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Empower - Building a More Inclusive Future Together

An older woman sits next to a younger woman with a disability, both smiling. There's a colorful striped background behind them, symbolizing disability pride.

Disability Pride Month 2025: We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay

This July, join us in celebrating Disability Pride Month—a time to honor the power, contributions, and pride of people with disabilities and to call out the barriers that still exist. This year’s theme is “We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay,” which was chosen by The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates. Whether you are a person with a disability or an ally, you can help make this month meaningful. Find ways to celebrate, advocate, and spread this must-see message.

And don’t forget to check out our online store to gear up for Disability Pride Month and beyond!

Updates on National Disability Policy

Big decisions are being made in Congress and the courts. We're tracking it all to keep you informed and ready to act.

House Votes to Cut Medicaid and SNAP: On May 22, the House passed a budget that cuts more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP—lifelines for millions with disabilities. The Senate is pushing for even more. Watch our new video to find out what's happening and read these stories from people who are impacted by cuts.
Private School Voucher Plan Could Harm Students With Disabilities: A $5 billion federal plan would shift public funds to private schools not bound by disability laws. It risks putting students' rights and protections at risk. Learn what’s at stake.
U.S. Supreme Court Sides With Disabled Student: In a unanimous decision in A.J.T. v Osseo Area Schools, a case in which The Arc participated in an amicus brief, the Court ruled that students with disabilities have the right to seek justice for discrimination in schools without facing legal barriers that don’t exist in workplaces, housing, or other areas of public life. Learn more.
Autism Advocates Call for Action on HHS Cuts: As Congress looks to cut funding and change how the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) works, autism leaders—including The Arc—met in Washington, DC. We asked for protection, inclusion, and respect for all autistic people. Learn more about our roundtable.

Test Your Knowledge

Will Medicaid work requirements impact people with disabilities?

YES

How We’re Making Headlines

Too often, people with disabilities—and those who fight alongside them—are left out of major conversations. We’re changing that by making sure disability issues are front and center in national media.

PBS NewsHour spotlighted powerful stories from people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid, including The Arc’s advocate Martha Haythorn.
AP News turned to our CEO, Katy Neas, to unpack how federal layoffs will harm workers with disabilities.
The Independent talked to Katy for a story about the growing threats to Medicaid and a powerful hearing in Congress, where disability advocates demanded action.
The Financial Diet featured our policy expert, Darcy Milburn, who helped explain Social Security, ABLE accounts, and money tips for people with disabilities.

What’s Happening in Special Education?

Some lawmakers are trying to weaken the U.S. Department of Education, and it’s leaving parents, families, and communities scared and confused. A webinar from The Arc’s CEO explains what’s at stake for students with disabilities. If you need support, The Arc@School is here to help. Our special education training program is available in both English and Spanish and teaches families how to stand up for their children’s rights at school.

The Truth About the R-Word, From the People It Hurts Most

The R-word is making a comeback—and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it’s never been “just a word.” In this powerful new blog, self-advocates share how this word makes them feel and why we can’t stay silent as it spreads again.

Trending on Social

An autistic advocate speaks about Autism Acceptance Month. Text on the image reads, "Autism Acceptance Month means going beyond awareness." There is an adjacent LinkedIn post from The Arc of the United States that talks about how to support autistic people.

How Family Shapes Us: Stories From 12 People With Disabilities

Twelve people with disabilities opened their hearts to share what their moms, dads, and parent figures mean to them. From fierce advocates to quiet supporters, these reflections remind us how much love and belief matter in shaping our lives. Read their honest Mother’s Day and Father’s Day reflections that celebrate family in all its forms.

New Report Shows Barriers in Dental Care for People With Disabilities

For too many people with disabilities, quality dental care is out of reach. New data from CareQuest shows that fewer people with disabilities see a dentist regularly, many don’t have dental insurance, and nearly a third don’t receive needed accommodations. These barriers lead to delayed care, preventable health issues, and emergency room visits. Explore the full findings and what must change.

Other News You Don’t Want to Miss

CNN: Cuts to Medicaid and Food Stamps: Here’s Who Could Be Impacted by the House GOP’s Bill
HuffPost: "You Will Kill Me": Disabled People Call BS on Medicaid Cuts
Teen Vogue: Texas v. Becerra Threatens to Undo Protections for Disabled People in Order to Target Trans Kids
News From The States: Parents of Kids With Disabilities Confront Education Department Chaos
NPR: With Disability Rights Under Attack, History Offers Hope and a Possible Playbook
Mother Jones: Tariffs Are About to Hit Lifesaving Medical Equipment
The New York Times: Long Effort to Ban Shocks as a Treatment Faces Uncertainty
Apple: Apple Unveils New Accessibility Features Coming Later This Year

For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
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.

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