The Arc of Arizona, Inc.

09/02/2026

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce is facing a serious crisis. Each year, about 41% of DSPs leave their jobs, most often because they are severely underpaid for the critical work they do, making it harder for people with disabilities to find and keep the consistent support they need.

DSPs help people with disabilities with things many of us take for granted—everyday tasks like getting dressed, taking medication, preparing meals, and so much more. We are asking Congress to take a big first step in solving this crisis by passing the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act.

Send a message to congress and tell them what DSPs mean to you: https://bit.ly/4hTRVM1

08/21/2026

Looking for something to do this Saturday? Join The Arc of Arizona's team for The Cardinals Climb and you could score BIG!

The 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 person to join our team today wins 2 tickets to 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 Saturday's game and an opportunity for post-game on the field photos with players when you wear Cardinals and/or The Arc of Arizona attire at the 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝘃𝘀. 𝗖𝗼𝘄𝗯𝗼𝘆𝘀! We hope to see you August 22nd, 7pm in Glendale.

Don't wait - join the team, commit to fundraising for the IDD community and let's climb! https://cardinalsclimb.com/teams/5281

The 2027 Cardinals Climb will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2027, at State Farm Stadium!

08/19/2026

Community living was never supposed to mean families doing everything alone.

As the country moved away from institutions, people with disabilities were supposed to get the support they needed to live in their communities. But respite care, direct support workers, behavioral services, and other help can still be hard to find. Now, some of the support families do have is at risk.

We know from families and our own research what happens when services aren’t there. When services became harder to find, 81% of family caregivers told us they provided more support themselves. More than half reported very high stress, and half said caregiving put pressure on their finances.

A new Washington Post story follows Annie Morgan and her daughter Ava, who has Angelman syndrome. It offers a rare glimpse into what one family’s daily life can look like when the support they need falls short.

Families of people with disabilities already spend too much time piecing together services and filling gaps in a system that doesn’t provide enough support. They need more help to make community living work, not less.

Read Annie and Ava’s story: https://wapo.st/4g29uZ0

08/09/2026

Calling all Cardinals fans and The Arc of Arizona fans, join our team at the Cardinals Climb. We have 10 climbers so far, let's make it 20! Early bird registration ends in September.

I'm supporting The Arizona Cardinals Foundation at the 2nd Annual Cardinals Climb charity event!

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

07/31/2026

No one should lose Medicaid when they still qualify.

A new federal rule says many adults who get Medicaid must prove they are working, studying, or volunteering 80 hours a month. People with disabilities are supposed to be exempt. But the rule could still make them prove it, again and again, through complicated paperwork.

Tell the government to fix this rule, so people with disabilities don’t lose Medicaid because of red tape. The deadline to comment is July 31, and time is running out. Take action now: https://bit.ly/4wrCP4R

07/08/2026

What an honor to be part of the Spark the Spectrum panel hosted by First Place AZ!
We loved sharing the stage with Michele Thorne from DAPA as we dove into our "why" behind advocacy and offered guidance to fellow advocates navigating bipartisan issues. It was inspiring to hear from more self-advocates and to welcome special guests from our legislature to the conversation.
Thank you so much to First Place AZ for having us. Grateful for the platform and the community!

07/08/2026

Complicated paperwork shouldn't be the reason people lose their Medicaid coverage. A new federal rule requires many adults who get Medicaid to prove they're working, studying, or volunteering 80 hours a month. People with disabilities are supposed to be exempt, but the rule adds so much paperwork that many could lose coverage anyway—not because they're ineligible, but because they can't keep up with the red tape.

Tell the government to fix this. Submit a comment here by the July 31 deadline: https://bit.ly/4wmhKIk

07/07/2026

📣 The speakers and session details for our are here! 📣

Join us virtually on July 14, 2026! Tickets are FREE: https://givebutter.com/2026SummerAACD

Session 2. 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Title: Trauma Informed Care in Crisis Responses: What You Need to Know

Speakers: Sey In, Interim Managing Attorney for the Healthcare Team, Disability Rights Arizona & Leigh Anne McKingsley, Senior Director of Disability and Justice Initiatives for The Arc of the United States

Individuals with disabilities face higher rates of misunderstanding and communication barriers during crisis situations, often leading to dangerous outcomes. In this presentation, The Arc’s National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability and Disability Rights Arizona will explore why trauma informed response is necessary, identify key challenges involving crisis responders, and review applicable laws and strategies that attempts to ensure safer outcomes for all.