The Arc of the United States

We were honored to be a part of the Community Integration Summit this week, which brought together so many amazing advocates and allies. We heard from: • Disability rights leaders who have been in this fight for years • People sharing their own experiences of living with disabilities • Folks working hard to improve access to paid leave, child care, and home and community-based services It was inspiring to see everyone come together—both familiar faces and new friends. We talked about some big issues, including: • The future of disability justice and the intersection of care • The gaps in community integration, and why communities are better when people with disabilities are included! • Why it's so important for people with disabilities to be part of the conversation This summit reminded us why we do this work. We're more fired up than ever to keep pushing for disability rights and inclusion. #CareCantWait

We're thrilled to announce that our CEO Katy Neas has been named to the Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact list for 2024! This recognition not only celebrates Katy's 35+ years of dedication to disability policy and advocacy but also elevates the critical work being done for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As one of only two people from the disability community featured among the 200 honorees across all categories, Katy's inclusion shines a spotlight on disability rights as a crucial social issue. We're proud to have her at our helm and eager to see how our impact continues to grow under her leadership. Join us in congratulating Katy and celebrating this moment for the entire disability community! https://lnkd.in/ej3WeJ9M

Each year, the NCE Leadership Institute boasts a carefully curated lineup of speakers, and this year’s event is no different. From sessions about delivering new support services, recruitment and retention strategies, cybersecurity awareness, grassroots advocacy, and more—we have something for everyone! Join us this year at the Fall Leadership Institute in Columbus, Ohio, followed by a three-day, jam-packed National Convention. You’ll connect and learn with advocates, professionals, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members, and others from across the country. Register before August 12 to get the early bird rate! https://bit.ly/3Va2ldf

Did you know: 38% of adults with disabilities don't own a computer and 28% of people with disabilities don't own a smartphone? These statistics represent real people being left behind in our increasingly digital world. In 2024, digital skills are no longer optional – they're essential for full participation in society. Yet the disability community faces significant barriers to digital inclusion. That’s why we’re teaming up with AT&T launching an $850,000 initiative to advance digital literacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through grants to 26 chapters of The Arc, we'll provide accessible, easy-to-understand digital literacy training to over 6,250 people with IDD. But we're not stopping there. We’ll also launch an awareness campaign to reach over 3 million people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to vital digital resources. This partnership with AT&T represents a significant step towards bridging the digital divide. We're not just teaching skills – we're opening doors to employment, education, healthcare, and human connection. Because when everyone can fully participate, we all benefit. Learn more ➡️https://bit.ly/3yjpv9Q

You read that right! 😲 Nearly 18 million people with disabilities voted in 2020, but millions more were eligible and did not vote. Far too many people with disabilities still face unique challenges when it comes to voting. Whether it’s accessibility issues at polling places, lack of transportation, or not feeling like their vote matters, these barriers can add up. But you know what? This year is a chance to change that. Your vote has power, but only if you use it! Make sure you have the information you need to make your vote count: https://thearc.org/vote/ #WeActWednesday #TheArcVotes #Election2024

BIG NEWS—We're teaming up with Lids and The Lids Foundation to raise awareness about The Arc and our mission and you’re invited to join the fun! Here's how you can join in: 🧢 Visit any Lids store 🪡 Get your new hat customized with our logo (for a fee) 📷 Enter our photo contest for a chance to win an iPad, noise-canceling headphones, and other cool prizes (no purchase necessary) Bonus: If you're shopping, round up your purchase, every cent helps! Ready to snap, support, and possibly win? Head over to our contest page to get the full details: https://bit.ly/3WDNqdh Let's make August count! #LidsGives *No purchase necessary, full rules and details are on our website.

Chloe Rothschild, an autism advocate, and mentor in her free time, recently told us what disability pride means to her. “One thing that makes me proud is being able to live in my own place, with support” #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityPride

"Anything's possible for people with disabilities. We have the ability to do anything. We just need proper supports." Like Jevon, everyone should have the chance to pursue their dreams and thrive. #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth

Time and time again, people with disabilities and their family members have been discriminated against, devalued, discounted, put down, and more. And time and time again, people with disabilities, their families, and allies have shared their stories, educated others, and rallied behind the fact that disability rights are human rights. We’ve come a long way, and we have more to do. Share if you agree—Disability Rights are Human Rights.

Today, we celebrate 34 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—vital legislation that continues to transform lives and break barriers. The ADA prohibits discrimination, ensures reasonable accommodations, and strives to level the playing field for millions with disabilities. From accessible restrooms to inclusive workplaces, the ADA's influence is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Sean Pevsner, a disability rights lawyer, shares how the ADA has impacted his life and why there’s still so much to do to fulfill its promise. Read our full interview with Sean on our blog: https://lnkd.in/giFqkFqs