Advocacy and Public Policy
The Arc has been an advocate for people with developmental disabilities since its inception in 1951. Drew Dixon is the Advocacy Director for The Arc of Dallas. Click on one of the links below for public policy issues and statements.

ADA | Arc Position Statements | Criminal Justice | Current Issues | Death Penalty
Education | IDEA | In the News | Law | Legislative Contacts

ADA Publications

Employment Related Business Related Title III Business Guide Access Strategies Chart

Arc Position Statements

The Arc's Position Statement on the Rights of People with Mental Retardation The Arc's Position Statement on Inclusion The Arc's Position Statement on Self-Advocacy The Arc's Position Statement on Self-Determination The Arc's Position Statement on Sexuality The Arc's Position Statement on Protection and Advocacy

Criminal Justice and Mental Retardation

Access to Justice Initiative Victims of Crime People with Mental Retardation in the Criminal Justice System People with Mental Retardation and Sexual Abuse The Arc's Criminal Justice Publications The Arc's Position Statement on Justice and Fair Treatment Under the Criminal Law

Current Issues

Supreme Court Abolishes the Death Penalty for Offenders with Mental Retardation Reaction to Perry's Veto: Press release and Letter to the editor Supreme Court overturns Penry's death sentence. Penry's case Action Alert – Arc Dallas Action Alert Email | Arc Texas Action Alerts Sign-up Managed Care Reform to senate floor Capitol Insider – Weekly News and Information from our Nation’s Capital

Death Penalty

The Arc’s Position Statement The Arc’s letter of protest regarding execution of Oliver Cruz Human Rights Watch position paper

Education

Dallas Public Schools DISD to close E.D. Walker DISD holds classes on inclusion for Special Education Teachers Texas Education Agency sanctions against Dallas Public Schools Public Information Hearings Scheduled Letters to the Editor of the Dallas Morning News

IDEA

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Eligibility, IEPs and Placement The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Procedural m Safeguards and Due Process The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Transition from School to Work and Community Life The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Early Intervention Services for Children Birth Through Age 2

In the News

Catholic Charities Backs Bill to Stabilize housing Funding for Persons with  Disabilities Census:  1 in 5 Americans Has Disability Panel Debates Execution of Retarded – March, Charlotte Observer Supreme Court to Review Issue of Executing Retarded – March, New York Times

Law and Disability

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 The ADA and Employment Child Care Settings and the ADA Centros de Cuidado pare Ninos y La Ley Para Personas con Desabilidades Online Survey Regarding Law Enforcement of Children with Cognitive Disabilities

Legislative Contacts

Capital Area Directory Texas Legislature on-line Thomas Legislative Info Project Vote Smart Texas Mental Health and Mental Retardation Commission (TXMHMR) Texas Legislature Online Wrightslaw Texas Education Agency's Special Education Division Texas Law Help