The Arc of the Capital Area

The Arc of the Capital Area Empowering Central Texans with intellectual & developmental disabilities since 1949 through case management and innovative programs.

When The Arc of the Capital Area was founded in 1949, parents of a child with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD) were often told their only option was to place their child in an institution. The Arc of the Capital Area was founded by parents of children with I/DD who knew that their children deserved the opportunity to remain in the community, attend public school, and access the resources and opportunities that were available to other children. Since then, our organization has worked toward a future in which people with I/DD have the same opportunities as others to pursue full and productive lives.The Arc of the Capital Area, a nonprofit organization, is committed to empowering Central Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through compassionate case management and innovative programs. The Arc of the Capital Area was formed in 1949 by a group of concerned parents trying to advocate for their children with disabilities. We are one of 31 local chapters of The Arc in Texas. The Arc is a national organization that promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We are "feline" the love today! 💘🐾Brooke C.'s artwork is the purr-fect reminder that love comes in many forms — friendsh...
02/14/2026

We are "feline" the love today! 💘🐾

Brooke C.'s artwork is the purr-fect reminder that love comes in many forms — friendship, creativity, and community. 🐱

Sending paws-itive vibes your way so you can help spread some love to others today! 💗

What a night it was. ✨Last year’s Gold Star Gala brought together friends, families, advocates, and supporters for an ev...
02/12/2026

What a night it was. ✨

Last year’s Gold Star Gala brought together friends, families, advocates, and supporters for an evening full of celebration and community. From inspiring stories to joyful moments shared on the dance floor, it was truly a night to remember.

And we’re just getting started!

This year’s Gold Star Gala promises even more sparkle, connection, and impact for individuals with disabilities in Central Texas. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again! Learn more at www.arcaustin.org/goldstargala 🌟

This Wednesday, we’re honoring Vilissa Thompson, LMSW (Texas) — a nationally recognized disability justice advocate and ...
02/11/2026

This Wednesday, we’re honoring Vilissa Thompson, LMSW (Texas) — a nationally recognized disability justice advocate and the founder of Ramp Your Voice! ✨

Vilissa Thompson has been a powerful voice at the intersection of race, gender, and disability, challenging systems that overlook Black disabled experiences. She also created the hashtag , sparking a national conversation about representation and equity within disability advocacy spaces.

Her work reminds us that inclusion must be intersectional, and that justice means centering the voices too often left unheard. Learn more about Ramp Your Voice at rampyourvoice.com.

Tune in each Wednesday as we continue uplifting Black disabled leaders who are shaping history and advancing equity!

Love comes in every color 💕Just like her vibrant heart painting, Ali H. spreads joy everywhere she goes — through creati...
02/09/2026

Love comes in every color 💕

Just like her vibrant heart painting, Ali H. spreads joy everywhere she goes — through creativity, kindness, and plenty of smiles. This piece is guaranteed to brighten your day! 🎨💖

A little help goes a long way🧡Arc Artist Haji lending a hand to Arc Artist Gabi as they step off the CapMetro Access bus...
02/07/2026

A little help goes a long way🧡

Arc Artist Haji lending a hand to Arc Artist Gabi as they step off the CapMetro Access bus is a beautiful reminder of what our community is all about—care, connection, and looking out for one another.

We’re also incredibly grateful for the MetroAccess drivers who work so hard every day to safely bring our students to and from the studio. Your dedication helps make creativity, independence, and opportunity possible. Thank you for being such an important part of our Arc journey! 🚌✨

IEP Rights Explained: What Every Parent and Educator Should Know https://bit.ly/4qWvFCI
02/07/2026

IEP Rights Explained: What Every Parent and Educator Should Know https://bit.ly/4qWvFCI

Learn what IEP rights mean under IDEA, how evaluations, services, placement, discipline, and transition work, and how federal policy changes affect students with disabilities.

This Black History Month, we honor the strength, leadership, and resilience of Black disabled change makers whose voices...
02/04/2026

This Black History Month, we honor the strength, leadership, and resilience of Black disabled change makers whose voices have too often been left out of traditional civil rights narratives. Black disabled leaders have played a vital role in shaping movements for justice, equity, and access—yet their stories are not always center stage.

Disability justice and racial justice are deeply connected, and remembering history means centering the voices that have historically been overlooked. 🖤 Stay tuned every Wednesday this month to learn more about notable disabled black figures in Texas and the U.S., and why Black disabled history matters!

We also encourage you to read this important blog from The Arc of the United States to learn more about why Black disabled history matters 👉 https://www.thearc.org/blog/why-black-disabled-history-matters

**Pictured in order of appearance: (slide 1) Keith Jones, Lois Curtis, Claudia Gordon, Vilissa Thompson (slide 2) Brad Lomax (slide 3) Dr. Willie Mae Brown, Barbara Jordan (slide 4) Keith Jones, Talila A. Lewis, Jazzie Collins (slide 5) Barbara Jordan, Lauren "Lolo" Spencer, Vilissa Thompson

GAO Report Finds Education Department Civil Rights Enforcement Collapsing as Disability Complaints Go Unreviewed https:/...
02/04/2026

GAO Report Finds Education Department Civil Rights Enforcement Collapsing as Disability Complaints Go Unreviewed https://bit.ly/3ZK27wa

GAO finds OCR disruptions and reduced transparency as 9,000+ education discrimination complaints came in and about 90% of resolved cases were dismissed, hurting students with disabilities.

02/03/2026

Register for a Town Hall with Texas Workforce Commission Rehabilitation Council of Texas on Vocational Rehabilitation (Feb. 4, plus additional dates)

The Rehabilitation Council of Texas is hosting six Town Hall meetings across the state to gather input on the challenges Texans with disabilities face when seeking employment and to inform their Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment. Texans with disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation clients, family members, and other relevant stakeholders are encouraged to participate. The first meeting will take place on February 4 at 11:30 a.m. on Zoom and in person at the Disability Rights Texas Office (2222 W. Braker Lane Austin, TX 78758). View all dates and register for a Town Hall near you or on Zoom: https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/rehabilitation-council

Address

1106 Clayton Lane #215e
Austin, TX
78723

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+15124767044

Website

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Our Story

When The Arc of the Capital Area was founded in 1949, parents of a child with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD) were often told their only option was to place their child in an institution. The Arc of the Capital Area was founded by parents of children with I/DD who knew that their children deserved the opportunity to remain in the community, attend public school, and access the resources and opportunities that were available to other children. Since then, our organization has worked toward a future in which people with I/DD have the same opportunities as others to pursue full and productive lives.The Arc of the Capital Area, a nonprofit organization, is committed to empowering Central Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through compassionate case management and innovative programs. The Arc of the Capital Area was formed in 1949 by a group of concerned parents trying to advocate for their children with disabilities. We are one of 31 local chapters of The Arc in Texas, The Arc is a national organization that promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.