Take Action for Disability Rights
People with disabilities and their families built The Arc around kitchen tables, organizing for their rights and a future that included them. Today, that work continues in communities across the country and in the halls of Congress.
Together, we advocate for laws and policies that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)—from access to healthcare and education to the services people need to live in their communities. People with disabilities lead this work, alongside families and allies who share a commitment to equal rights and inclusion.
Whether you’re taking your first action or have advocated for years, there’s a place for you here. Find opportunities to contact lawmakers, learn about the issues, and get tools to help you turn your concerns and experiences into action.
Disability Rights Issues That Need Your Action
Advocacy means working to protect rights and pushing for changes that are long overdue. Take these actions to ask lawmakers to address issues affecting people with disabilities and their families.
- Medicaid: Medicaid helps people with IDD get healthcare and support with daily activities, such as dressing, taking medication, and getting to work. Cuts to home and community-based services (HCBS) put this support at risk. Tell Congress to protect Medicaid HCBS.
- Special education: Families already face barriers to getting the services students with disabilities need. Moving special education and civil rights oversight out of the Department of Education could create more confusion and delays. Ask Congress to keep these protections in the Department of Education.
- Food assistance: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people with disabilities and their families afford groceries. Funding cuts and expanded work requirements put that support at risk, making it harder to meet basic needs. Urge Congress to restore funding and strengthen SNAP.
Build Your Disability Advocacy Skills
A clear message can help lawmakers understand what needs to change and why. Whether you’re contacting Congress for the first time or preparing for your next meeting, these resources can help you plan your message, share your experiences, and feel more confident advocating.
Learn How to Engage Your Lawmakers
Find out who represents you in Congress and how to write a clear message about an issue that matters to you. This toolkit includes storytelling tips, an example email, and examples of social media posts that encourage others to get involved.
Learn How to Share Your Story
Your experiences can help others understand why change is needed. Find examples and tools to help you decide what to say and how to share it. Learn about your rights as a storyteller, including choosing what to share and what to keep private.
Stay Connected and Support Disability Rights
Looking for people who share your concerns or ways to stay involved? Find connections, updates, and opportunities to help create change.
Connect With Other Advocates
Looking for a place where people with disabilities can share ideas and help shape change? The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates connects people with disabilities and gives members a role in guiding our advocacy, programs, and services. Learn how you or someone you know can join.
Find Support for Siblings
Have a sibling with a disability, or know someone who does? Find ways to share experiences, build advocacy skills, and plan for the future. Explore resources for siblings, including The Arc’s Sibling Council, where members connect with one another and help shape our work.
Find Your Next Action
Looking for ways to keep disability rights part of your week? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for stories and a new advocacy action most Wednesdays.
Connect Locally
You don’t have to figure out advocacy on your own. Find a chapter of The Arc near you to connect with people working on disability issues in your area and learn how you can get involved.
Support Disability Rights
Want to help sustain the work beyond taking an advocacy action? Your donation supports advocacy to protect the rights, services, and opportunities that people with disabilities and families rely on.
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.
