The Arc of the United States

"Anything's possible for people with disabilities. We have the ability to do anything. We just need proper supports." Like Jevon, everyone should have the chance to pursue their dreams and thrive. #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth

Time and time again, people with disabilities and their family members have been discriminated against, devalued, discounted, put down, and more. And time and time again, people with disabilities, their families, and allies have shared their stories, educated others, and rallied behind the fact that disability rights are human rights. We’ve come a long way, and we have more to do. Share if you agree—Disability Rights are Human Rights.

Today, we celebrate 34 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—vital legislation that continues to transform lives and break barriers. The ADA prohibits discrimination, ensures reasonable accommodations, and strives to level the playing field for millions with disabilities. From accessible restrooms to inclusive workplaces, the ADA's influence is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Sean Pevsner, a disability rights lawyer, shares how the ADA has impacted his life and why there’s still so much to do to fulfill its promise. Read our full interview with Sean on our blog: https://lnkd.in/giFqkFqs

Gyasi is a writer, public speaker, autism self-advocate, and works at Boston Children’s Hospital. For #DisabilityPrideMonth, he shares his insightful perspectives on disability and what he is proud of. #DisabilityPride

Voting is an essential part of our democracy and our right as citizens. If you have a disability, you can get help with voting in different ways. These rights are necessary to make sure everyone’s vote counts. To learn more about voting rights, especially for people with disabilities, check out our blog: https://lnkd.in/emcFJfQ6 #DisabilityVote #TheArcVotes #Election2024 #WeActWednesday

Kris' dream is for "all disabled people to have access to the self-realization of being a whole person without positive or negative qualifiers." #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth

The Paris Olympics are here, and we're eager to cheer on inspirational athletes like Lawrence Sapp, who will take the global stage next month for the Paralympics. Lawrence is the first male Paralympic swimmer with autism & intellectual disability to make Team USA's National A team. At just 22 years old, Lawrence is shattering stigmas and showing the world what's possible for people with disabilities. In his freshman year of high school, Lawrence broke five school records while competing on the varsity team. In his Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020, he placed 5th in 100m butterfly, 12th in 200m IM & 14th in 100m backstroke. Now he has his sights set on more Olympic glory in Paris🥇 Lawrence's aspirations extend beyond the pool. He plans to “graduate from college in 2025, get a job doing something I love, and one day have my own home.” He’s fueled by a rigorous training regimen of twice-daily swim sessions, sandwiches and spaghetti, self-advocacy, and his family’s love. Check out our full interview with him⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dwEy_yD3

Meet Brett. “I am proud to be in a community that has such an impact on people with disabilities. I am proud of all the projects that I get to be a part of through The Arc. In addition to that, I am the vice president of the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum board of directors. I am a board member of People First Wisconsin. I am proud of all the wonderful friends that I have made in the disability advocacy community. I can't wait to see what opportunities come my way next.” #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth

"Hello, my name is Lizzy Graham (pronouns she/her). I'm an autistic, transgender woman of East Asian descent. Being autistic, I have focused interests. When I was young, I sang in my high school choir and wanted to be an opera singer. So, one of my hobbies is classical music and opera. At least once a year, I drive up to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City for a matinee. I love the combination of theater and music. My favorite composers are Mozart and Puccini. I'm glad I have my own car because it gives me the flexibility to pursue my interests. Sometimes I can have an autistic info-dumping moment and share what I know about opera and famous singers." #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth

Dream of traveling the world? 🌍 Autistic self-advocate Rachel is doing just that—and busting stigmas along the way. For #DisabilityPrideMonth, Rachel shares how proud she is of her adventures abroad, from studying in London to exploring Japan for 2 months. Her story challenges assumptions about what's possible when you have a disability. What's your #DisabilityPride story?