The Arc of DFW Area provides information and referrals to the I/DD community and provides educational
Promotes the human rights of individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their life span.
02/25/2026
Important webinar today!
Nine states are once again trying to weaken Section 504 and roll back our right to live in the community.
In Texas v. Kennedy (2026), Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, South Dakota, and Texas are asking the court to say that updated Section 504 rules are unlawful.
At stake is the integration mandate that codifies the right of disabled people to live in their community with needed supports.
Join us to learn what this lawsuit means and how we can fight back.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
10:30 am PT / 1:30 pm ET
We had a great ACE workshop in Frisco this past Saturday! Participants expressed an increase in confidence in participating in advocacy and an eagerness to apply what they have learned either by themselves or by joining our ACE Action Team, where we can work together. If you have been unable to attend an ACE workshop, our final one in this series will be on Saturday, March 7 in Dallas. Register today:
bit.ly/ACEWorkshops
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
Hot Off The Press! 🚨 Our 2026 update of How To Think College: Scholarships for Students with Intellectual Disabilities is now available! 📊 This updated resource helps students with intellectual disability and their families find scholarship opportunities to make college more affordable.
Whether you're just starting to explore options or finalizing plans for fall, this guide can help you take the next step with confidence.
Updated February 2026. Reviewed annually - and built to support your college journey. 🎓
A sensory-friendly Cinderella performance is coming to Grapevine on April 10!
North Central Ballet will present a specially designed sensory-friendly performance of Cinderella at the historic Palace Theatre. This performance is created for children and families who benefit from a more relaxed and supportive theatre environment.
What makes this performance sensory-friendly:
• Adjusted lighting and softened sound levels
• A welcoming, judgment-free atmosphere
• Freedom to move, vocalize, or take breaks as needed
• Trained staff and volunteers
• Clear expectations and a predictable performance structure
Our goal is simple: to make live theatre accessible for families who might otherwise avoid traditional performances.
💻✨ Free In-Person Digital Literacy Training Available! ✨💻
The Arc of DFW Area is offering safe, accessible digital skills training designed to meet the different learning styles of people with disabilities — and it’s completely FREE thanks to a generous grant from AT&T Connected Learning.
Trainings are delivered in-person at your group’s location and cover:
✔️ Online Safety
✔️ Digital Citizenship
✔️ Technology Basics
Bring these valuable skills directly to your organization at no cost!
Let’s work together to build confidence and independence through technology.
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Tickets for Fashion for Compassion 2026 are officially on sale — and they’re going FAST!
Join us on April 9, 2026 at Bent Tree Country Club for an unforgettable evening benefiting To Be Like Me. From a stunning adaptive runway show with featuring our incredible LEADers, to exciting auction items and a live auction you won’t want to miss — it’s a night of compassion, style, and impact.
Head to the Events tab on our website www.tobelikeme.org to purchase your tickets before they’re gone.
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Image 1:
Graphic for Fashion for Compassion benefiting To Be Like Me, April 9, 2026 at Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas. Features adaptive designer Nancy Volpe Beringer and a model in a wheelchair wearing a dramatic black gown.
02/17/2026
💻✨ Free In-Person Digital Literacy Training Available! ✨💻
The Arc of DFW Area is offering safe, accessible digital skills training designed to meet the different learning styles of people with disabilities — and it’s completely FREE thanks to a generous grant from AT&T Connected Learning.
Trainings are delivered in-person at your group’s location and cover:
✔️ Online Safety
✔️ Digital Citizenship
✔️ Technology Basics
Bring these valuable skills directly to your organization at no cost!
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Established in 1971, The Arc of DFW Area is a membership driven grassroots advocacy and empowerment agency creating a voice for the supports, services and rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.
Our board of directors and volunteers are comprised of individuals with disabilities, family members and our friends - people who embrace The Arc of DFW Area mission and vision. Services include: Advocacy, Awareness, Training & Support.
Members of The Arc of DFW Area are individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and friends, professionals who work with them and others who are passionate about the mission and vision of the agency.
The Arc of DFW Area is an affiliated chapter of The Arc of the United States and The Arc of Texas, held to a common set of core values and positions related to quality of life, inclusion, rights, etc. These position statements have been adopted by The Arc's general membership.
Core Values
The Arc believes in:
People First - The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities and inherent value; are equal before the law; and must be treated with dignity and respect. The Arc represents, supports and acts on behalf of individuals and their families regardless of level of disability or membership in The Arc. The Arc believes in self-determination by empowering people with the supports needed to make informed decisions and choices.
Democracy - A democratic process involving members, through affiliated chapters, is utilized to take positions on important issues, policies and programs.
Visionary Leadership - The Arc leads by promoting the mission core values and position statements. We lead with integrity, accountability, and by open, honest and timely communication. We work with individuals, organizations and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. There is a valued partnership with volunteer and staff leadership at all levels of the organization that provides mutual support for their respective roles.
Community Participation - The Arc works toward and believes in the community imperative: that all people have the fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights to live, learn, work, play and worship in safe and healthy communities of their choosing. The Arc has responsibility to ensure the safety and well being of individuals.
Diversity - The Arc values and insists upon diversity in its leadership and membership. The Arc actively pursues and welcomes diverse groups (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender and level of disability).
Integrity and Excellence - The Arc conducts its business with integrity. The Arc reflects quality and excellence in all its work.
