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

HELP Committee Report Finds OCR Reached a 12-Year Low in Enforceable Relief for Students Facing Discrimination

/in /by Jackie Dilworth

Staff for the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) released a new report yesterday documenting a steep decline in enforceable civil rights outcomes at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), including in cases involving students with disabilities.

The report finds that OCR reached 112 resolution agreements in 2025, down from 507 in 2024, a steep drop in one of the main ways OCR can require schools to fix civil rights violations. That’s about 1% of the 11,985 civil rights cases the report says were pending. For disability discrimination cases, the report lists 5,794 pending cases and only 83 resolution agreements in 2025, down from 390 in 2024.

That drop comes after major disruption to OCR’s capacity. In March 2025, nearly half of OCR staff were affected by a reduction in force, a change that reduced the number of investigators available to respond to students and schools and contributed to instability in how complaints were handled.

Bottom line: resolution agreements are one of the main ways OCR can require a school to fix a civil rights violation. Without a resolution agreement, families often don’t get a schoolwide fix, and the same barriers can continue for the family who filed and the students who come after them.

Key takeaways from the report on disability cases

The report shows that some of the most serious disability-related categories had little to no enforceable relief in 2025, including:

  • Restraint and/or seclusion: 172 pending cases, 0 resolution agreements
  • Disability harassment: 595 pending cases, 1 resolution agreement
  • FAPE (free appropriate public education): 1,887 pending cases, 40 resolution agreements

The report also describes civil rights enforcement at a 12-year low and notes that multiple regional civil rights offices have been closed, shrinking the federal capacity families and schools rely on.

Why OCR capacity is the difference between rights and reality

“This report shows federal civil rights enforcement in education, an essential tool provided by Congress to help fight disability discrimination, is being denied to students with disabilities,” said Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States. “OCR is where families turn when a student is denied accommodations or accessibility, pushed out of learning time, or harassed or disciplined unfairly because of disability. When OCR isn’t delivering solutions schools must follow, students lose learning time, families lose a workable path to resolve what’s happening, and schools are left with uncertainty and weaker oversight. Students with disabilities pay the price now, and it shapes what comes next, from graduation to employment and independence.”

What this means for families of students with disabilities

Families often turn to OCR after they have documented the problem and tried to resolve it through the school and district with no meaningful change. When OCR enforcement is inconsistent, urgent issues can drag on while a student keeps losing access to learning and support.

Families turn to OCR for urgent situations like:

  • A student being denied accommodations or accessibility
  • Repeated removals from class instead of support
  • Disability-based harassment not being addressed
  • Discriminatory discipline that keeps a child out of learning time
  • Restraint and seclusion issues that demand immediate accountability

OCR is one of the few avenues families can pursue without having to hire a lawyer or spend years in court.

What this means for schools and educators

Schools rely on OCR enforcement and guidance. When enforcement is inconsistent or guidance isn’t available, confusion grows and problems linger.

  • Schools lose clear, reliable direction about what compliance looks like.
  • Disputes last longer and are more likely to escalate into conflict, due process, or litigation.
  • Inconsistent enforcement leads to uneven practices across districts.

Why The Arc is weighing in

The Arc exists because families had to fight for the basic right of children with disabilities to be educated. Our advocacy helped lay the groundwork for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and for decades we’ve worked to protect and strengthen it so students can learn alongside nondisabled students with the support they need.

Today, our policy team regularly meets with members of Congress and education officials to protect IDEA and Section 504, and to push for the staffing and oversight that make those rights real in schools.

The Arc is also a plaintiff in Somerville Public Schools et al. v. Trump et al., a federal lawsuit challenging efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, because weakening federal capacity threatens special education oversight and civil rights enforcement that students with disabilities rely on.

Next steps to restore civil rights enforcement in education

The report points to a simple reality: students’ rights depend on a civil rights office that can do its job consistently and transparently. OCR’s work affects students facing discrimination based on disability, race, national origin, and sex, and families need a process that leads to real answers and real fixes.

If OCR is going to protect students and provide meaningful accountability, these steps can’t wait:

  • Fully staff and stabilize OCR so complaints get a real review and timely decisions.
  • Restore transparency by regularly publishing basic information about workload, timelines, and outcomes so families and schools can understand what’s happening.
  • Act quickly when a student is facing ongoing harm or being shut out of education, including cases involving denial of accommodations or accessibility, harassment, discriminatory discipline, and restraint or seclusion.
  • Communicate clearly with families and schools about what to expect after a complaint is filed, including timelines, reasons cases are dismissed, and what steps schools must take when OCR finds a violation.

For reporters: Interview availability

Robyn Linscott, Director of Education and Family Policy at The Arc of the United States, is available for interviews on what the report’s findings mean for students with disabilities and what policymakers are weighing based on input from families and school systems.

Frequently Asked Questions about OCR enforcement and students with disabilities

What is a resolution agreement at the Office for Civil Rights?
A resolution agreement is a formal agreement that requires a school to take specific steps to fix a civil rights problem identified through OCR’s process.

Why do OCR resolution agreements matter for students with disabilities?
They can require changes like providing accommodations, fixing accessibility barriers, changing discipline practices, and addressing harassment so the same harm does not continue.

What types of disability issues do OCR handle in schools?
Common issues include Section 504 accommodations, accessibility barriers, disability harassment, discriminatory discipline, and concerns related to restraint and seclusion.

What should families do if they believe a student’s disability rights are being violated?
Families can document concerns, use school and district complaint processes, and consider filing an OCR complaint when discrimination is alleged.

Red, white, and blue stickers that say "I Voted."

The SAVE America Act Threatens Accessible Voting for People With Disabilities

/in /by Jackie Dilworth

As Congress debates the SAVE America Act, people with disabilities have reason to be alarmed. The bill would require in-person proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, government-issued photo ID that matches current name and address for in-person voting, and copies of photo ID with mail-in ballots. For voters with disabilities, that means new barriers at every stage of the voting process.

The reality is that too many people with disabilities face real barriers to voting. A Government Accountability Office study found that 60% of polling places had barriers for voters with disabilities, and 65% had voting stations that weren’t set up to allow a private and independent vote. Federal law mandates that voters with disabilities must have a full and equal opportunity to vote, including during registration, at the polling place, and through early or absentee voting.

Mail voting and accessible voting technology aren’t simply conveniences for people with disabilities. They’re civil rights. In the 2020 election, more than half of voters with disabilities cast their ballot by mail. The SAVE America Act would severely restrict mail registration and force online voter registration systems to be overhauled to meet its new requirements. Millions of Americans rely on those options to make their voices heard. Federal guidance makes clear that vote by mail must be accessible. When lawmakers add new in-person paperwork, photo ID requirements, or other hurdles to mail voting and registration, they risk shutting out voters who can’t easily travel, print, copy, scan, or navigate inaccessible systems.

Courts have ruled that systemic barriers preventing voters with disabilities from casting ballots are illegal. The Americans with Disabilities Act covers voter registration, polling places, and absentee voting. The Help America Vote Act requires accessible voting systems so voters with disabilities can cast a ballot with the same privacy and independence as others. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters with disabilities to use an assistor of their choice. The Arc has fought and won challenges against laws that restricted in-person and mail-in voting, and we’ll continue to challenge attempts to suppress the disability vote.

But statistics and legal protections only tell part of the story. Voters with disabilities live these barriers every election.

  • Lydia, who has muscular dystrophy, told us: “I think it really boils down to whether people believe that disabled people or any people from marginalized groups are deserving of the full benefits of democracy. We’re all interconnected. And I think that’s the promise of democracy—we all get to enjoy the same basic human rights and privileges as everyone else.” Lydia prefers to vote in person but needs the option to vote by mail when her specialized mobility equipment isn’t working properly.
  • Danielle, who has autism, dyslexia, and dysgraphia, has difficulty voting because she is sensitive to abrupt changes or alterations to routine. As Danielle’s mother, who assists her with voting, shared: “My daughter just needs a little more help, but she can vote. It’s her constitutional right… She wants to practice her civic duty, and she should be able to vote… People with disabilities are a part of our community and the fabric of our lives. They need to be heard.”
  • Ralph has Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy and was hospitalized due to this condition for 6 months. Vote by mail was the only option available to him because he couldn’t leave the hospital during treatment.
  • Laura has Limb Girdle muscular dystrophy and chronic muscular respiratory failure. It’s important for her to have access to different methods of voting because her ability and energy levels fluctuate daily. It’s also much safer for her to vote by mail since she’s immunocompromised.

People with disabilities are one of the largest voting blocs in the country. One in 6 eligible voters has a disability, and 1 in 3 eligible voters has a disability or lives with someone who does. When voting is accessible, participation rises. When it’s not, people with disabilities are pushed out of decisions that shape their health care, education, housing, transportation, employment, and community living. Their votes aren’t optional, and their participation isn’t secondary.

If a bill makes it harder for people with disabilities to register, vote by mail, or cast a ballot privately and independently, it’s moving this country in the wrong direction and violating federal laws. The Arc will continue to fight in courtrooms, Congress, and communities nationwide until every voter with a disability can cast a ballot that’s accessible, private, and counted.

SAVE America Act FAQ: What Voters With Disabilities Need to Know

What is the SAVE America Act?
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act is the federal voting bill now being debated in Congress. It would require in-person proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, government-issued photo ID for in-person voting, and copies of photo ID with mail-in ballots. Some people may still refer to an earlier version of this proposal as the SAVE Act.

How would the SAVE America Act affect voters with disabilities?
It would add new steps to registration, in-person voting, and vote by mail in a system that is already too inaccessible for many voters with disabilities. The bill includes an accessibility provision, but it is limited and does not include a clear enforcement mechanism. Federal law requires equal access to all parts of voting, including absentee voting.

Does the SAVE America Act affect mail-in voting?
Yes. The bill would require copies of photo ID with mail-in ballots, and the current debate around the bill has also included proposals to narrow mail voting further. That matters because voters with disabilities are more likely to rely on voting by mail, and mail voting must be accessible.

Why are election officials and disability advocates concerned about implementation?
The SAVE America Act would take effect immediately, gives the Election Assistance Commission just 10 days to issue guidance, and provides no funding for states to make the required changes. That rushed timeline raises serious concerns about confusion, administrative errors, and whether accessible systems would be implemented well enough to protect voters with disabilities.

Why do voters with disabilities rely on mail voting and accessible voting machines?
Because many polling places still present physical and technological barriers, and accessible voting systems plus mail voting can be the difference between having a private, independent vote and not being able to vote at all.

What laws protect the voting rights of people with disabilities?
Key protections include the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Help America Vote Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, and the Voting Rights Act.

A diverse group of young adults with disabilities stand together in a circle with their heads close, smiling. The view point is looking up at them from inside the circle.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: 2026 Theme & Ways to Act

/in /by The Arc

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is observed every March to recognize people with developmental disabilities, celebrate inclusion, and spotlight the barriers that still block full participation in community life. The month traces back to a 1987 presidential proclamation calling the nation to increase awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities.

Key Takeaways

  • Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month happens every March.
  • The 2026 theme is “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always.”
  • You can take action by donating, volunteering, and sharing accurate information and stories (with consent).

What Is a Developmental Disability?

A developmental disability is a lifelong condition that can affect learning, language, mobility, or independent living. Developmental disabilities occur in every community and across all backgrounds.

The Big Picture

Here’s what drives us at The Arc: the fundamental belief that everyone deserves to write their own life story. That means real access to education, meaningful employment, quality health care, and genuine community connections. Too many barriers still stand in the way of these basic rights. This month, we’re making more space for self-advocates and families to share what needs to change, and what real inclusion looks like.

History

The roots of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month trace back to 1987, when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March 1987 as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

2026 Theme: “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always”

This year’s national theme from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always.” It connects past, present, and future, recognizing progress, naming what’s still at risk, and reinforcing that community living and inclusion must be protected and funded.

What We’re Doing

Change happens when people come together, and that’s what The Arc’s nationwide network does every day. This month, we’re sharing stories from people with developmental disabilities and their families that reflect real life: goals, barriers, pride, and the supports that make inclusion possible.

There’s Marcus, whose job search shows how talented, dedicated workers face discrimination. Lawrence, who’s showing the world what’s possible for athletes with disabilities. Ashley, who’s revolutionizing how we think about diversity and inclusion. Steve, who shows us that people with disabilities thrive when they can live independently in their communities, not institutions. Carlos, who persevered through immigration, bullying, and discrimination to graduate college and build his accounting career. And Mitch, whose voice on our board helps shape how we support people with disabilities.

Three Ways to Take Action

“Segregation and discrimination still cast an ugly shadow over the lives of millions of people with disabilities. This month, we must elevate the leadership and priorities calling for true inclusion—in our schools, workplaces, and communities. When we follow self-advocates’ lead and remove unfair barriers, communities get stronger for everyone.” – Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month?
It’s observed every March to recognize people with developmental disabilities, celebrate inclusion, and highlight barriers that still exist.

When is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month?
Every March.

What is the 2026 DDAM theme?
“We’re Here: Then, Now, Always.”

What is a developmental disability?
A lifelong condition that can affect learning, language, mobility, or independent living.

How can I support DD Awareness Month?
Learn, share accurate resources, support disability-led leadership, volunteer locally, and donate if you’re able.

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.

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

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 young man with autism standing in front of trees wearing an orange shirt that says "Disability Rights Are Human Rights"

The ADA at 35: A Legacy Worth Celebrating and Defending

/in , /by Jackie Dilworth

Statement from Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States on the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act:

The Americans with Disabilities Act reshaped this country for the better. For the first time, people with disabilities had legal protections against discrimination and exclusion. It created a framework for access and sent a clear message: disabled people belong in every part of community life.

I was a young Senate staffer in 1990 and had the opportunity to work on the ADA. I’ve spent the last 35 years working to uphold its promise. And I’ve never seen a more urgent moment than this one.

In the same month we mark this milestone, the federal government passed a budget that cuts nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid, a program that is the very foundation for inclusion. It helps people live at home, go to school, get basic health care, and contribute to their communities. At the same time, the Department of Education is being dismantled, leading to fewer staff enforcing special education laws. The Department of Energy is eliminating a longstanding rule that ensures new federally funded buildings are physically accessible. And slurs like the R-word are back in mainstream conversation, a huge step backward in basic decency and respect.

These are not isolated developments. Together, they show a national, coordinated pattern of erosion. Protections are being stripped. Services are being cut. And people with disabilities are being pushed back out.

This is exactly what the ADA was meant to prevent. When Congress passed the law in 1990, it found that “discrimination against individuals with disabilities persists in critical areas.” The ADA’s purpose was clear: to provide “a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination.” It also set a vision, one that is still relevant today: “equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.”

Yet 35 years later, those goals remain out of reach for far too many. And the very systems meant to protect them are being weakened. It’s no coincidence that disabled people are still fighting for access to education, employment, health care, and opportunity. This world wasn’t built with them in mind—so they’ve had to lead, build, and demand what others take for granted.

So we must ask: Who are we designing our society for? Who do we include, and who do we keep leaving behind? And what are we all missing because of it?

When people with disabilities are not at the table, we lose out on leadership, insight, and solutions. Inclusion is how we build stronger schools, smarter policy, more responsive workplaces, and communities that work for everyone.

The ADA was never the finish line; it was the floor. And right now, that foundation is being weakened by budget cuts, deregulation, stigma, and silence. It’s our job to bring it to life in ways that include everyone.

The Arc and our nearly 600 chapters nationwide are working every day to defend the ADA and build the future it promised. We are fighting for civil rights, community services, inclusive schools, access to health care, and respect. We were there when the ADA was written, advocating side-by-side with self-advocates and families to demand equal rights. And we’ve been there every step of the way since, holding the line, advancing progress, and insisting that the law’s promise becomes real in people’s lives.

Disability is a natural and valuable part of human diversity. It is also the one group any of us can join at any time. That means this fight is not just about disabled people, it is about all of us.

We cannot afford to turn away from these threats. A society that excludes people with disabilities will eventually exclude many more. Inclusion is one of the clearest ways we show who matters in our society. Let’s make sure our actions match our values.

A woman holding a sign that says "I am Medicaid. Don't cut me!" while standing in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC

An Important Update on the Medicaid Fight

/in /by Jackie Dilworth

The Senate just passed the budget bill, and it’s bad. The bill includes:

  • Nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts. That’s about 20% of the federal Medicaid budget. It would cause nearly 17 million people to lose coverage.
  • Nearly $200 billion in cuts to SNAP. Less food assistance means more people will go hungry, including millions of kids.
  • A new private school voucher program that redirects public education funding to private schools. This will make it even harder for children with disabilities to access essential special education services.

Take action now to help us protect the very foundation of care and services!

What’s next? The Senate and the House must agree on a final bill to send to the President for his signature.

“This isn’t over yet, but this is serious, and we need your help,” said Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States. “With your calls, emails, and texts, we can still reach the hearts and minds of members of Congress on what these cuts will mean for people with disabilities and their families.”

We must stop these devastating cuts before it’s too late!

A picture of a mom and her son with IDD

Medicaid Expansion Saved Their Lives, Now Congress Wants to Cut It

/in /by Jackie Dilworth

For millions of people with disabilities and their families, Medicaid isn’t optional. It’s the glue holding everything together. It’s the health care and therapies that help children grow. The prescriptions that manage chronic conditions. The daily support that helps adults with disabilities get out of bed, work, and participate in their communities. The safety net that allows caregivers to keep going day after day.

But now, Medicaid expansion, a part of the Medicaid program that offers insurance coverage for certain people, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is under threat. A federal budget bill moving through Congress proposes nearly $800 billion in Medicaid cuts, with Medicaid expansion directly in the crosshairs.

What Is Medicaid Expansion and Why Does It Matter?

Medicaid expansion, introduced under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), gave states the option to extend coverage to more low-income adults, including people with disabilities, chronic health conditions, and caregivers who had long fallen through the cracks. Many of these people have very low incomes but make just enough to be outside of the Medicaid income requirements. Others have developmental disabilities that do not meet Medicaid’s disability-specific requirements. In the 41 states (including Washington, DC) that adopted it, Medicaid expansion opened the door to health care for millions who had nowhere else to turn.

Who Benefits From Medicaid Expansion?

Some lawmakers claim Medicaid cuts won’t hurt people with disabilities. But these real people share how Medicaid expansion has impacted their lives.

Eri From Massachusetts
A mom and daughter with disabilities“My mother, an early childhood educator who worked with kids with developmental disabilities, died in 2012 because she couldn’t afford her asthma inhalers. By 2014, I was a teenager experiencing homelessness after losing my only caregiver. I had asthma, a severe mood disorder, and undiagnosed autism and ADHD, but I couldn’t afford health care or medication. Once Medicaid expansion happened, everything changed. I was finally able to receive care, go to college, and rebuild my life. Today, I’m employed, commercially insured, and still receive some Medicaid as a working adult with disabilities. I lost my mom before she could be helped, but expansion gave me a second chance. I’m living proof that it works.”

Monika From California
“I’ve never had a job that offered health insurance. And I never earned enough to pay for the high cost of insurance coverage or deductibles. Then Medicaid expansion came, and I finally got answers: my fatigue and severe joint pain were untreated lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Now I get the care I need, and can keep caring for my dad, who has advanced Alzheimer’s and a brain tumor. My life and my family’s literally depend on Medicaid.”

What Happens If Congress Cuts Medicaid Expansion?

If Congress moves forward with these cuts, millions will lose access to care. Medicaid expansion has helped people:

  • Get diagnosed and treated
  • Access therapies that support their development
  • Learn, work, and contribute to their communities
  • Live safely at home instead of being institutionalized

Without it, we’ll see more uninsured people and more families pushed to the brink. And the people hit hardest? People with disabilities, caregivers, and low-income adults who are already navigating the most.

Is Medicaid Popular?

Yes, and public support is growing. New polling shows that 83% of Americans have a favorable view of Medicaid, up from 77% just months ago. That support only grows when people understand what’s at stake.

Medicaid Is Not a Handout. It’s a Lifeline.

When lawmakers say people with disabilities won’t be affected, they’re ignoring real people like Eri and Monika. People whose lives and futures depend on Medicaid expansion.

Their stories aren’t the exception. They’re reality.

We can’t afford to go backward—not now, not ever. Too much is on the line.

Read. Share. Take action before it’s too late. Urge Congress to protect Medicaid now.

A white man in a wheelchair on the sidewalk smiling while facing the camera

Disability Pride Month 2026: What It Is, the 2026 Theme, and How to Celebrate

/in /by The Arc

Updated May 5, 2026

Quick answer: Disability Pride Month is observed every July to celebrate disability identity and community, mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and push for full inclusion in everyday life. The 2026 theme is “The World Works Better With Us.”

Key Facts

  • More than 1 in 4 U.S. adults, over 70 million people, have a disability.
  • Disability Pride Month happens in July and is tied to the ADA anniversary, signed on July 26, 1990.
  • The Disability Pride Flag was created by Ann Magill, a writer with cerebral palsy, and later updated based on community feedback.

2026 Theme: The World Works Better With Us

Selected by The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates (NCSA), a disabled-led national council, the 2026 Disability Pride Month theme is “The World Works Better With Us.”

It’s a clear statement about inclusion. When people with disabilities are included, respected, and supported, communities work better for everyone. That includes schools, workplaces, healthcare, transportation, and public life.

You can experience this in everyday life. Disability-led advocacy and design have helped create changes many people now rely on, like curb cuts, closed captioning, audiobooks, and voice dictation. What began as access often becomes a better experience for everyone, including caregivers pushing strollers, viewers who prefer captions, commuters listening to books, and anyone who uses voice-to-text while multitasking.

What Is Disability Pride Month?

Disability Pride Month is an annual observance in July that:

  • celebrates disability identity and community
  • recognizes disability culture and leadership
  • marks the ADA anniversary and the ongoing work to make civil rights real in daily life

The first Disability Pride celebration was a Disability Pride Day that took place in Boston in 1990. Chicago hosted the first Disability Pride Parade in 2004. Now there are events nationwide that help people with disabilities take pride in who they are.

Disability Pride Month is distinct from LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June. They are separate observances, each with their own history and community-led meaning.

Why Celebrate Disability Pride Month?

Many people with disabilities still face barriers to being fully included and valued. Ableism is often ignored, but its effects are real. It limits access to education, jobs, healthcare, and respect.

Disability Pride Month challenges that. At its core, Disability Pride is about being accepted on our own terms. It means disability isn’t something to hide or fix. It’s part of who we are. Everyone deserves inclusion, rights, and respect, without having to earn them.

Disability Pride Month also reinforces a basic principle: people with disabilities belong in the decisions that shape school, work, health care, and community life.

What Is Disability Pride?

Disability pride means different things to different people.

For some, pride is celebration and joy. For others, it means not carrying shame and expecting basic dignity, like equal access, needed accommodations, and fair treatment. Pride can be public or private. At its core, it’s about belonging.

Disability Looks Different for Everyone

Disability is part of human diversity, and people experience disability in different ways.

Some people feel proud and connected to disability identity and culture. Others live with daily symptoms that are painful, exhausting, or unpredictable and may seek treatment, technology, personal supports, or medical care that brings relief. Both realities can be true. Respecting disability identity and pushing for access doesn’t require pretending disability never comes with physical or mental challenges.

Why Disability Pride Month Matters Right Now

Disability Pride Month is a celebration, but it’s also a reality check.

Many people with disabilities and families are navigating a difficult mix of:

This month is a chance to celebrate and to be honest about what people are up against. It also matters because major decisions are being made about services, education, and benefits. Outcomes are stronger and fairer when people with disabilities are included early and meaningfully.

How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month

Whether you’re a person with a disability, a family member, an educator, an employer, or a neighbor, here are practical ways to celebrate and support inclusion in your community.

  1. Connect With People With Disabilities: Spend time with people with disabilities in your life and community, at events, at work, at school, and online.
  2. Learn Disability History and Culture: Understand the roots of Disability Pride by learning the history of disability rights and cultural contributions.
    • Learn about key moments in the disability rights movement from UC Berkeley’s archive and The Arc’s history.
    • Learn from people with disabilities through media like Crip Camp, CODA, Demystifying Disability, and Disability Visibility.
    • Follow people with disabilities on social media to learn from their experiences and perspectives.
  3. Advocate for Disability Rights and Inclusion: Disability rights are under attack, from cuts to Medicaid to threats to special education to the resurgence of the R-word. Here’s how to take action and make a difference:

Share Your Disability Pride Month Story

If you want to share what pride means to you, post a photo, video, or written reflection using #DisabilityPride and #DisabilityPrideMonth. If you share images, add alt text. If you share videos, include captions. Accessibility is part of belonging.

Join The Arc’s conversations around disability pride by finding us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Disability Pride Month Events (updated for 2026!)

Last verified: May 5, 2026. Event details may change. Please check the event links for current information.

Meet and show your support for the local disability community by attending one of these events. This is the largest database for Disability Pride Month events available.

Know an event we should add? Email Jackie Dilworth at dilworth[at]thearc.org.

Disability Pride Month Themes Archive

  • 2026: The World Works Better With Us
  • 2025: We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay
  • 2024: We Want a Life Like Yours

Disability Pride Month FAQs

What is Disability Pride Month?

Disability Pride Month is observed every July to celebrate disability identity and community and to highlight the fight for full inclusion and equal rights.

When is Disability Pride Month?

Disability Pride Month is in July each year. The ADA anniversary is July 26.

Why is Disability Pride Month celebrated?

Disability Pride Month is celebrated to recognize disability culture and leadership and to push back on ableism, exclusion, and low expectations that still limit opportunities and access.

What is the history of Disability Pride Month?

Disability Pride Month history is tied to disability rights milestones and the ADA era, with early Pride events starting in 1990 and expanding to parades and community celebrations nationwide.

What does the Disability Pride Flag mean?

The Disability Pride Flag represents disability identity, solidarity, and the disability rights movement, including the ongoing work to remove barriers and stigma.

How can I celebrate Disability Pride Month?

How to celebrate Disability Pride Month includes learning disability history, supporting disability-led efforts, attending local events, and taking action for access and inclusion in your community.

What is the 2026 Disability Pride Month theme?

The 2026 theme is “The World Works Better With Us.”