Senior Executive Officer of Legal Advocacy and General Counsel, and Katy Neas, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of the United States. Both are available for media interviews.

Bipartisan Resolution Recognizes The Arc’s 75 Years of Leadership in Disability Rights

November 13, 2025/in Public Policy, News, Grassroots, Press Releases/by Jackie Dilworth

Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-6), Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring the 75th anniversary of The Arc of the United States, one of the nation’s most influential organizations advocating for the civil and human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Founded in 1950 by parents determined to keep their children out of institutions and fought instead for their children’s place in family and community life, The Arc has grown into a network of nearly 600 state and local chapters across 47 states. For three-quarters of a century, it has shaped federal policy, expanded opportunity, and strengthened a core American principle: that every individual deserves the chance to live a full, self-directed life.

From its pivotal role in PARC v. Pennsylvania, which helped lay the foundation for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to its leadership in securing the Americans with Disabilities Act, expanding Medicaid home- and community-based services, and advancing essential civil rights protections, The Arc’s history reflects and helped define the evolution of our nation’s commitment to equality, independence, and inclusion.

“For 75 years, The Arc has been a steady compass for this nation—challenging us to rise to our ideals and expanding the circle of belonging,” said Fitzpatrick. “Their leadership has changed laws, expectations, and lives. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, their partnership strengthens our mission every single day. This resolution is not merely recognition—it is a call to action and a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to continue working to ensure that dignity, independence, and equal opportunity are not aspirations, but guarantees for every single American.”

“For 75 years, The Arc has been an unrelenting force for the rights, dignity, and respect of Americans with disabilities. It is because of their work that we have seen so much progress, including the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and other foundational protections we have today. I’m proud to recognize The Arc for their 75 years of fighting for accessibility and equality for individuals with disabilities and will continue to be a partner in that work,” said Dingell.

Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States, shared: “Seventy-five years ago, a group of parents refused to accept that their children with disabilities should be sent to live all their days in institutions. They built The Arc so their children could grow up at home with their families, just like everyone else. I think of those families every time I see a student learning with non-disabled classmates, an employee with a disability earning a paycheck, or a family getting support that keeps them stable and together. Because The Arc fought for it, people live at home and in the community instead of in institutions. Students with disabilities have the right to a public education rather than being shut out or separated. Medicaid and SSI help people shape meaningful lives with the support they need. And the ADA made civil rights real in daily life, from curb cuts to captions that many of us use. Disability is in every family, every community, every political party. In a year when disabled Americans are looking for steady leadership on their rights and services, I’m grateful to Representative Brian Fitzpatrick for recognizing this legacy and affirming that inclusion is a shared value. We will keep working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, as we always have, honoring the millions who came before us and pushing disability rights forward for millions more.”

Read the full resolution here.

Background

The Arc of the United States was founded in 1950 by parents who refused to accept that their children with intellectual disabilities should be separated from family and community. Their advocacy paved the way for some of the most consequential civil rights and education advances in modern American history, including:

PARC v. Pennsylvania (1971): Established the right to free public education for students with intellectual disabilities, setting the stage for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990): A landmark civil rights law prohibiting discrimination and guaranteeing equal access in employment, transportation, and public life.
Expansion of Medicaid and home- and community-based services (HCBS): Provided millions of individuals with disabilities the ability to live and participate in their communities rather than institutions.

Today, Arc continues to advocate for independence, economic opportunity, and full inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across their lifespan.

A person with disabilities wearing headphones and a dark purple sweatshirt sits at a computer workstation, typing on a keyboard. Their hair is styled with pink and purple braids, and a pink furry accessory is attached to their chair. An orange curved line design element runs across the top of the image.

How The Arc and Comcast Are Bridging the Digital Divide

October 30, 2025/in Featured Posts, Programs and Supports/by The Arc

Technology opens doors to education, employment, and human connection. For people with disabilities, who are three times less likely to go online, this digital divide doesn’t just limit opportunities; it can create a painful isolation that goes beyond mere inconvenience.

Since 2017, The Arc and Comcast have been breaking down digital barriers, one person at a time. Our training programs have created new paths for nearly 6,000 people with disabilities, helping them tap into capabilities and dreams that had been waiting to shine. Here are just a few of their stories.

Alex: Finding Purpose Through Technology

When Alex lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he lost more than income—he lost his carefully constructed daily routine, sense of purpose, and the independence he had worked so hard to achieve. That’s when The Arc of Lane County in Oregon stepped in with a lifeline in the form of a tablet and personalized training. With patience and encouragement, tech coaches taught Alex to use navigation apps, opening the door to a new job with a food delivery company. Alex now uses Google Maps to guide his delivery routes.

The tablet that started as a work tool has blossomed into Alex’s window into the world. He is creating a new network of co-workers and friends. He discovered online music, sports, and YouTube videos, fulfilling his life in ways his family never imagined. His tablet has become a gateway to both professional pride and personal joy.

April: Reading Her Way to Independence

For April, being unable to read made her dream of independent living seem unreachable in a world of written instructions and warning labels. The team at Sertoma Star Services, a chapter of The Arc in Indiana, introduced her to the Synthy text-to-speech app that reads documents aloud, even handwritten notes. Now she can read her mail, cooking instructions, and medication labels without assistance. Each scanned document allows April to navigate the world with confidence.

Joshua: Overcoming Anxiety Through Technology

School once filled Joshua with deep anxiety. That’s until tech coaches at The Arc of South Florida introduced him to interactive learning apps like Kahoot for interactive quizzes and Aleks for math practice that helped him stay engaged and better understand his lessons. They also trained Joshua’s caregiver, Josephine, on the apps so she could provide timely support when he struggled. Now Joshua is thriving in school. With newfound confidence, he is engaging more with classmates, contributing to group discussions, and building friendships that once seemed impossible. With each new skill, he grows more motivated to set goals for his future.

Caleb: Navigating Online Safety

Caleb is a typical teenager. He has a mobile phone and is active on social media and online gaming. His family encourages his independence; however, Caleb’s trusting nature made him vulnerable to online scammers. The Arc of Harris County in Texas taught him how to recognize warning signs and protect his information and identity. His family now has tools to reinforce critical safety skills, balancing Caleb’s independence with necessary protection.

Nelson: Mapping a Path to Freedom

Nelson is an independent young man, but he couldn’t get around his community without his parents’ help. The Arc of Davidson County in Tennessee introduced him to navigation apps for his phone. Now Nelson plans his own routes on his electronic trike, choosing his destinations and schedule, taking advantage of bike paths, and being mindful of the distance. Each journey strengthens his confidence and independence.

The Arc is grateful for Comcast’s commitment to helping people with disabilities develop a wide range of technical skills. Together, we are delivering the fundamental human right to be seen, heard, and valued in our increasingly connected world.

“Providing access to digital skills training opens doors to opportunity and greater independence—transforming lives, especially for individuals with disabilities,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer of Comcast Corporation. “Our partnership with The Arc exemplifies the kind of collaboration that fuels our mission at Comcast. We’re proud to continue growing this work together and expanding our impact in communities across the country.”

If you need support, find a Tech Coaching Center near you!

Fruit lined up on shelves at a grocery store

What You Need to Know About SNAP and WIC During the Government Shutdown

October 23, 2025/in Public Policy, News, Grassroots, Press Releases/by Jackie Dilworth

Updated Nov. 13, 2025, 5:44 p.m. ET

The government shutdown ended on November 12. The USDA and state governments will now work to distribute November SNAP benefits. Expect different states to issue SNAP benefits at different times this month.

During the federal government shutdown, lawmakers did not taken action to fund critical food assistance programs. As a result, many people who rely on SNAP and WIC have had their benefits delayed starting November 1, 2025.

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps. It provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. It’s a short-term program that safeguards the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 by providing food, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals.

For families already stretched thin, this lapse in benefits meant impossible choices between food, rent, medicine, utilities, and more. People with disabilities already face higher rates of poverty and food insecurity, putting them more at risk.

Food is not optional. Every person deserves food security, not fear.

What is The Arc doing to protect SNAP and WIC benefits? The Arc called on state and federal policymakers to protect people with disabilities and low-income families from losing access to food. Here’s what’s happening, what you can do, and what policymakers must do now.

How is the Government Shutdown Impacting SNAP and WIC Benefits in November?

Will I get SNAP benefits in November? We do not yet know when you will receive your full SNAP benefits for November. The amount and timing of your November SNAP benefits will depend on your state, even though the shutdown ended on November 12.
- We understand that this uncertainty is incredibly stressful. Food resources are below if you need them.
- Federal funding for your full monthly SNAP benefits was delayed because of the government shutdown. November SNAP benefit amounts will be different from state to state because some states used emergency funds to help cover benefits.
Isn’t there a lawsuit about restoring federal SNAP funding? What does it mean for SNAP beneficiaries? Yes, on October 31st, two federal courts ruled that the Administration must use contingency funds to provide at least partial SNAP benefits for November. What happens next will depend on the actions of the Administration and your state government. Even if the Administration releases the funds to states immediately, it will take at least a couple days for states to send out the partial benefit payments.
Will WIC benefits still be available in November? Some states may run out of WIC funding in early November. How long benefits last will depend on your state’s remaining funds.
What do beneficiaries need to know about new SNAP work requirements? Millions of people applying for or renewing SNAP will face new work requirements, known as “time limits,” starting in November.
Can food banks replace lost SNAP benefits? Food banks and local charities are already stretched thin and cannot replace SNAP, especially as demand for food assistance increases around the holidays. For every meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine.

What Can Policymakers Do to Protect SNAP and WIC During the Shutdown?

What actions should the Administration take right now?
- Use available resources to pay SNAP and WIC benefits in November. If full benefits cannot be funded, issue partial benefits.
- Immediately release SNAP’s contingency funds (about $6 billion) to help states pay benefits.
- Use any available legal authority to provide SNAP and WIC funding.
- Give states clear guidance to continue processing applications and the technical assistance they need to send out benefits as soon as funding is available.
What steps should Congress take to prevent food benefit cuts?
- Fully fund SNAP benefits and reverse harmful cuts to SNAP made by the reconciliation bill.
- Roll back expanded work requirements passed in the reconciliation bill that threaten people with disabilities, older adults, and parents.
- Restore funding for other programs that help feed communities, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, and the Local Food for Schools Program.
What can states do to help SNAP and WIC beneficiaries?
- Use state emergency funds to cover temporary SNAP or WIC gaps.
  - Example: New Mexico will distribute $30 million in state-funded food benefits onto current SNAP beneficiaries’ EBT cards.
  - Example: Virginia established a new program called the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) initiative, which will distribute up to $150 million in state funds to replace SNAP benefits through November. Starting on November 3rd, VENA will send Virginians weekly payments covering 25% of their monthly SNAP benefit. This means that if a family usually receives $200 a month in SNAP benefits, the VENA system will provide $50 weekly.
- Send clear, accessible notices to all beneficiaries about the status of their benefits, and what to expect going forward.
- Continue processing applications and protect residents from utility shutoffs and evictions.

What Should SNAP and WIC Recipients Do As the Government Shutdown Continues?

Are my October SNAP benefits safe? Yes, October SNAP benefits have been funded and loaded to EBT cards. You can keep using remaining benefits on your card as usual.
What will happen to my November SNAP benefits? As the shutdown continues, new benefits will come later than usual. Once the government reopens, missed payments will be reimbursed.
- You will not lose benefits permanently due to the shutdown. A delay is not the same as being cut off. Keep your contact information up to date so you receive notices.
Can I apply or renew SNAP or WIC during the shutdown? If you’re applying, you should submit your application as soon as possible. Even if processing is delayed, applying now ensures your case moves forward quickly when the shutdown ends.
- If you applied for or were approved for SNAP benefits in October, you might experience delays receiving retroactive benefits for October 2025. This will vary depending on the state you live in.
How can people with disabilities qualify for exemptions from SNAP work rules? Keep an eye out for a notice from your state’s SNAP office about new work requirements. If you have a disability, you may qualify for an exemption from the work requirement. Contact your SNAP caseworker or state office with any questions.
What can I do to make sure I receive my delayed SNAP or WIC benefits as soon as possible? Visit your local SNAP office website and sign up for updates. Make sure your state’s SNAP program has your correct mailing address, phone number, and email. You can find your state’s SNAP office here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory

Where Can I Find Food Assistance or Local Resources Near Me?

FindHelp: Locate food banks, housing, financial assistance, and more.
FoodFinder: Find food pantries near you.
USDA National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (7 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET) or text FOOD to 914-342-7744.
FullCart: Sign up for free food delivered to your home (please note that there’s a waitlist for this service).
211: Call 211 or visit 211.org for local help with food, housing, utilities, and more.

Why Do SNAP and WIC Delays Matter for People with Disabilities and Families?

SNAP feeds about 42 million people (one in eight Americans), including 16 million children, 8 million older adults, and more than 4 million people with disabilities. WIC supports nearly 7 million pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children. Even short disruptions can harm child nutrition and development.

November is always a critical month for families preparing for colder weather and the holidays. Losing food assistance now could push millions deeper into poverty.

Food is not optional. It is dignity, stability, and survival.

Take Action: Tell Congress to Fund SNAP Now

Millions of people, including millions with disabilities, have lost access to food assistance during this shutdown. Policymakers have the power to fix this, but they need to hear from you. Your voice matters. Urge your elected officials to take all possible measures to fund SNAP and prevent hunger for people with disabilities and low-income families.

Send your message now

Quick Answers About SNAP and WIC During the Government Shutdown

Are SNAP benefits delayed? Yes, starting November 1. Depending on your state, emergency state-funded benefit payments or other food assistance may be available.
Are WIC benefits safe? Some states may run out of funding in early November.
Will benefits be reimbursed later? Yes, once the shutdown ends.
Who is most affected? Low-income families, people with disabilities, and older adults.
What should I do? Apply or renew now, stay informed through your state SNAP office, and seek local food resources if needed.

Written by: Darcy Milburn, Director of Social Security & Healthcare Policy at The Arc of the United States

Drew Ann Long and her daughter Caroline, who has Rett Syndrome, in a specially designed cart for people with disabilities

The Arc Partners With Caroline’s Cart to Promote Inclusion in Retail Spaces

October 22, 2025/in Press Releases/by Jackie Dilworth

New partnership places The Arc’s logo and QR code on Caroline’s Carts nationwide, advancing accessibility and inclusion in everyday shopping.

Caroline’s Cart, the first patented special needs grocery cart designed for older children and adults with disabilities, is proud to announce a new partnership with The Arc, the nation’s leading advocacy organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Beginning this October, every Caroline’s Cart will feature a sticker displaying The Arc’s logo along with a QR code for families and caregivers to request the cart locally—an initiative that underscores a shared commitment to inclusion and accessibility in retail environments.

Caroline’s Carts are in stores across all 50 states and eight countries. Families, caregivers, senior adults, and retailers rely on them to shop with dignity and inclusion. Founder & inventor, Drew Ann Long’s journey from stay-at-home mom to nationally recognized innovator has been celebrated by The Today Show, CNN, Inside Edition, CBS News, and praised by Michelle Obama and advocacy groups across the U.S.

By prominently displaying The Arc’s logo on Caroline’s Carts nationwide, the collaboration aims to expand awareness while making everyday shopping more inclusive for families, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. The Arc’s mission is to promote and protect the human rights of people with IDD and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

This new chapter builds on the vision of Drew Ann Long, founder and inventor of Caroline’s Cart, inspired by her daughter Caroline, who was born in 2000 with Rett Syndrome, a neurological disorder that disrupts brain development. As Caroline outgrew traditional shopping carts, shopping became an activity that required extreme effort and planning for her family. Drew Ann first sketched the design for a cart Caroline could fit in on a napkin, later bringing the patented cart to life. Without prior experience in engineering or manufacturing, she successfully navigated product development, patents, and brand building—even personally funding the first 100 carts. She ultimately created a movement that is changing the way retailers view accessibility.

“This partnership with The Arc is a powerful step toward creating retail spaces that are truly inclusive,” said Drew Ann Long, Founder of Caroline’s Cart. “By displaying their logo on our carts, we are not only enhancing the shopping experience for families but also sending a clear message that inclusion matters.”

“When a store offers Caroline’s Carts, it sends a powerful message: families that include people with disabilities belong here,” said Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States. “For decades, The Arc has pushed for inclusion not just in policy, but in the everyday places where life happens. By joining forces with Caroline’s Cart, we’re making sure that a simple trip to the store becomes one more place where families feel dignity, connection, and welcome.”

In addition to this partnership, Drew Ann Long will serve as one of the closing speakers at The Arc’s annual convention in North Carolina, where she will share her story of innovation, perseverance, and the impact of creating products that empower families and communities.

Since its inception, Caroline’s Cart has been a game-changer for families, making shopping possible, safer, and inclusive. With this new collaboration, Drew Ann Long continues her mission to make everyday experiences more accessible for all. She urges all retailers who have not yet adopted Caroline’s Cart to consider offering this essential resource, ensuring greater accessibility for customers and families with disabilities.

To request a cart locally, please visit: https://idrpp.usu.edu/uatp/files/carolines-cart-request-form-us.pdf

About Caroline’s Cart:
Caroline’s Cart is the first patented special needs grocery cart designed for older children and adults with disabilities. Invented by Drew Ann Long and inspired by her daughter Caroline, the cart has become a global solution for families, caregivers, and retailers committed to inclusion. Today, it is found in major stores across all 50 states and eight countries.

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 knew their disabled children deserved more, The Arc is now the largest grassroots organization for people with IDD with nearly 600 chapters in 48 states and Washington, DC. Together, we are promoting and protecting the rights of people with disabilities and supporting their inclusion throughout their lives—from education to employment to community living. There are approximately 7.4 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.

Department of Education Condemned for Ending Support for Students With Disabilities

October 17, 2025/in Press Releases/by Jackie Dilworth

Broad Coalition of Disability, Civil Rights, and Education Organizations Call for Reversal of Layoffs at Department of Education

A broad coalition of national, state, and local disability, civil rights, and education organizations is sounding the alarm over sweeping layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education. These cuts have gutted key offices—including the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE)—threatening decades of progress in protecting students with disabilities.

These wholesale terminations place fundamental education laws in peril and place millions of children with disabilities at risk who receive services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. These layoffs circumvent the will of Congress and dismantle 50 years of precedent upholding rights for students with disabilities. Without personnel to oversee these laws, the Department cannot provide essential leadership, oversight, guidance, or support to states and schools—jeopardizing students’ access to a free, appropriate public education and hampering the ability of states and localities to serve all students. In addition, the terminations also threaten the vocational rehabilitation system that helps youth and adults with disabilities become employed.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of IDEA, a law that has enjoyed strong bipartisan support for five decades. Rather than celebrating progress, we face a crisis: the dismantling of the very infrastructure Congress created to ensure children with disabilities could reach their full potential, potentially catapulting them back to a time of segregation and refusal to provide educational opportunities.

The undersigned organizations urge the Administration and Congress to reverse course immediately and restore staffing and transparency at the U.S. Department of Education. Strong federal leadership is not optional, it’s a moral and legal obligation for our nation’s children with disabilities.

National Organizations:
AACTE: American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
Access Ready Inc.
Accessible College LLC
ACVREP
AFT, AFL-CIO
All4Ed
Allies for Independence
American Association of People with Disabilities
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
American Atheists
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
American Council of Blind Families
American Council of the Blind Next Generation
American Council of the Blind
American Therapeutic Recreation Association
Angelman Syndrome Foundation
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs
Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)
Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL)
Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO)
Association of University Centers on Disabilities
Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)
Autism Science Foundation
Autism Society of America
Autism Speaks
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
Black Down Syndrome Association
Caring Across Generations
CEC Division on Visual Impairment and DeafBlindness
Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)
Center for Public Representation
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Coalition on Human Needs
Common Coalition
CommunicationFIRST
Complex and Chronic Conditions, The Division for Physical, Health and Multiple Disabilities of the Council for Exceptional Children (CCC-DPHMD)
Council for Exceptional Children
Council for Learning Disabilities
Council of Administrators of Special Education
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR)
Cure SMA
Dan Marino Foundation
DCDT
Disability Belongs
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
Diverse Charter Schools Coalition
Division for Communication, Language and D/HH
Division for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners (DDEL)
Division for Early Childhood
Division for Emotional and Behavioral Health (DEBH)
Division for Learning Disabilities of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Division for Research, Council for Exceptional Children
Division of International Special Education and Services
Division of Leaders and Legacy
Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Division on Career Development and Transition
Down Syndrome Affiliates In Action
Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta
Easterseals, Inc.
EDGE Partners
EdTrust
Educating All Learners Alliance
Education Law Center
Educators for Excellence
First Focus on Children
Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics
GLSEN
Griffin-Hammis Associates
Inclusive Development Partners (IDP)
Innovations in Special Education Technology (ISET) Division of Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
International Council on Development and Learning
Low Vision Technology
MomsRising
Muscular Dystrophy Association
NAACP
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD)
National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC)
National Association of School Psychologists
National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI)
National Center for Learning Disabilities
National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID)
National Council on Independent Living
National DeafBlind Coalition
National Disability Action
National Disability Institute
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)
National Down Syndrome Congress
National Down Syndrome Society
National Education Association
National Family Association for DeafBlind
National Federation of the Blind
National Health Law Program
National Rural Education Association
National Women’s Law Center
Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association
Parents for Public Schools
PreK-12 Programs, New America
Prevent Blindness
School Social Work Association of America
SchoolHouse Connection
SELF – Special Education Leader Fellowship
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, Inc.
Success Beyond Sight
TDIforAccess
Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children
The Advocacy Institute
The Arc of the United States
The Association for the Gifted – Council for Exceptional Children
The Carroll Center for the Blind
The Center for Learner Equity
The Division of Evaluation and Assessment for Learning (DEAL)
The Hussman Institute for Autism
The National Association for Down Syndrome
The National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS)
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies
The Sibling Leadership Network (SLN)
TSC Alliance
United Spinal Association
United States International Council on Disabilities
VisionServe Alliance
ZERO TO THREE

State and Local Organizations:
ABLE New Hampshire
Advance Illinois
AHRC NYC
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program
Alaska School Psychologists Association
All Blind Children of Texas
Alliance of and for Visually Impaired Texans
American Council of the Blind of Indiana
American Council of the Blind of Ohio
Arc Mid-Hudson
Arc of Onondaga
ARC of Rockland
Arizona Council for Exceptional Children (AZCEC)
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
Arts Education in Maryland Schools (AEMS)
Arts Every Day, Inc.
ASAH
Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc.
Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP)
Autism Kids
Autistic Women’s Alliance
Beaver County Association for the Blind
Black Educator Advocates Network
Braille Revival League of Texas
California Alliance of Child and Family Services
California Association of O&M Specialists-CAOMS
California Association of School Psychologists
California Council for Exceptional Children
California Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition
Center of Vision Enhancement
Chautauqua County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc. dba The Resource Center
Choices For Community Living, Inc.
Clinton ARC
Club 21 Learning and Resource Center
Coalition for Adequate Funding for Special Education
Coastal Alabama Down Syndrome Society
Collaborative for Exceptional Education
CompassIL
Connections Day School
DBMAT – Deafblind Multihandicapped Association of Texas
DeafBlind Community of Texas
Delaware Association of School Psychologists
Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council
Delaware Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens (GACEC)
Designer Genes of North Dakota
DGCKids
Disability Law Center
Disability Law Center of Utah
Disability Law Center of Virginia
Disability Rights Arizona
Disability Rights Arkansas
Disability Rights California
Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire
Disability Rights Center of Kansas
Disability Rights Connecticut
Disability Rights Delaware of Community Legal Aid Society, Inc.
Disability Rights Florida
Disability Rights Iowa
Disability Rights Louisiana
Disability Rights Maine
Disability Rights Maryland
Disability Rights Mississippi
Disability Rights Montana
Disability Rights Nebraska
Disability Rights New Jersey
Disability Rights New Mexico
Disability Rights New York
Disability Rights North Carolina
Disability Rights Ohio
Disability Rights Oregon
Disability Rights South Carolina
Disability Rights Vermont
Disability Rights Washington
Disability Rights Wisconsin
Down Syndrome Advocates in Action Nebraska
Down Syndrome Alabama
Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands
Down Syndrome Association for Families
Down Syndrome Association of Maryland
Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida
Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma
Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas
Down Syndrome Association of Delaware
Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis
Down Syndrome Association of Houston
Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee
Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota
Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana
Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio
Down Syndrome Association of Orange County
Down Syndrome Association of Southern Maryland
Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin
Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area
Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida
Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County
Down Syndrome Foundation of Tallahassee
Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas
Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County, MD
Down Syndrome Network of Onslow and Carteret Counties (DSNOCC)
Down Syndrome Network of West Virginia
Down Syndrome of Louisville
Down to Defend, Michigan
ElevateDD
Engage New Hampshire
Families for Strong Public Schools
Families In Schools
Family Voices NJ
FIRSTwnc
Georgia Association of School Psychologists
Georgia Council of Exceptional Children
Golden Triangle Council of the Blind
Greater Louisville Council of the Blind
Hawai`i Association of School Psychologists
Hawaii Disability Rights Center
Honesty for Ohio Education
Idaho Council for Exceptional Children
Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education
Illinois Families for Public Schools
IN-SIGHT
Incompass Human Services, Inc.
InControl Wisconsin
Indiana Coalition for Public Education
Indiana Council for Exceptional Children
Indiana Disability Rights
Inland Valley Down Syndrome Association
Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc.
Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children
Kentucky Protection and Advocacy
Kern Down Syndrome Network
Kids First Chicago
Learn In My Shoes
Lifeworks, Inc.
Manatee County Council of the Blind
Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute
Maryland Citizens for the Arts
Maryland Dance Education Association
Maryland Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition
Maryland Education Coalition (MEC)
Maryland School Psychologists’ Association
Maryland Theater Education Association
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress
Mercer County Association of the Blind
Michigan Council for Exceptional Children
Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities
Mississippi Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition
Missouri Council for Exceptional Children
Montgomery County Association for the Blind
Native American Disability Law Center
Nebraska School Psychologists Association
Nevada Council of the Blind
Nevada Disability Advocacy & Law Center
New Hampshire Assoc of Special Education Administrators
New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities
New York State Council for Administrators of Special Education
New York State Council For Exceptional Children
NH Universal Changing Stations Alliance
NJ Community Schools Coalition
NYSARC Inc., Liberty ARC
NYSARC Inc., Warren, Washington and Albany Counties Chapter
Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities in Puerto Rico (PR P&A)
Ohio School Psychologists Association
Oklahoma Disability Law Center
Our Children Our Schools New Jersey
PACER Center
Parent Information Center of Delaware
Parent to Parent of Georgia Inc
Parents Helping Parents Together, Inc
Parents of Children with Down Syndrome (PODS) of Prince George’s Co. MD
Partnership for Extraordinary Minds (xMinds)
Pennsylvania Association for the Blind
Pennsylvania Council Of The Blind
Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition
People’s Arc of Suffolk
Pine Belt Down Syndrome Outreach
Protection & Advocacy System, Inc, Wyoming
Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association
Rural Schools Association of New York
Save Our Schools Arizona
Save Our Schools NJ
SC Partnership of Disability Organizations
Sights for Hope
South Carolina Association of School Psychologists
St. Louis Arc
State Council for Persons with Disabilities
Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowement (SOCM)
Strategies for Disability Equity
Streamwood Behavioral Health Systems Innovations Academy
Strong Schools Maryland
Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability Organizations
Tennessee Council for Exceptional Children
Texas Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (TAER)
Texas Association of School Psychologists
The Arc Alliance, Pennsylvania
The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties
The Arc Chemung Schuyler
The Arc Erie County, PA
The Arc Greater Hudson Valley
The Arc Maryland
The Arc Michigan
The Arc Montgomery County
The Arc New York
The Arc of Alabama
The Arc of Arizona
The Arc of Aurora
The Arc of California
The Arc of Dane County
The Arc of Delaware
The Arc of Delaware County (NYS)
The Arc of East Central Iowa
The Arc of Greater Beaumont
The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh
The Arc of Illinois
The Arc of Iowa
The Arc of King County
The Arc of Macomb County, Inc.
The Arc of Monroe
The Arc of NC
The Arc of Ohio
The Arc of Philadelphia
The Arc of Rensselaer County
The Arc of Snohomish County
The Arc of South Carolina
The Arc of the Piedmont
The Arc of Washington State
The Arc Ontario
The Arc Otsego
The Arc Rockland
The Arc Westchester
The Austin Council of the Blind
The Disability Law Center of Alaska
The Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut
The San Diego Center for the Blind
The South Carolina Human Services Providers Association
Utah Council for Exceptional Children
Venango County Association for the Blind
Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Vermont Association of School Psychologist
Vermont Council for Exceptional Children
VIA (Visually Impaired Advancement)
VIPS (Vision Interventions and Parental Support)
Virginia Academy of School Psychologists (VASP)
Virginia Council for Exceptional Children
Virginia Down Syndrome Association
Vision Forward Association
VisionCorps
Washington State Association of School Psychologists (WSASP)
Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools
Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities
Wisconsin Public Education Action
Wisconsin School Psychologists Association

Federal Special Education Offices Hollowed Out, Putting Students’ Rights at Risk

October 13, 2025/in Press Releases/by Jackie Dilworth

Disability advocates are warning that sweeping staff reductions inside the U.S. Department of Education have effectively dismantled the federal offices responsible for protecting the rights of students with disabilities. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has lost most of its personnel, leaving only a small team to oversee the nation’s special education and rehabilitation systems.

Tell your lawmakers to protect OSERS now.

“Behind every one of these jobs was a lifeline for children and families,” said Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States. “These offices exist because, not so long ago, millions of children with disabilities were shut out of school. They represent our nation’s promise that every child deserves an education and a future. With these offices gutted, families will have nowhere to turn when schools fail to meet their obligations under federal law.”

OSERS plays a vital role in ensuring states comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and in managing billions of dollars in federal grants that fund special education and vocational rehabilitation. The offices also provide legal and technical guidance to schools, fund research on effective teaching strategies, support training and retention of special educators, and coordinate transition services that help youth with disabilities move from school to employment and community life.

The Department’s capacity to enforce civil rights is severely weakened. Its Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which investigates discrimination in schools, lost about half its attorneys earlier this year. Families filed a record 22,687 discrimination complaints last year, nearly 40% involving disability. Even before these layoffs, families often waited years for answers. Now, thousands more may never see their cases resolved.

“The Department of Education is the keeper of IDEA’s promise,” said Neas. “Without these offices, students with disabilities have fewer protections to get an education when they face harassment, exclusion, discriminatory discipline, and barriers to access and inclusion that can shape the rest of their lives. They will be denied the chance to learn, grow, and belong in their communities.”

Next month marks the 50th anniversary of IDEA, the landmark law that guaranteed students with disabilities the right to a public education. Before federal oversight existed, many children with disabilities were turned away from schools altogether or placed in institutions with no opportunity to learn. The creation of the modern Department of Education changed that reality.

Now, that progress is at risk of unraveling. Without functioning federal oversight, states may begin interpreting the law differently, eroding the consistency and accountability that Congress intended.

“Children with disabilities will be left behind, not because they cannot learn, but because the systems that help them succeed are being taken away,” said Neas.

The Arc, which helped drive the advocacy that led to IDEA, warns that the law’s foundation is in jeopardy. In 1971, The Arc brought PARC v. Pennsylvania, the first case to establish the right to education for children with intellectual disabilities. That ruling laid the groundwork for IDEA and for the Department of Education as we know it today.

“Our nation’s commitment to education for all is being tested,” said Neas. “The Arc was there when students with disabilities first won the right to learn, and we will do everything in our power to defend it.”

The Arc’s national office is closely monitoring developments at the Department of Education and coordinating with coalition partners to advocate for immediate transparency on how IDEA oversight, guidance, and funding will continue.

Media Contact:
Jackie Dilworth, dilworth@thearc.org

The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

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