Driving Public Policy
Fighting for civil rights, education, and real community inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities — at every level of government.
Civil rights
The history of living with a disability in the United States has largely been one of discrimination, segregation, and exclusion — from education, from work, from housing, and even from routine daily activities.
Today, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have the same basic legal, civil, and human rights as other citizens. The U.S. Constitution, federal laws, and federal court decisions have established these rights.
But limitations in those laws, poor enforcement, limited program funding, disregard for binding legal precedent, and societal prejudices still keep many people with disabilities from being fully included. There is still a lot of work to do — especially for those with the most significant disabilities.
Education
A quality education is a linchpin to a successful life for all Americans — including those with IDD. Federal, state, and local governments each play a role in ensuring that every child with a disability obtains a free appropriate public education.
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs that receive federal financial assistance.
Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)
Prohibits discrimination in all areas of public life, including schools, workplaces, and all public and private places open to the general public.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Requires free appropriate public education, appropriate evaluation, an individualized education plan (IEP), least-restrictive environment, parent participation, and procedural safeguards.
Grassroots from the start
The Arc was built as a grassroots organization around kitchen tables — as individuals with disabilities and their families organized and fought for their rights and full inclusion in the community.
Today, advocates across the country continue to advocate and share stories about what it means to live every day with a disability, and what’s possible with proper supports and services. Their stories and activism transform legislation and numbers into real-life impact — and through them, the mission of The Arc comes to life.
Self-advocates are leading the way
Our Include U.S.A. group hosts a Legislative Learning Series where self-advocates learn how bills become laws and how to speak up on the issues that matter to them.
Meet Include U.S.A.