The Arc of Texas

12/22/2025

Imagine...
• A Texas that empowers people with intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD) to live in their community-not an institution
• Texas employers who understand the value of hiring people with disabilities-and pay fairly
• A child reaching their full potential through special education services in a free, public school setting
• A criminal justice system that treats Texans with IDD fairly and safely
• The opportunity for Texans with disabilities to exercise their civil rights-fundamental freedoms that safeguard from discrimination in the voting booth and beyond

Thank you for donating today: https://www.thearcoftexas.org/donate
Donations are matched by our sponsor, Providence First, and are tax-deductible!

12/21/2025

Last week's Disability Dispatch e-newsletter featured "Voices Making a Difference," including Shelbi Davenport. In case you missed it:

We are thrilled to have Shelbi’s expertise and passion on the board of directors for The Arc of Texas. Here’s an excerpt from her story, "Living with ataxia, working with purpose,” featured in The Battalion, a student newspaper of Texas A&M University: "At 5 years old, Shelbi Davenport ‘20 was diagnosed with ataxia, a progressive neurological disease that affects speech, motor skills and balance. Her family was shocked and unsure of what her future would look like, but they committed themselves to supporting her dreams despite the potential challenges posed by the diagnosis.

Since then, Davenport’s life has exceeded the expectations of doctors and educators alike.” Shelbi says, "I want to get the word out there for more individuals with disabilities who may be told ‘No’ like I was, before I can’t do that anymore.” It was our honor to collaborate with Shelbi during the last Texas Legislative Session where her hard work and "testimony was critical in the passage of Texas House Bill 2081, a piece of legislation that would support educational and occupational opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in higher education institutions." Full story:https://www.thearcoftexas.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Arc-of-Texas_2025-Impact-Report.pdf

12/19/2025

A series of images have a purple background with yellow and white accents. The images say:
The Arc of Texas operates one of the largest pooled special needs trusts in the country. Give today to help us continue this service. Since 1997, we've helped thousands of people with disabilities manage their funds while preserving government benefits eligibility. Meet Tammy and Jonathan!

"My son, Jonathan, got his trust set up last year. I had a list of things I was trying to get for my son, and I needed guidance. I was overwhelmed. By the end of our conversation with The Arc of Texas, I was almost in tears because I was feeling overjoyed and empowered. The Master Pooled Trust Coordinator helped me understand what I needed to do.

We just got approved for a rehab machine we have only dreamed of getting for about 20 years (it has always been financially out of our reach), and that dream is about to be a reality. I tried many times to get insurance to cover it, without success. We are pinching ourselves right now!

We were also able to get a wheelchair van we desperately needed and it has been life changing to get my son to appointments safely. The nurses were having to physically lift him out of his wheelchair and then put him into the seat in the van. It was awkward and unsafe because he could be dropped, or the nurse could get injured. My son has a trach and moving him safely is our top priority. Now, he can go to doctor appointments with such ease, rolling his wheelchair into the van and rolling him out… no lifting or injuries.

We are still pinching ourselves because our life has changed for the better with these approvals. We are absolutely happier than we have been in years because we are all helping Jonathan have a better quality of life. We are grateful for the support and we are sending hugs!" -- Tammy, Jonathan's Mom

Give today to help us continue this service. https://www.thearcoftexas.org/donate

"We’re here for people when no one else is." — Haley Greer, Director of The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust

If a person with a disability receives even a modest amount of money, exceeding $2,000, from an inheritance, a gift, a court settlement, or even from a savings account established on their behalf, they may become ineligible for critical government benefits.
If funds are placed in a Master Pooled Trust, government benefits are not at risk.
While trust accounts are funded by the beneficiary or others for their benefit, running The Master Pooled Trust requires significant expense for The Arc of Texas.

Donations are matched by our sponsor, Providence First, and are tax-deductible!

12/17/2025

We're so close! Can you give $10 today to help us meet our year-end fundraising goal so we can assist and collaborate with hundreds more disability rights advocates in sharing their lived experience and expertise with Texas policymakers? https://www.thearcoftexas.org/donate

We cannot give in to the mounting attacks on disability rights. We must keep going, and we need your help to do so. Barriers to critical supports and services are jeopardizing the quality of life, health, and safety of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) like never before. But, we know when polickymakers hear directly from Texans with IDD, they are more likely to make decisions that help us.

If you can, please make a tax-deductible donation to The Arc of Texas today. We've made so much progress through the years together. Let's keep it up! https://www.thearcoftexas.org/donate

Every dollar gets us closer to our goal. Just think: If everyone who sees this post gives just $10 today, it would make a huge dent in our 2026 budget, allowing us to support even more Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities! https://www.thearcoftexas.org/donate

Donations are matched by our sponsor, Providence First, and are tax-deductible!

12/10/2025

Celebrate by donating to The Arc of Texas, today! Donations are matched by our sponsor, Providence First, and are tax-deductible: www.thearcoftexas.org/donate Or get "disability rights are human rights" merch from our online shop! Find your fit: www.bonfire.com/store/the-arc-of-texas-shop

12/04/2025

Respect for Texans with disabilities is a non-negotiable. Show our community you agree by donating to The Arc of Texas' end-of-year fundraising campaign and your impact will be doubled by our matching sponsor, Providence First Trust Company! 🔗www.thearcoftexas.org/donate

From The Arc US:
1 in 4 Americans have a disability. The language used about us MATTERS. It matters to us and to our families, caregivers, siblings, friends, and neighbors. The R-word isn’t a punchline—it’s harmful. When we choose respect over the R-word, we create a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. Respect is no joke, and it’s time we started treating it that way.


Image credit: The Arc US

1 in 4 Americans have a disability. The language used about us MATTERS. It matters to us and to our families, caregivers, siblings, friends, and neighbors. The R-word isn’t a punchline—it’s harmful.

When we choose respect over the R-word, we create a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.

Respect is no joke, and it’s time we started treating it that way.

12/01/2025

As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and , we must continue to protect the right for a fair and appropriate public education for Texas kids with disabilities. Stand with us: https://www.thearcoftexas.org/donate/

11/30/2025

Something for everyone on your list! Get 10% off with code THANKS10 through Monday 12/1! All purchases help us advocate for and with Texans with disabilities. Thank you! https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-arc-of-texas-shop

11/28/2025

Support disability rights with fun merch for everyone on your holiday list! Use code THANKS10 for 10% off through Monday 12/1! Sales help The Arc of Texas advocate for and with Texans with disabilities. Thanks for your support! https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-arc-of-texas-shop

11/25/2025

NEW MERCH DROP! Use code THANKS10 for 10% off through 12/1. The Arc of Texas Shop is full of fun, bold products to help you show your disability rights pride! Find something for you and everyone on your holiday shopping list while supporting The Arc of Texas! https://ow.ly/Jo9150XxmKy

11/21/2025

Feeling overwhelmed by the unprecidented complexities people with disabilities are having to navigate right now? Keep hope! We must press on! Make a difference in the midst of some of the most dangerous policy threats to Texans with disabilities that we've seen by donating to our end-of-year fundraising campaign, happening now, and your gift will be matched for DOUBLE IMPACT by Providence First! Your support helps us 💛💛 DOUBLE DOWN ON DISABILITY RIGHTS💛💛 , fueling our advocacy for supports and services Texans with disabilities need to live the life they deserve. Thank you! https://www.thearcoftexas.org/donate/