Overview
Since it started, The Arc has advocated for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at school. The Arc’s advocacy helped pass the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IDEA is a federal law that requires schools to teach all students with disabilities with their peers who do not have disabilities as much as possible. There are still challenges for students with disabilities, including:
- Segregation
- Restraint and seclusion
- Poor transition planning
- Lack of teacher training
The Arc@School helps our chapters, parents, and others who are advocating for students with IDD to get the help they need at school. We want students with IDD to graduate, go to college, get a job, and live on their own as much as they can.
Special Education Advocacy: Get Started
Learn the basics of special education advocacy.
Advocacy Curriculum
The Arc@School has created an online training (in English and Spanish) for chapter staff, parents, school staff, and other special education advocates. It provides the basic information an advocate needs to help students with disabilities get support at school.
The Arc at School is supported by:
Advocacy Directory
Every state must have programs and agencies that advocate for students with disabilities. Every state has a protection and advocacy (P&A) program, parent centers, and a state education agency (SEA). Some chapters of The Arc provide advocacy too. Find contact information for the ones in your state.
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
