The Arc of Nebraska

04/13/2026

Across the state, community outreach to support Nebraskans with autism is increasing. 🙌

Today, we had the privilege of receiving a very special donation from the Kelley family, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity and thoughtfulness.

Eric and his family donated Carter Kits to our department-resources specifically designed to help first responders better support individuals with autism during emergencies or moments of sensory overload. Each kit includes items such as a weighted blanket, fidget tools, sunglasses, and ear protection, all aimed at providing comfort and reducing stress in difficult situations.

What makes this donation even more meaningful is the inspiration behind it. Their son, Brantley, helped present the kits today. Brantley was diagnosed with nonverbal autism, and his strength and story are at the heart of this effort to make a difference for others in our community.

Because of the Kelley family’s generosity, our School Resource Officers and one patrol units will be better equipped to respond with care, understanding, and compassion.

Thank you, Brantley and the Kelley family, for giving back in such a powerful way. Your kindness will have a lasting impact on our officers and the community we serve.

💙

04/13/2026

Nebraskans deserve more than just transparency.

04/09/2026

The NE Autism Spectrum Disorders Annual Conference has been a great opportunity to talk with disability advocates! Together, we can build a stronger Nebraska. ❤️

The Arc of Central Nebraska The Arc of Buffalo County

04/08/2026

KEARNEY AREA: In partnership with our local The Arc of Buffalo County & The Arc of Central Nebraska, we will be in town. Come out and talk with us Thursday(tomorrow) & Friday!

ASD State Conference - April 9th & 10th, 2026 Special Education Collaboration: Uniting Efforts for Student Success! Join us!Together, we can make a difference in the lives of students with autism and other special needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, share best practices, and develop...

04/07/2026

Do you know who represents Nebraska in Washington, D.C.? Terms are ending, elections are around the corner, and current budget cuts are being challenged.

Scroll for contact details of our current U.S. Senators & House Representatives. Upcoming candidate contact information can be found in the "Candidate List" link. Ask questions, and get to know the candidates before you cast your vote!

⭐Candidate List:https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2026/Final_Statewide_Primary_Candidate_Filing_List_3.23.26.pdf

Prepare to vote on May 12th & check out more election information by visiting the Nebraska Secretary of State website:

https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections

📱Reference Information:
Senator Pete Ricketts (202) 224-4224, D.C.; (308) 233-3677, Kearney; (402) 550-8040, Omaha; (308) 632-6032, Scottsbluff

Senator Deb Fischer (202) 224-6551, D.C.; (402) 441-4600, Lincoln

Rep. Mike Flood CD1: (202) 225-4806 D.C.; (402) 438-1598, Lincoln

Rep. Don Bacon CD2: (202) 225-4155, D.C.; (402) 938-0300, Omaha

Rep. Adrian Smith CD3: (202) 225-6435, D.C.; (308) 384-3900, Grand Island

04/04/2026

April is Autism Acceptance Month! ❤️

03/23/2026

To read more, go to… https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid-Public-Notices.aspx

🚨FINAL ACTION ALERT: tell DHHS that Nebraskans say NO to eliminating Medicaid retroactive coverage.

📅 Comments are due by MARCH 26! Make your voice heard and pass this link to 3 friends 🔗neappl.es/retro

👀 ICYMI:

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced in February that it plans to seek federal approval to eliminate retroactive coverage for all Medicaid enrollees, which protects low-income Nebraskans from crippling medical debt and ensures that hospitals can keep their doors open.

Medicaid retroactive coverage covers health care bills for low-income Medicaid enrollees for a certain time prior to their month of application if they would have been eligible for Medicaid at the time. This coverage is especially critical for those facing health crises.

DHHS is proposing to eliminate this critical coverage for everyone, including NICU babies, children, those with disabilities, those who are pregnant, seniors, nursing home residents, parents, and other adults.

This would not only hurt our families and neighbors – it would deliver another devastating blow to our health system in Nebraska, which is already going to see over 50,000 more uninsured patients and receive $4 billion less in federal funding due to the health care cuts passed in Congress’ “One Big Beautiful Bill,” also known as H.R.1, last summer.

03/20/2026

This Tuesday! 📣We’ll be there. Will you?

Nebraska Disability Advocacy Day is on Tuesday, March 24th! Let's fill the Nebraska State Capitol Building!

Join self-advocates, families, disability organizations, and allies from across Nebraska for a day of connection, storytelling, and legislative engagement.

Our message is simple and powerful:
With Medicaid, we can Live. Work. Play. Flourish.

10:00–11:30 a.m., we will meet at the Capitol to have conversations with Senators and share real stories about how disability services impact daily life.

10:45-11:15 a.m. - PRESS Conference

11:30 a.m., we’ll gather in the Rotunda for a group photo.

12:00–1:00 p.m., we’ll host lunch with Senators at the Hruska Law Office Conference Room.

From 1:00–2:00 p.m., we’ll continue conversations and advocacy meetings at the Capitol.

You do not need advocacy experience, come and share your story and we will help you!

03/19/2026

Our gifts to YOU! Founders who give $25 or more each month also receive TWO Senatorial Dinner Tickets. Help us build a brighter future for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in across our state!

⭐Did you know that a gift of $10 receives a coffee thermos?

Be a part of our community of advocates through monthly giving. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit your contributions continue our important work. The Arc of Nebraska is a membership organization of caregivers, self-advocates, and disability leaders. We step in to advocate on behalf of Nebraskans. You share your concerns and encouragements with us, and we will take your feedback to advisory councils and community representatives for positive change.

🎁Use the link below to setup your monthly gifts today!

Founders Club: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/founders-club-2

03/18/2026

Follow federal updates from The Arc of the United States…

Right now, decisions are being made that could shape disability policy for years.

Congress is deciding on federal funding. States are making decisions about how to carry out new Medicaid and SNAP changes. Several important bills that affect the disability community are still in play, including the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, Money Follows the Person, and the Keeping All Students Safe Act.

At the same time, there are new conversations about moving special education oversight out of the Department of Education, which could affect how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is enforced.

Our team is tracking the issues shaping disability policy and what it means for people with disabilities. Get the details and learn how you can help using the link in the comments below ⬇️

03/18/2026

Showing up is the first step to advocating…

Nebraskans from 20 different legislative districts are now registered to attend The People's Day next week!

Join us on Monday, March 23, at the State Capitol in Lincoln to help fill in the map. Drop by any time between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT to connect with your state senator and share your perspectives and concerns

More information and registration at https://lwvnebraska.org/get-involved/the-peoples-day-2026/