The Arc of Texas

02/18/2026

Considering a Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA), also referred to as a school voucher? Public and private schools have very different legal requirements. Check out this quick resource to learn what rights and protections apply in public schools versus private schools, how much funding a family can receive and how it can be used, and what to know before applying: https://ow.ly/j2Nk50WzAib

Background: Senate Bill 2 passed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session last year, establishing an Education Savings Account program that allows eligible Texan families to use state funding for private school tuition and other educational expenses. To help you understand the impact of the new school voucher program on Texas kids with disabilities, we collaborated with Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities to create the resource above.

02/16/2026

Deadline to apply is March 20!

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine's Day! Show some love for friends and family with intellectual and developmental disabilities by participating in Have a Heart for The Arc of Texas today! (You don't even have to leave your house!) Whether you'd like to learn more about how to advocate, call your legislator, or make a donation to The Arc of Texas, check out ways to participate in this week's newsletter: https://ow.ly/JQZP50YeuUN

And we've got your picked out: Get this year’s Have a Heart for The Arc of Texas shirt in the color and style of your choice: https://www.bonfire.com/have-a-heart-shirt-2

02/13/2026

The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust is hosting a five-session virtual support group for young adult family members (18-30 years old) of disabled individuals March 9 - April 13. Capped at 10 participants, these interactive, engaging sessions offer a space where young adults can come together to share their experiences, offer advice, and provide emotional support to one another. Submit an interest form today (space is limited): https://ow.ly/eq1R50YfneT Questions? Contact careconnect@thearcoftexas.org.

02/12/2026

Have a Heart for The Arc of Texas is an easy, meaningful way to spread some love with and for Texans with disabilities this Valentine’s Day! Here’s a few ideas:

✅ Learn how to use your voice this with our Advocacy Toolkit (https://www.thearcoftexas.org/wp-content/uploads/Advocacy-Toolkit_The-Arc-of-Texas.pdf)! Your state elected officials make decisions that shape the lives of the people you love. Reaching out is your right and ensures your voice is heard.

✅ Call or email your legislator (https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home) with a message like this: “Happy Valentine’s Day! My name is [NAME] and I am your constituent from [CITY, Texas]. I’m calling/writing to encourage you to have a heart for The Arc of Texas and make policy decisions that support Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and communities. As you prepare for the next legislative session, beginning in January, you can find helpful information about The Arc of Texas’ policy priorities, as well as resources for your constituents with disabilities by visiting their website at thearcoftexas.org.” NOTE: If calling, try the district office phone number first. Elected officials and their staff are often at their district offices during the interim.

✅ Donate to The Arc of Texas (https://www.thearcoftexas.org/donate) or ✅ purchase this year’s Have a Heart for The Arc of Texas shirt (https://www.bonfire.com/have-a-heart-shirt-2), featuring artwork from Texas self-advocate Ashley Sattler. Wearable year-round, check out the new fun colors and styles for youth and adults before they're gone!

Thank you! We 💜 you!

02/10/2026

Disability rights and racial justice are deeply connected.

Black people with disabilities experience higher rates of discrimination in education, health care, housing, and the criminal justice system. These barriers don’t exist in isolation. They are shaped by history, policy, and long-standing inequities.

Disability Rights Florida wrote an article about 17 Black disability advocates who shaped the fight for disability rights. Read full article to learn how these leaders paved the way for change.

Celebrating Black history means telling the full story, including disability. 🖤

Link in comments.

02/04/2026

An excerpt: Concerns about transparency and auditing of the voucher program are particularly high when it comes to the program’s ability to adequately service students with special needs, according to Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, director of public policy and advocacy for the Arc of Texas, a policy and advocacy organization for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Arc fought against SB 2 and other voucher program legislation because of the implications for students with disabilities. "Private schools [are] not required to provide any of the services or accommodations that are listed in the individualized education program for that student," Saucedo said.

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

Which private schools can participate in the $1 billion program, how they will be vetted and how they will serve students with special needs are questions raised by education experts and observers.

02/03/2026

Considering a Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA), also referred to as a school voucher? We want families of students with disabilities to know that public and private schools have very different legal requirements. This quick resource breaks down what rights and protections apply in public schools versus private schools, how much funding a family can receive and how it can be used, and what to know before applying: https://ow.ly/j2Nk50WzAib

Background: Senate Bill 2 passed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session last year, establishing an Education Savings Account program that allows eligible Texan families to use state funding for private school tuition and other educational expenses. To help you understand the impact of the new school voucher program on Texas kids with disabilities, we collaborated with Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities to create the resource above.

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

02/02/2026

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

01/29/2026

🚨 TAKE SURVEY by Thursday, Feb 5: The Texas Education Agency is seeking your input to help define the new intensity of service funding system for students receiving special education and related services. These tiers and service groups will guide how funding is structured across different domains and factors. Your feedback ensures that decisions reflect community values and practical realities. Thank you! https://ow.ly/blmE50Y5E5q

Background: During the 89th Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 568, a key policy priority of The Arc of Texas, to modernize special education funding through an intensity of service funding model aligned with students’ individual needs. Now it's time for you to provide feedback to help shape the new system. Survey closes Thursday, Feb. 5.

01/28/2026

01/19/2026

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose fight for social for marginalized communities continues to be a model for the Movement. This photo, taken at the Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary March in NYC in 1993, embodies the unifying spirit and persistence MLK Jr. taught, and continues in the disability community today.

The Arc of Texas is closed in observance of the holiday. We will reopen Tuesday.