Driving Public Policy
Civil Rights:
The history of living with a disability in the United States has largely been one of discrimination, segregation, and exclusion from education, work, housing, and even from routine daily activities.
Fortunately, 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. However, despite the tremendous advances, limitations of laws and regulations, poor enforcement of the laws, limited funding of programs, disregard for binding legal precedent, and societal prejudices keep many people with disabilities from being fully included in our society. There is still a lot of work to do in order to make true community integration and recognition of civil rights a reality for ALL, including those with the most significant disabilities.
Education:
A quality education is a linchpin to a successful life for all Americans, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The federal, state, and local governments each play a role in ensuring that every child with a disability obtains a free appropriate public education.
Several important federal laws protect the rights of students with disabilities in schools. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first disability civil rights law to be enacted in the U.S. and includes Section 504, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs that receive federal financial assistance. Section 504 set the stage for the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, which prohibits discrimination in all areas of public life, including schools and all public and private places that are open to the general public. However, the most significant law for students with disabilities is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires a free appropriate public education, appropriate evaluation, an individualized education plan, least restrictive environment, parent participation, and procedural safeguards.
Grass Roots:
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 is possible with proper supports and services. Their stories and activism transform legislation and numbers into real-life impact. Through them, the mission of The Arc comes to life and demonstrates the importance of building a future that includes us all.
Public Policy Agenda:
Link to 2023-2024 Congress Public Policy Agenda: https://thearc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Public-Policy-Agenda.pdf
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