The Arc of Alabama

05/25/2026

Today we honor and remember those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The more we know….

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cr1rnYXy7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

25 MAY 2026
MEMORIAL DAY – Did You Know?

• Memorial Day was originally called “Decoration Day” after the American Civil War and began as a tradition of decorating Soldiers’ graves with flowers, flags, and wreaths.

• The first ceremony took place at Arlington National Cemetery on 30 May 1868 where both Union and Confederate Soldiers are buried.

• The National Cemetery Administration, part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, credits Mary Ann Williams of the Ladies Memorial Association of Columbus, Georgia with being the first to express the idea of an annual date to decorate the graves of Civil War veterans with flowers.

• After World War I, the holiday expanded to honor all American military personnel who died in service to our Nation.

• In 1971, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May.

• Protocol for flying the American flag on Memorial Day includes raising it quickly to the top of the pole at sunrise, immediately lowering it to half-staff until 12:00 noon, and displaying it at full staff from noon until sunset.

• A National Moment of Remembrance is encouraged each Memorial Day at 3:00 PM local time across the United States.

• Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in our Armed Forces, while Veterans Day honors all who served in the military.

Join us for a special Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Infantry Museum on Monday, May 25 at 11:00 AM in Cavezza Hall. This meaningful indoor ceremony will honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation through remembrance, reflection, and gratitude.

The ceremony will feature a keynote address from COL (R) Rob Choppa, along with a community gathering dedicated to preserving the legacy of America’s fallen heroes.

05/21/2026

Did you know we find we all have more in common when we create accessibility!? Celebrate by learning more about ways you and your organization can become more accessible here….

Thursday, May 15, 2025, help us celebrate the 14th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments.

05/18/2026

🗳️✅🤛🏻WHO’S VOTING TOMORROW?! 🇺🇸☀️📋TUESDAY…May 19th…take this with you! ADAP’s accessibility survey helps educate others on the importance of accessible poll sites! Copy/paste this link ⬇️into your phone notes and use it while you are there! (Yes you can bring your phone into a voting booth and poll site! 👍🏻).

Report on your precinct's accessibility by taking our voting site survey.

05/14/2026

Our friends at ADAP have shared this VOTER GUIDE…check it out so that you’ll know before you go May 19th!
https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/election-2026/2026-VoterGuide.pdf?

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day!

The Beautifully Different Road

I did not plan this road we walk,It wasn't on the map I drew.
But every time you smile at me,I know I'm meant to walk with you.

The world might look at you and see,A list of things you cannot do.

But I see the light in your gaze,And strength that only few see true.

When milestones pass and voices ask,Why you don't walk or talk or run,

I’ll gently say that you are you,A masterpiece, my rising sun.

We'll learn new ways to speak our love,Through quiet hugs and tender eyes.

And when the world is noisy, loud,You are my quiet, bright surprise.

For I have learned that "different" means,A story written just for us.

A slower pace, a deeper look,A path that’s filled with trust.

I am your mom, your loudest cheerleader,Your shelter when the wind blows high.

I’ll hold your hand on this new road,And watch you reach a different sky.

05/08/2026

05/07/2026

What is narrative medicine?
Narrative medicine is a branch of the medical humanities that helps
patients, families and health care professionals to tell, listen to and
understand the stories of illness and disability.

Family Voices of Alabama will be hosting two online workshops for families in May, an Introduction to Narrative Medicine for
Families of Children with Disability

Wednesday May 13, 2026
11-12 noon CST
Uncertainty is often the air we
breathe as we navigate systems for
our children. Join us for a workshop
that explores the many faces, pains
and joys of uncertainty.

Wednesday May 27, 2026
11-12 noon CST
What is advocacy? Much is said about
how to advocate “for” children with
disabilities and their families, but
what about advocating “with us”?
Join us for a workshop that examines
voice and its role in advocacy.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebBjJZHbbE_50SnaEegXPzfZEn8JnNv-rkzyxF5yvKoms5kw/viewform

05/06/2026

The Arc of Alabama worked closely with ADMH to close the Arc of Montgomery yesterday due to its non compliance of service contracts. Over the last several months an investigation was initiated and The Montgomery Arc failed to respond, comply or make corrections to the cited issues regarding noncompliance. Therefore, decisive steps were taken to resolve these issues and ensure those served were able to continue with the supports they need. All individuals receiving services will continue to receive services from other Arc chapters or other providers near the area. The Arc of Alabama and The Arc of US has dissolved and disaffiliated the Montgomery Arc as a recognized chapter. It cannot proceed under the Arc name or logo and investigations are ongoing. The Arc of Alabama remains committed to providing the best services and supports available to Arc Chapters throughout our state. We applaud each Arc chapter working diligently to serve people with disabilities and commend their efforts toward excellence in compliance standards. While each Arc chapter independently achieves success in their local communities we collectively celebrate wins and mourn losses. As we collaborate with our chapters and work to improve the lives of citizens with little to no resources or support, we intentionally build relationships with families established on trust. The Arc of Alabama will continue to protect those relationships and foster goodwill . We seek to ensure better outcomes for people served by acting quickly and effectively with our partners when and where improvements are needed. The Arc of Alabama, alongside chapters acting in the best interests of the people we serve, promote the development of local chapters where resources and supports are needed. We recognize Alabamians who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve our best.

04/30/2026

Every career path, field of study, and professional practice has its own unique “language”. Using acronyms and catch phrases known by those who live or work within that area is a common experience. So, what happens when a newcomer enters and doesn’t know the same language or communicates differently? That’s when the smartest and most kind leaders willingly translate that unique language from difficult to plain! Using “plain language” is best practice for inclusivity and belonging. Want to step up your plain language game? Learn more here!

A series of guides to help you understand and practice writing, designing, and testing plain language.

04/28/2026

Have you subscribed to this incredible resource yet?

N2 Flipbooks

04/23/2026

What is a crisis center, and how can it help you?

Alabama is home to six crisis centers crafted to address particular mental health needs of the communities they serve. These six facilities operate throughout the state and provide continuous, 24/7/365 access to care. At each location, people can receive stabilization, clinical evaluation, psychiatric services, and referrals to local supports and resources.

Learn more about the crisis center nearest you:

As part of the Alabama Crisis System of Care, Crisis Centers are tailored to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve. Currently, six centers operate across the state, providing 24/7/365 ...