Last year, we all came together to fight back against cuts to Medicaid. Despite the outcome, I am so proud of how The Arc engaged in that effort.
While we successfully pushed backed on block grants, nearly $1 trillion in cuts to the overall program were signed into law, and now we face the ramifications at the state level. Meanwhile, there are other threats looming.
Our team is thinking about these challenges in three buckets:
The impacts of P.L. 119-21, the budget reconciliationlaw that reduced federal financial support to the Medicaid program, are starting to play out. Some states are considering options that may result in longer waiting lists and less access to community-based supports. We have many resources for you on this law, including a timeline of when particular provisions take effect.
Unprecedented withholding of Medicaid funds in some states is occurring due to alleged fraud in safety net programs. The right response to integrity concerns is not to cut the programs that children, seniors, and people with disabilities rely on. We have provided an issue brief for chapters on this topic, and we just received helpful polling and messaging information from Hart Research. Check out their memo and messaging tips.
Looking ahead, it’s uncertain if Congress will consider even more cuts to Medicaid this year. They may use the same budget reconciliation process to take more resources out of the system. Many chapters recently joined us in signing a letter to Congressional leadership, strongly urging them to reject Medicaid cuts and harmful changes in any form, whether through changing funding structures, further limiting the way states fund their share of Medicaid costs, or freezing or taking away funding for critical services that people with disabilities and older adults rely on. The fact that these kinds of changes are on the table is unsettling, and we raise it now because if it starts to come together, Congress may move fast. We will be ready.
Please feel free to reach out to Kim Musheno at [email protected] with any questions or information you want to share about what’s going on in your state. Together, we will advocate for and with people with disabilities and their families at all levels of government.
Empower Voters, Protect Your Mission: Election Season Essentials
Got 4 minutes? This short video shares what you should know to take meaningful action during election season—empowering voters with disabilities while staying fully within 501(c)(3) rules. It highlights how to engage voters and candidates appropriately and safeguard your chapter’s credibility every step of the way.
Joint Statement Following the Death of Alex LaMorie
The Arc of the US and The Arc of Howard County signed on to a joint statement with other organizations in response to the tragic death of Alex LaMorie, who was fatally shot during a police response to a behavioral health crisis in Columbia, Maryland. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and all those affected, including first responders. This tragedy demands a full and transparent investigation, and it underscores the ongoing and complex risks that can arise at the intersection of disability, mental health, and law enforcement response.
How Health Care Providers Can Respond Better
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to confront a reality that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: people with IDD are sexually assaulted at seven times the rate of people without disabilities. Health care settings should be places where survivors are met with safety, clarity, and support. Too often, they’re not. Learn more about The Arc’s Transforming Health Care Project.
Share Your Expertise at National Convention
We are gearing up for our 2026 National Convention in Portland, Oregon, from November 18-20. The call for session proposals is open! Please share this call for proposals within your community. The deadline is April 27.
Resources & Opportunities
Free Digital Skills Training for People With Disabilities
AT&T, The Arc, and The Arc San Francisco have partnered to offer free digital skills training designed specifically for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The training uses plain language and practical instruction to support different learning styles and access needs. Resources are available online nationwide, with in-person workshops offered in 14 regions.
Suicide Prevention and Disability
The co-occurrence of mental health conditions and IDD is often overlooked and misunderstood. Our new fact sheet helps families, caregivers, and friends recognize the signs of a potential crisis and gives tips on ways you can help. Help by sharing it with your network.
Mental Health and IDD: A Guide for Law Enforcement
Our new guide educates on the co-occurrence of mental health and IDD and provides case studies on how police can recognize, de-escalate, and reach safer outcomes. It's a great resource to share with local police departments.
Live Virtual Events
Home Health in IDD
Tuesday, April 21, 2:00 pm ET
Good home health support for people with IDD takes more than clinical skill. It requires a person-centered approach that supports health, independence, and quality of life. Join Christina N. Topolewski, PhD, LMSW, for a conversation on what quality home-based care looks like and how organizations can better equip staff. Register here.
Workforce Strategy When Headcount Keeps Changing
Friday, May 1, 1:00 pm ET
Performance reviews, budget resets and unpredictable hiring needs are creating whiplash. Leaders need a flexible workforce model that can scale up, pull back or redirect talent at speed. This session with WIPFLI explores practical ways leaders are balancing cost, capability and continuity without burning out teams. Register here.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering People With IDD Through AT&T Digital Literacy
Thursday, May 7, 2:00 pm ET
Digital skills can open the door to more independence, stronger communication, and fuller community participation for people with IDD. Join us to learn about the free AT&T Digital Literacy Program, how one chapter is using it to make a real impact, and how your organization can put these tools to work. Register here.
Rural Health Transformation: What Chapters of The Arc Need to Know
Tuesday, June 2, 2:00 pm ET
As states move quickly to allocate Rural Health Transformation Program funding within a one-year window, this session will help rural chapters understand what’s changing and how to take advantage of emerging opportunities. Register here.
Measuring Impact: Chapter Strategies for Tracking Outcomes & Progress
Tuesday, June 9, 2:00 pm ET
HHS Connect will share a clear framework for defining, tracking, and communicating meaningful outcomes—whether your chapter is just beginning to collect data or refining a mature impact strategy. Register here.
Do you know of any staff or board members in your chapter who are not receiving Fusion? Forward this email to them so they can sign up by creating a free chapter portal account.
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.
The Arc of the United States, 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20006
