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

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

/in /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

A picture of the top of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC with trees in front

Federal Government Shutdown: What People With Disabilities Should Know

/in /by Jackie Dilworth

Updated Oct. 1, 2025, 9:10 a.m. ET

At 12:01 a.m. Eastern today, the federal government shut down because Congress did not approve funding for Fiscal Year 2026 beginning October 1, 2025. Since Congress did not pass the budget legislation, many federal government agencies and programs that rely on annual funding will be paused. Many people with disabilities and their families want to know how this affects benefits and services.

This federal government shutdown, in many ways, is unpredictable. We do not know how long it will last, how agencies will use their flexibilities, and how they will respond with limited staff capacity.

Bottom line today:
  • Social Security payments continue.
  • Medicaid and Medicare coverage stay in place. Some casework may slow.
  • October SNAP benefits are expected. A longer shutdown adds uncertainty for later months.

Here is what we know:

  • Do Social Security payments continue during a federal shutdown? Yes, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits will still be paid. Some customer service or appeals may take longer if the shutdown lasts. The Social Security Administration has confirmed payments continue during a shutdown.
  • Is Medicaid or Medicare affected by a government shutdown? Medicaid and Medicare coverage stays in place. Core operations at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are expected to continue. A prolonged shutdown may slow some casework or updates.
  • Will SNAP and WIC benefits be paid during a shutdown? Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for October are expected to be issued. If the shutdown continues, later payments could face delays. WIC may also be affected during a prolonged shutdown.
  • Is HealthCare.gov open during a shutdown? Yes, HealthCare.gov (the ACA Marketplace) continues to operate with eligibility and enrollment. Outreach, education, and engagement activities may slow or pause.
  • Which HHS services slow down during a shutdown? Some Department of Health and Human Services agencies will operate with fewer staff. Guidance, oversight, research, and some enforcement may be slower.
  • Are disability civil rights still enforced during a shutdown? Yes, civil rights enforcement continues. Some investigations or reviews may be delayed by reduced staffing.

Why this matters:
People with disabilities rely on these programs for daily needs, health, and independence. Even a short shutdown can cause delays and confusion when families seek answers about benefits or protections. There may also be disruptions in access to other federal programs that depend on yearly federal appropriations.

We will keep tracking official updates and will share guidance as conditions change.

Written by: Jackie Dilworth, Communications Director
Reviewed by: Katy Neas, CEO, and Julie Ward, Senior Executive Officer of Public Policy

A picture of prison bars up close with a brick floor

Disability Advocates Warn: Supreme Court Case Could Open Door to Executing People With Intellectual Disability

/in , /by Jackie Dilworth

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Supreme Court will soon hear Hamm v. Smith, a case that will determine how courts apply the death penalty to people with intellectual disability. At issue is whether judges must continue to follow established clinical standards or whether states can rely on a narrow focus on IQ scores.

Today, The Arc of the United States, joined by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and the National Disability Rights Network, filed an amicus brief urging the Court to uphold existing precedent and ensure that people with intellectual disability remain meaningfully protected from execution. Oral arguments are scheduled for November 2025.

In Atkins v. Virginia (2002), the Court recognized what Americans overwhelmingly believe: executing people with intellectual disability is cruel, unconstitutional, and serves no purpose. That protection was later reinforced in Hall v. Florida and Moore v. Texas, which directed courts to follow clinical science rather than stereotypes in diagnosing intellectual disability in death penalty cases.

Now, in Hamm v. Smith, those safeguards are at risk.

Shira Wakschlag, Senior Executive Officer of Legal Advocacy and General Counsel for The Arc of the United States:
“It is settled law that executing people with intellectual disability is unconstitutional. People with intellectual disability have a specific condition, not a rote IQ number. Alabama is asking the court to erase that precedent and focus exclusively on IQ scores in evaluating whether a person has an intellectual disability. The state’s request would upend decades of precedent, ignore science, and put people with intellectual disability at risk of unlawful execution. An intellectual disability diagnosis requires a holistic and comprehensive evaluation conducted by qualified individuals. Lives are on the line.”

Why Hamm v. Smith should matter to everyone:

  • It’s about fairness. People with intellectual disability are more likely to be targeted, arrested, and wrongfully convicted. Without meaningful and science-based implementation of these protections, innocent lives could be lost.
  • It’s about science, not stereotypes. The clinical definition of intellectual disability has been developed over decades and includes a robust framework that must be used in the diagnostic process. Experts agree that diagnosis requires more than a single IQ score. Failing to ensure that courts follow clinical judgment would ignore science in favor of dangerous stereotypes.

This case is not about excusing violent crime. People with intellectual disability can and should be held accountable under the law. But intellectual disability is a lifelong, complex condition, and the Supreme Court has made clear that the Constitution draws a clear line: execution is off the table.

The Arc has fought for this safeguard for decades, including playing a critical role in Atkins. The organization and its partners will continue to fight to ensure that courts properly follow clinical judgment in defining intellectual disability in death penalty cases and that no person with intellectual disability is ever put to death in violation of the Constitution.

Media Contact:
Jackie Dilworth, The Arc of the United States, dilworth@thearc.org

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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 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. 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.

A bunch of letters scattered with AUTISM spelled out in the middle

Autism Research Must Be Grounded in Science, Not Stigma

/in /by Jackie Dilworth

When public officials talk about autism, their words carry weight. Too often, those words have painted the diagnosis of autism as a tragedy, erasing the dignity and humanity of autistic people.

Research into the causes of autism and the support needs of people with autism must be grounded in credible science, transparent data, and the lived experiences of autistic people. Public health only advances when clinicians, researchers, and impacted communities come together and follow peer-reviewed evidence. Anything less spreads confusion, deepens stigma, and diverts attention from what individuals and their families truly need.

We agree that there are too many unanswered questions about autism. That’s why more research is essential to achieve more effective interventions and appropriate supports. But research efforts must respect the inherent dignity of autistic people for who they are and reflect the diversity of their lives. Reducing autism only to a problem that must be solved, or presenting unproven claims as fact, fails both autistic people and the families who love them.

The facts are clear.

  • Vaccines do not cause autism. Decades of rigorous, global research involving millions of children and adults have confirmed no link between vaccines and autism.
  • The largest study on acetaminophen use during pregnancy found no evidence supporting an increased chance of autism.
  • Current research shows that autism has no single cause. Instead, it likely results from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental influences.
  • The rise in autism diagnoses reflects both broader diagnostic criteria and better awareness and screening, not an epidemic.
  • Autistic people are here to stay.

We remember the days when autism was cruelly blamed on so-called “refrigerator mothers.” We cannot allow stigma, stereotypes, and fear drive our public health priorities. Families deserve research and policies that strengthen futures and ensure access to Medicaid, special education, Social Security, and SNAP. At a time when these lifelines are being chipped away, families need assurance that the supports keeping them afloat will be protected.

The Arc will continue to call for policies grounded in science and humanity, and to work alongside autistic people and their families to demand respect, inclusion, and the supports needed to live full lives in every community.

Picture of Meredith Sadoulet standing in front of a projection screen that says "Disability Policy Seminar 2025"

Meet Meredith Sadoulet, The Arc’s National Board President

/in /by Jackie Dilworth

If you’ve been following The Arc’s work this year, you’ve already felt Meredith Sadoulet’s steady influence. She stepped into the role of Board President in January, and while she’s not new to the job anymore, many in our community may still be getting to know her. Meredith is thoughtful, values-driven, and deeply committed to creating a future where disability doesn’t limit opportunity. She’s a member of the disability community herself, a family member to people with disabilities, and a professional with years of experience leading workforce strategy and inclusion at Fortune 100 companies.

Before she officially took the helm, Meredith shared a powerful message at our National Convention—part reflection, part vision-setting, and a reminder of why The Arc exists in the first place. We’re sharing her message here with you. If you haven’t met Meredith yet, now’s your chance to get to know her.

“Having assumed the role of National Board President for the 2025-2026 term, I am deeply honored by the privilege and responsibility to serve an organization with a rich history of advocacy and a steadfast commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For 75 years, The Arc has been a driving force for inclusion, and I am in awe of the collective impact of our nearly 600 chapters, their leaders and staff, and the communities we serve every day.”

“I imagine that each of us on this journey of advocacy with The Arc has a personal story about when our advocacy began. I can pinpoint the moment when the advocacy flame was lit inside of me. I recall being presented with a diagnosis and a fact sheet from the World Health Organization that accompanied it. The facts remain nearly the same as the ones I read over a decade ago: people with disabilities have poorer health outcomes, experience stigma, discrimination, poverty, and exclusion from education and employment, and more. This information being presented to me as fact—as a certain future—was the moment that lit my fire. Not just as an advocate for one, but as an advocate for all. I became someone who wanted to dedicate as much of my energy and skills as possible toward changing these outcomes.”

“As a person with disabilities (OCD and anxiety disorder), I’m a proud member of the disability community, and I’m grateful that my journey brought me to The Arc.

I’d like to imagine a new set of facts for the disability community.

What if a new fact sheet said:
‘Welcome to your community. You are part of one of the most powerful, connected communities on the planet. Your future is bright. Why? Because people with disabilities are likely to experience inclusive education, employment with robust pay and benefits, personal growth, security, and joy. Oh, and not just that. You’re more likely to help solve big, gnarly problems because this world wasn’t designed with you in mind, and yet you know how to navigate it. You’re more likely to spark innovation with products, services, and spaces—not just for yourself, but for everyone—because YOU bring value and insight to this world. Because you’re a person with a disability, you’re more likely to be a changemaker, both through the work you do and through the insight you bring to others.’

This is the world I wake up to every day trying to help build. And I’m honored to be on the journey with all of you.

So, how will we get there?

I’ve chosen three guiding values for my term as President:

  1. Leadership by People With Disabilities
    We must ensure more people with disabilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), are in positions of leadership and influence at a local, state, national, and global level. People with disabilities should not only have a seat at the table, but at the head of it, making decisions, influencing outcomes, and leading. We need systems shaped by lived experience, and we must commit to moving self-determination from theory to practice.
  2. Strategic Focus to Make Meaningful Change
    From my time in large Fortune 100 companies, I’ve seen how easily priorities competing for attention can pile up and momentum gets lost. I hope we don’t try to tackle 50 things over the next 2 years. I hope we stay focused where we can make meaningful change, so that 2 years from now, we can point to real, permanent change we made together on a nationwide level. With one voice, one consistent and memorable introduction of who we are and what we do, one aligned strategy and focused set of priorities, I know we can make impact together.
  3. Many Chapters & Constituents of The Arc, Yet One Community
    Across nearly 600 chapters, The Arc represents diverse communities, geographies, beliefs, and needs. We will honor those differences, yet try to seek commonality, knowing that we are stronger as one community. The Arc is strongest when we advocate as one voice for and with people with IDD.

Thank you for the chance to share my story, and my vision for our shared work. I’d love to hear your advocacy story, too. You can connect with me on LinkedIn. Together, let’s keep building a world where people with disabilities live with dignity, respect, and opportunity—and where the facts finally reflect that.“

A disabled woman in a wheelchair sitting at a table smiling while talking to coworkers

How and Why to Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month

/in , /by Jackie Dilworth

A disabled woman in a wheelchair sitting at a table smiling while talking to coworkersEach October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a chance to highlight a truth that should guide us year-round: people with disabilities belong in every workplace.

At The Arc, we see every day how hard people fight for that simple truth. People with disabilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) such as autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, are too often shut out of jobs, despite bringing talent, dedication, and fresh perspectives. Only about 37% of working-age people with disabilities are employed, compared with 75% of people without disabilities. Many people with disabilities are excluded before they even get a chance. For people with IDD, the barriers are often even steeper, with employment rates lagging behind the broader disability community because of bias, limited access to training, and lack of employer support.

We know the difference it makes when employers get it right. Across The Arc’s network, we see companies that build inclusive practices not only welcoming talented employees but also improving retention, morale, and innovation across their teams. Research backs this up: companies that prioritize disability inclusion outperform their peers financially.

How to Celebrate NDEAM in October (and Beyond)

NDEAM is not just about recognition. It’s about action. Here are some practical steps that can help move us toward lasting inclusion.

1. Learn About the Value of Disability Inclusion

Here’s some of the evidence showing how inclusive workplaces thrive.

Accommodations and workplace supports designed for employees with disabilities benefit everyone. Flexible schedules, remote work options, clear communication practices, and accessible technology improve productivity and morale across the board. Inclusion creates workplaces where all employees can do their best work.

2. Share Employment Stories

Nothing shifts attitudes faster than real stories. We’ve seen how a single story about an employee thriving in their role can change the way a whole company thinks about disability. That’s why sharing matters. If you know someone with a disability who works, invite them to share their experience. If you’re an employer, highlight the contributions of employees with disabilities in your newsletter or on social media using #NDEAM. Encourage your local media to feature these stories to broaden public understanding.

For inspiration, explore The Arc’s archive of disability employment success stories. These real-world examples show how people with IDD are thriving at work and how employers benefit from inclusive hiring.

3. Review Your Company’s Hiring Practices

Inclusive workplaces don’t happen by accident. They are built with intention. Ask yourself:

  • Do our recruiting and onboarding practices welcome candidates with disabilities?
  • Are our policies aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
  • Do HR staff, managers, and anyone who participates in interviews receive training on implicit bias and disability inclusion?

Here are some practical steps to make hiring more inclusive:

  • Make your application system accessible (i.e., screen-reader friendly forms, alt text, clear language).
  • Review job descriptions to remove unnecessary requirements and focus on core skills only.
  • Post job openings with disability organizations and job boards that reach candidates with disabilities.
  • Offer multiple interview formats and clearly state that accommodations are available.
  • Participate in Disability Mentoring Day (the third Wednesday in October) as a way to connect with potential candidates and build better practices.

Not sure where to start? The Arc’s Starter Guide to Creating an Inclusive Workplace lays out 7 practical, achievable actions your company can take.

4. Invest in Long-Term Change

Real inclusion requires more than awareness—it requires resources. Consider:

  • Partnering with local organizations that support people with disabilities or disability employment.
  • Funding workforce development programs for people with IDD.
  • Advocating for policies that expand access to competitive, integrated employment.

And remember, change at scale happens through sustained investment. By supporting The Arc, you help advance policy reforms, resources, and programs that open doors to employment for people with IDD.

This Year’s Theme & What’s New

Each year, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy sets a theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” It’s a reminder of the value and talent people with disabilities bring to our workplaces and economy.

Across the country, many companies are rolling back diversity initiatives. But here’s the risk: treating disability inclusion as a political issue rather than a business imperative misses the point.

Hiring people with disabilities isn’t about checking a DEI box. It’s about building stronger teams, increasing retention, and better reflecting your customers and communities. Companies like Microsoft and SAP have shown that employees with disabilities are among the most creative and valuable assets to their organizations.

The bottom line is inclusion pays off. When businesses shy away from disability hiring, they’re leaving talent, innovation, and profit on the table.

Why NDEAM Matters

The disability community has waited too long for true equity in employment. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the barriers are often even higher. NDEAM can’t just be a hashtag once a year. It has to be the spark for bigger change: updating hiring practices, removing barriers, and reshaping workplaces so that everyone has the chance to thrive. That’s the work The Arc has led for more than 75 years, and it’s the work ahead for all of us.

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

Supreme Court Clears Path for Dismantling of Education Department, Putting Students with Disabilities in Harm’s Way

/in /by Jackie Dilworth

In a fast-moving case with massive consequences for education, the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education to continue while a legal challenge plays out. The decision came without a full hearing or written explanation, and it greenlights layoffs of federal employees that could devastate services for students with disabilities.

This ruling doesn’t end the case that’s still making its way through the courts, but it means the damage could happen now, before any final decision is made about the legal issues. Here’s what you need to know.

What is the McMahon v. New York Case About?

This case is about President Trump’s firing of the federal employees who staff the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”), and his March 2025 Executive Order announcing plans to fully dismantle it. The order, called “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities”, directs the Secretary of Education to take all necessary steps to close ED entirely.

ED plays a critical role in protecting and funding education for students with disabilities, including enforcing federal disability rights laws and providing special education funding to states.

What Happened Before the Supreme Court Got Involved?

  • March 2025: More than 1,400 employees (nearly half of ED’s workforce) were fired, that included the removal of essential staff who investigate complaints of discrimination on the basis of disability at the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and staff who provide expert advice about special education law and services at The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). In addition, the Trump Administration issued the executive order to dismantle the Department of Education this month.
  • May 2025: Groups of states, school districts, and teachers’ unions sued the federal government in two separate cases, saying that the administration doesn’t have the authority to eliminate a department created by Congress The case brought by the states (New York v. McMahon) was combined with the case brought by the school districts and teachers’ unions (Somerville Public Schools v. Trump). Now the combined case going forward is using the name New York v. McMahon.
  • Lower Courts: Both a district court and court of appeals sided against the Trump Administration, ordering the administration to rehire the affected employees while the case played out in the courts. The judges agreed that the administration could not close ED, as only Congress has the power to create or close federal agencies.
  • Appeal to the Supreme Court: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to pause those orders so layoffs could go forward while the case was ongoing.

What Did the Supreme Court Decide?

The Supreme Court allowed the Trump Administration to continue to fire essential federal employees at ED even though the courts have not yet ruled in New York v. McMahon. Because this was an emergency (or “shadow”) docket decision, there was no public hearing and no opinion explaining the reasoning.

Justice Sotomayor, joined by Justices Kagan and Jackson, dissented:

“When the Executive publicly announces its intent to break the law, and then executes on that promise, it is the Judiciary’s duty to check that lawlessness, not expedite it…This decision is indefensible. It hands the Executive the power to repeal statutes by firing all those necessary to carry them out. The majority is either willfully blind to the implications of its ruling or naive, but either way the threat to our Constitution’s separation of powers is grave.

Lifting the District Court’s injunction will unleash untold harm, delaying or denying educational opportunities and leaving students to suffer from discrimination, sexual assault, and other civil rights violations without the federal resources Congress intended.”

The Arc’s Position

The Arc believes every student with a disability has the right to a free, appropriate public education in an inclusive setting. The dismantling of the Department of Education undermines this right. Read more in our position statement on education.

Our CEO, Katy Neas (who served in senior leadership at ED), filed a declaration in this case, explaining that without meaningful staffing in ED’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), the federal government cannot effectively monitor or enforce disability rights in schools.

As she stated in the declaration:

“The dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education will have a devastating impact on The Arc’s members, people with IDD and their families. The weakening of federal oversight over special education and civil rights monitoring in schools threatens to take us back to a dark time in our nation’s history when students with disabilities were largely excluded from school, without rights or recourse.”

What Does This Mean for People with Disabilities?

This decision allows the dismantling of ED to move forward now, even though the underlying case hasn’t been decided. The firings included critical staff at OCR and OSERS. Without these staff, it will be harder to investigate discrimination in schools and help schools give students the supports they need.

Once the staff and infrastructure are gone, building them (if the plaintiffs ultimately win) will be slow and difficult. The case is still ongoing, but the Supreme Court’s temporary decision is a major blow to the stability and enforcement of education rights for children with disabilities nationwide.

Where Can I Learn More?

A diverse classroom with a teacher sitting on the floor next to two students, who are looking at a workbook.

The Ultimate Back-To-School Guide for Families of Children With Disabilities

/in /by The Arc

The excitement of a new school year is in the air! For parents of children with disabilities, this time brings unique challenges and opportunities. Proper preparation can make all the difference in your child’s growth and success. Here are some practical tips to help you and your child start the school year off right and carry that momentum throughout the year.

  1. Have an open chat with your child about the upcoming year. What are they excited about? What’s making them nervous? Use this conversation to set clear expectations. You can even create a visual calendar together, marking important dates and milestones.
  2. Gradually ease back into the routine. Establish a consistent before and after-school routine that supports your child’s needs, like a calm morning routine, a dedicated homework space, or bedtime wind-down ritual. Keep your weekend plans light early in the school year to give your child time to relax.
  3. Give your child’s individualized education program (IEP) a thorough review. Are there any changes your child has experienced over the summer or since the last IEP? Any assistive technologies that could help? Don’t hesitate to request an IEP meeting before school starts if needed. Keep a journal or digital record of your child’s progress, challenges, and successes throughout the year. It could be invaluable for future IEP meetings and for tracking growth over time.
  4. Connect with your child’s teachers and service providers before school starts. Share your child’s strengths, interests, and hopes for the year. Collaborate on a communication plan that works for everyone. If your child is transitioning to a new school, start planning early. Work with the current and future schools to ensure a smooth transition and take your child on a school tour to familiarize them with their new environment. If your child is attending a before or after care program, establish a relationship with those staff, as well.
  5. Help your child develop self-advocacy. Teach them developmentally appropriate ways to express their needs and preferences at school, such as asking for a break when overwhelmed or requesting clarification on instructions.
  6. The first few weeks might be bumpy as everyone settles in. Give your child (and their educators) time to find their rhythm. Keep a close eye on how things are progressing. If you notice issues, don’t hesitate to speak up. Open and respectful communication can help address challenges early and bigger problems later.
  7. Recognize and celebrate your child’s efforts and achievements. This positive reinforcement can boost confidence and motivation throughout the school year.
  8. Build a support network. Social connections and the sharing of experiences, tips, and resources can be incredibly valuable for your family. Your state’s DD Council, local chapter of The Arc, and inclusive extracurricular activities can help open doors to other families of children with disabilities.
  9. Feeling unsure about your child’s services or supports? The Arc@School is your go-to resource for understanding your rights and finding help when you need it. Knowledge is power—empower yourself to ensure your child gets the education they deserve.

Remember, your well-being matters too. Taking time for yourself, whether it’s a quiet moment with a book or a chat with a friend, can help you stay energized and focused as you support your child’s educational journey.

You’re not alone in this—we’re here to help every step of the way. Let’s make this school year a great one!

Written by: The Arc’s Communications Team
Reviewed by: Katy Neas, CEO, and Robyn Linscott, Director of Education Policy

A map of the United States of America

A New Limit on Disability Rights Lawsuits? What the Supreme Court’s Decision in Trump v. CASA Means

/in /by Jackie Dilworth

Can a federal court stop the government from enforcing a harmful policy that violates people’s rights, even if those people aren’t part of a lawsuit? That’s the core question in Trump v. CASA, a U.S. Supreme Court case that could reshape how civil rights cases are handled, including those brought by and for people with disabilities.

What Is the Trump v. CASA Case About?

This case challenged whether federal courts can make a ruling that stops the federal government from enforcing a policy across the entire country. This type of ruling is called a nationwide or universal injunction and is powerful because it applies to the individuals or organizations that file a lawsuit, and it also applies to everyone affected by the policy even if they did not bring a lawsuit.

What Are the Facts of the Case?

In January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order to end birthright citizenship. It said a child born in the U.S. wouldn’t automatically become a citizen if their mother was undocumented or a temporary visitor, and their father wasn’t a citizen or lawful permanent resident. The U.S. Constitution in Section 1 of the 14th Amendment states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

Multiple parties including individuals, advocacy groups, and states sued the Trump Administration, arguing that the executive order violated the Constitution. Lower courts agreed that the plaintiffs were likely to win, and they issued nationwide injunctions to stop the policy from going into effect.

The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to narrow those rulings, arguing that the courts had no authority to block the policy for people who hadn’t directly joined the lawsuits.

What Did the Supreme Court Decide?

In a 6-3 ruling, the Court did not rule on whether the new citizenship policy was unconstitutional. Rather, in a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court sided with the Trump Administration on whether lower courts could issue nationwide or universal injunctions. Specifically, the Supreme Court ruled that lower courts can no longer use universal injunctions to block federal policies nationwide—even if those policies are unlawful and harm large groups of people—if the injunction is broader than necessary to provide “complete relief” to the plaintiffs who brought the lawsuit. They based their ruling on the idea that federal courts didn’t issue universal injunctions back when the Constitution was written, and so they shouldn’t now.

Justice Sotomayor, joined by Justices Kagan and Jackson, strongly dissented:

“The Court’s decision is nothing less than an open invitation for the Government to bypass the Constitution. The Executive Branch can now enforce policies that flout settled law and violate countless individuals’ constitutional rights, and the federal courts will be hamstrung to stop its actions fully.”

Justice Jackson called the ruling a “seismic shock” that opens the door for the government to violate people’s rights unless they sue (and win) in court:

“[It’s] a gash in the basic tenets of our founding charter that could turn out to be a mortal wound…Make no mistake: Today’s ruling allows the Executive to deny people rights that the Founders plainly wrote into our Constitution, so long as those individuals have not found a lawyer or asked a court in a particular manner to have their rights protected. This perverse burden shifting cannot coexist with the rule of law.”

The Arc’s Position

The Arc believes that when disability rights are violated on a wide scale, courts must be able to respond with equally broad solutions. If a federal policy is found to be discriminatory, courts should be able to stop it—not just for one person, but for everyone affected. Our position statement on human and civil rights affirms that all people “are entitled to the protection and benefits of the civil rights laws of their country,” and that when those rights are violated, they are “entitled to protection and rights restoration.” Our experience shows that systemic problems require systemic fixes. Limiting the scope of court orders makes those fixes harder to achieve.

Class action lawsuits remain a vital tool, and we will continue to use them. But make no mistake: this decision narrows the path to justice.

How Does This Case Impact People With Disabilities?

This decision makes it harder for people with disabilities (and others whose rights are being violated) to get full protection from the courts.

In the past, nationwide injunctions have played a key role in stopping harmful policies in their earliest stages, including those affecting:

  • Medicaid access
  • Disability-based immigration restrictions
  • Discrimination in public services and programs

Now, those broad protections will be harder to get. People harmed by an illegal policy will have to file their own lawsuits or wait for a class action or a Supreme Court decision, which can take years.

While the decision also prevents courts from invalidating beneficial policies for everyone based on one lawsuit, the overall impact is still negative. Federal district courts — the ones closest to communities — are now limited in how much they can do, even when they find clear violations of federal law.

The fight for civil rights continues. Courts can still hear disability rights cases, and they can still issue powerful rulings, especially in class actions. But this decision means that the first line of defense against harmful federal policies has been weakened. The Arc remains committed to pushing for broad, systemic change in the courts, in Congress, and in communities nationwide.

Additional Reading

Picture of the front of the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, DC

A Supreme Court Loss for Retirees With Disabilities: What Stanley v. City of Sanford Means

/in /by Jackie Dilworth

What happens when a worker with a disability retires and then faces discrimination in the benefits they were promised? That was the question at the heart of Stanley v. City of Sanford, a case that made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court this year. The answer the Court gave was disappointing: under federal law, workers with disabilities lose protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) once they fully retire.

It’s a narrow interpretation with sweeping consequences, and it sends the wrong message about fairness, dignity, and how we value disabled people in the workplace and beyond.

What Was the Stanley v. City of Sanford Case About?

This case asked whether the ADA protects retirees with disabilities from being treated unfairly in retirement benefits simply because of their disability.

What Are the Facts of the Case?

Karyn Stanley worked as a firefighter for nearly two decades in Sanford, Florida. In 2016, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that caused physical disabilities. Two years later, she made the difficult decision to retire before age 65.

At the time she was hired, the City offered health insurance until age 65 for two groups: those who worked 25 years or more and those who retired earlier due to a disability. But in 2003, the City changed the policy. Now, retirees with disabilities would only get 24 months of health insurance, far less than their nondisabled coworkers who stayed longer.

Ms. Stanley sued, arguing that this unequal treatment was disability discrimination under the ADA.

The U.S. District Court dismissed Ms. Stanley’s lawsuit, explaining that the ADA only protects current employees or those looking for work, not fully retired workers like Ms. Stanley. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit agreed with this decision. Ms. Stanley then appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

What Did the Supreme Court Decide?

In an 8-1 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed with the lower courts, saying that the ADA does not protect against discrimination in retirement benefits for people with disabilities. This means that the ADA only covers people with disabilities who either actively have a job or are looking for work. Since Ms. Stanley was retired from her job and not actively looking for a job, she no longer counted as a “qualified” individual under the ADA.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, writing:

“Disabled Americans who have retired from the workforce simply want to enjoy the fruits of their labor free from discrimination… Yet, the Court ignores that right today… Americans with disabilities have proven time and again that they can overcome long odds in fighting for their own equality. When that happens, my one wish would be for this Court to stay out of their way.”

The Arc’s Position

The Arc believes people with disabilities should be able to retire with dignity and security. The ADA was meant to eliminate disability discrimination in all areas of life, including employment. Employers should not be paying people with disabilities less or offering them worse benefits than their non-disabled employees. Our position statement on human and civil rights states that federal laws like the ADA must be protected and vigorously enforced. Our position statement on employment states that people with disabilities should have “fair and reasonable wages and benefits.” Furthermore, our position statement on aging states that people with disabilities should have “access to financial support that will provide them with retirement opportunities like those available to other older people who no longer work.”

How Does This Decision Impact People With Disabilities?

This ruling creates a dangerous gap in disability rights protections. Employers may now be free to cut benefits or discriminate against disabled workers after they retire with little to no legal consequence under the ADA.

For people with disabilities, retirement is often not just a life choice; it’s a medical necessity. And yet, this decision makes it easier for employers to deny them the very benefits they earned.

The National Disability Rights Network and other disability rights organizations filed an amicus brief in support of Ms. Stanley, explaining that if the Court does not protect against discrimination in retirement benefits “the ADA’s protections against discrimination mean the least when they are needed the most — when workers with disabilities have lost their jobs. . . these workers should not be denied access to post-employed benefits that nondisabled workers enjoy. Nothing in the ADA requires this perverse result.”

While it may still be possible for some retirees with disabilities to challenge discrimination if they are actively looking for work, the ADA will no longer protect people in situations like Ms. Stanley’s.

What’s Next?

This decision narrows the reach of one of the most important civil rights laws for people with disabilities. It’s a setback, but it’s not the end. Disability rights organizations, including The Arc, will continue fighting to ensure that laws like the ADA are interpreted in ways that reflect their original purpose: to protect against discrimination and uphold the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas of life.

Additional Reading