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

/in /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

/in /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

/in , /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"A student with disabilities sits at a classroom desk working on a laptop, looking toward the camera. The student has short, black, curly hair and is wearing a red shirt with a black and white jacket draped over their shoulders. A large screen is mounted on the wall behind them, with educational posters and cartoon character cutouts decorating the classroom. A pair of headphones and papers are on the desk.

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.

A person with disabilities stands outside a bike shop holding the handlebars of a blue adult tricycle with a white basket on the back. They are wearing sunglasses, a black long-sleeve shirt, and black shorts. The shop’s glass windows reflect bicycles and outdoor surroundings.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.”

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.

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

/in /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

/in /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.

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

Department of Education Condemned for Ending Support for Students With Disabilities

/in /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

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. 28, 2025, 2:01 p.m. ET

At 12:01 a.m. Eastern on October 1, 2025, the federal government shut down because Congress did not approve funding for Fiscal Year 2026. Many federal agencies and programs that rely on annual funding are 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 or how agencies will respond.

Bottom line today:

  • Social Security payments continue.
  • Medicaid and Medicare coverage stay in place. Some casework may slow.
  • SNAP and WIC benefits for October were funded. If the shutdown continues, new benefits may come later than usual.

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 services, like appeals or benefit verification letters, may take longer. Local offices may have reduced services.
  • 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. You should still be able to see your doctor and fill prescriptions. Some non-urgent casework or updates may take longer if the shutdown continues.
  • Will SNAP and WIC benefits be paid?
    • SNAP: October benefits were issued. If the shutdown continues, some people may not receive their November benefits on time. Once the government reopens, missed payments will be reimbursed.
    • WIC: Some states may run out of funding for WIC in early November. How long benefits last will depend on your state’s remaining funds.
  • Are school meals affected? School meals ran on carryover funds for September and October. If the shutdown lasts longer, reimbursements to schools may be delayed.
  • Is HealthCare.gov open? Yes, HealthCare.gov (the ACA Marketplace) continues to operate with eligibility and enrollment. Open enrollment runs Nov. 1–Jan. 15. 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 are running with fewer staff. Guidance, oversight, research, and some enforcement may be slower. Head Start is already strained in some communities. Several programs are operating without federal funds, and many more could face a funding cliff by November 1 without action.
  • What is happening in education funding and services? Funding continues for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title I for now. Districts that rely on current-year funds may see delays in payments until Congress passes new funding. Vocational Rehabilitation programs are operating, but some services or hiring may slow.
  • Are disability civil rights still enforced during a shutdown? Yes, your rights remain in place. Some investigations or reviews may be delayed by reduced staffing. This is especially relevant at the Department of Education, where the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services has faced severe staffing reductions during the lapse.

What you can do today:

  • Check your benefits portal for status updates: mySocialSecurity, your state’s SNAP/WIC site, or HealthCare.gov.
  • Keep records of any delays or problems (dates, who you spoke with, notices you received).
  • Ask about timing if you rely on SNAP or WIC in November. Your state may post specific dates for when funds will load.
  • Bring ID and recent mail to appointments, in case offices ask for extra proof while systems are backlogged.

Why this matters:

People with disabilities rely on programs like Social Security, SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, WIC, school meals, housing, special education, and vocational rehabilitation for daily needs, health, and independence. A shutdown creates delays and confusion for families trying to keep benefits and services on track. If the lapse continues, more programs that depend on yearly funding may be disrupted.

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

###

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.