The Arc Michigan

03/17/2026

On this day, March 12, 1990, many Disabled activists marched from the White House to the U.S. Capitol to demand that Congress pass the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At the Capitol, many left their wheelchairs and mobility aids at the base of the stairs and crawled up the steps in a powerful act of civil disobedience, calling out the discrimination and inaccessibility that impacts Disabled Americans.

Later that year, on July 26, President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA into law — a milestone won through the leadership and persistence of the disability community.



[ID: A yellow graphic titled “Disability Rights Fun Fact” features four circular photos arranged around centered text. The top-left photo shows Disabled activists gathered at the base of the U.S. Capitol steps. The top-right photo shows several people beginning to crawl up the stone staircase. The bottom-left photo shows a larger group of activists moving up the steps on their hands and knees. The bottom-right photo shows a crowd of Disabled protesters assembled near the Capitol. Centered black text reads: “March 12, 1990, over 1,000 people marched from the White House to the U.S. Capitol to demand that Congress pass the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Casting their wheelchairs and mobility aids aside, they crawled up the Capitol stairs.”]

03/17/2026

8.2 million students now receive special education services under federal law.

That’s 8.2 million students with unique needs, goals, and rights in school.

But do families and educators fully understand what those rights actually are?

That’s where an Individualized Education Program IEP) comes in.

An IEP is the written plan that makes sure a child gets the support and services they need to learn, make progress, and be included in school. With more students relying on these protections, understanding how IEPs work and what they guarantee has never mattered more.

We break down everything you need to know about IEP's in our new blog.

Get the link in the comments below ⬇️

03/17/2026

Meeting the mental health needs of students is important for their success at home and at school.

Our partners at are joining us on April 22 for a free webinar on Supporting Student Mental Health.

Learn about school-based mental health initiatives, family approaches, and helpful resources. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2h9ymupd

Visit our website calendar for full details, more learning opportunities, and easy registration https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

03/14/2026

Gov. Affairs March 13, 2026 -

On March 3, the House Election Integrity Committee took testimony on House Bill 4765 sponsored by Representative Jason Woolford (R-Howell). The legislation would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote. An individual registering to vote would be able to provide proof in person or as a....

03/11/2026

We are grateful the Governor recognizes the importance of Michigan’s direct care workforce.

Now the Legislature must:
• Fully fund mandated wage increases in FY27
• Ensure transparent pass-through requirements
• Align Medicaid reimbursement with real provider costs
• Replace expiring federal stabilization funds

Learn more and get involved at DCWMichigan.org.

03/11/2026

Want to feel more confident talking to lawmakers about disability policies? We have a new video series just for you!

The Disability Policy Seminar Academy is a series of short, easy-to-follow videos led by policy experts. We break down the basics of federal funding, Medicaid, Social Security, education, and more and explain why these issues matter.

Whether you’re getting ready for meetings on Capitol Hill or just want to understand how decisions in Congress affect daily life, this is a great place to start.

Browse the videos and start learning today using the link in comments.

03/02/2026

Gov. Affairs February 27, 2026 -

On February 25, Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her eighth, and final, State of the State address at the Capitol in Lansing. She started off her address calling for the timely passage of a balanced budget.

02/22/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DGFjeuyVs/

02/17/2026

Gov. Affairs February 13, 2026 -

On February 11, Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (FY 27) budget was presented to the legislature. In her Executive Recommendations, Governor Whitmer proposed an $88.1 billion budget. Her recommendation also proposes a $400 million withdrawal from the state’s rainy-day fund. Addi...

02/09/2026

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.

02/06/2026

The Leaders in Policy Advocacy (LIPA) 2026 program is now accepting applications!

LIPA is a six-month leadership program for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of minor children with developmental disabilities who want to better understand how systems work, learn how to influence change, and strengthen their advocacy skills.

LIPA helps participants move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling prepared and informed. Through hands-on learning, participants gain practical skills to understand policy, navigate systems, engage with decision-makers, and share their lived experiences clearly and effectively. As well as building a supportive community where participants learn alongside others who care about belonging, access, and making real change together.

💻Full details at https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/lipa/
🔗Apply at https://tinyurl.com/2026LIPA

Applications for this year’s program will be accepted February 1–28, 2026, with accepted participants being notified in early March.

01/29/2026

Say hello to Michelle Driscoll, Policy Coordinator, our resident expert on law and policy!

Michelle appreciates the opportunity to apply her advocacy experience and passion for supporting families as they navigate the complexities of the special education system. Working with dedicated colleagues who share both their knowledge and their heart with families every day makes her proud to be part of Michigan Alliance for Families

Throughout the year, get to know our team members who use their lived experience navigating special education to support families across Michigan every day as we celebrate twenty years of special education mentoring.