The Arc Lane County

01/31/2026

🚨 TAKE ACTION 🚨

Nine U.S. states are suing the federal government to challenge the integration mandate—a vital protection that allows people with disabilities to receive services in their communities rather than being forced into institutions.

If this lawsuit succeeds, it could roll back decades of progress and force people with disabilities into institutional settings against their wishes.

👉 Speak up. Contact your state and federal legislators and tell them you support community-based services and disability civil rights.
👉 Share this post to help spread awareness.
👉 Stand with the disability community by defending the right to live, work, and thrive in the community.

The disability community fought hard for these rights—and we must fight to protect them. Community inclusion is a right, not a privilege. 💙

01/30/2026

Today! Last Lunch and Learn event before the short legislative session starts next week.

01/30/2026

After cutting $45 million from children’s programs last year, Oregon legislators are now considering even more cuts.

Tell them: NO MORE CUTS!!

A public hearing on the state budget will be held Tuesday, February 3, from 5:00–8:00 p.m., and legislators need to hear directly from you.

Cutting funding for early learning and family supports has long-lasting consequences — harming children’s development, destabilizing families, and weakening the early educator workforce. Our kids and communities deserve better.

Take action today by submitting your testimony through the link below — your voice matters.
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Committees/JWM/2026-02-03-17-00/Agenda?sourceid=1084620&emci=5259eb12-86fc-f011-8d4c-0022482d279b&emdi=b6823f0d-69fd-f011-832f-000d3a1f0e4c&ceid=4294274

Share your personal story through the link below. Your testimony will be shared and included as part of the public record once submitted.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeR_OvS81yG7N_MMgOYub_YEMaAO0MYwuRpzK41iB9AakD4Ug/viewform?sourceid=1084620&emci=5259eb12-86fc-f011-8d4c-0022482d279b&emdi=b6823f0d-69fd-f011-832f-000d3a1f0e4c&ceid=4294274

Oregon's youngest children may lose critical supports. Urge your lawmakers to choose children in their budget decisions!

01/29/2026

Over time, the words ‘retardation’ and ‘retarded’ became hurtful and mean. Our organization changed its name to “The Arc” in 1992 instead of “The ARC” (Association for Re****ed Citizens of the United States) to use respectful language that people with disabilities prefer. Now, we use terms like “intellectual disability” and “developmental disability” instead. We work hard to make sure everyone uses these terms and love to share our knowledge with others.

01/28/2026

📣 THANK YOU to everyone who has already shared how Medicaid cuts will impact you and your families! Your opinions are being heard.

If you haven't had a chance yet, there's still time to make sure decision-makers understand what Medicaid services mean to our community. It takes just 5-10 minutes.

Your stories aren't just statistics—they're lives, families, and futures. Whether you're a person with a disability, a family caregiver, a direct support professional, or an advocate, your perspective matters.

👉 Share your story: tinyurl.com/bdhke6hv

Let's make sure Oregon's disability community isn't left out of these critical conversations!

01/28/2026

Medicaid has been there at every stage of River’s life. From a months-long NICU stay to the therapies and equipment he needs today. Stories like this help show lawmakers what Medicaid means for families. If Medicaid has played a role in your life or the life of someone you love, share your story. Your experience helps show why these supports must be protected.



Link in comments below. ⬇️

01/27/2026

Registration is now open for our February Saturday Kids Social in Springfield! 💙🎲🎨

This event is all about fun for kids and a well-deserved break for parents and caregivers. While you take some time to recharge, your child will be cared for by trained, supportive staff in a safe and welcoming environment.

Kids ages 5 and up who experience disabilities, along with their siblings of all abilities, are welcome to join us for play, connection, and friendship in a fun, inclusive space made just for kids.

Spots fill quickly—come join the fun! 😊

01/27/2026

95% of students with disabilities attend public schools. When public education works, it can change the course of someone’s life.

As a former special education student, Kristen knows firsthand how a strong public education can shape a person’s future. She credits her Individualized Education Program (IEP) team and family for helping her meet her goals and graduate high school, something that might not have been possible without that support.

School didn’t just help Kristen graduate. It helped her learn how to advocate for herself; a skill she still uses today.

Now, as an adult, Kristen advocates for reinvesting in public education so that every student, with or without disabilities, has the same opportunity to succeed.

“This is not the time to take money from public schools, but rather to put more money into public schools and services so all students have the opportunity to achieve their goals and reach their full potential, like I was given.”

Kristen’s story is a reminder of what’s at stake when public schools and special education services are underfunded. Support in school doesn’t just help students get through the day. It helps shape their futures.

Share this to help more people understand why public education matters.

01/27/2026

Join the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities for the last Lunch and Learn this Friday at noon, before the short legislative session starts.

01/26/2026

The new edition of Empower is here!

The Arc is excited to share the latest edition of Empower, The Arc’s newsletter highlighting our impact in 2025 and our vision for 2026. Inside, you’ll find stories of progress, partnerships, and people—along with a look at where we’re headed next as we continue building a more inclusive community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

https://conta.cc/4qozyQA

01/22/2026

Students with disabilities have the right to a free, appropriate public education. That right is protected by federal law and enforced by the U.S. Department of Education.

Right now, those protections are being threatened.

This means families could lose a place to turn when schools do not follow the law. Educators could lose access to clear guidance and experts who help them meet their students’ needs. And students with disabilities could lose the critical supports they need to succeed.

That is why we have joined a federal lawsuit to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education and defend students’ rights.

Add your name to our petition to demand that the federal government protect the educational rights of students with disabilities.

Link in comments below. ⬇️

01/22/2026

Another lunch and learn tomorrow!