House Resolution Honors The Arc of the United States for 75 Years of Disability Rights Advocacy

If you’ve ever benefited from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)—or know someone who has—this resolution is about the organization that helped make those laws happen. This House resolution is purely a formal recognition, but it’s a big deal because it highlights the 75th anniversary of The Arc of the United States, an organization that has been the driving force behind nearly every major piece of disability rights legislation since 1950.

This isn't a bill that changes a law or allocates funding; it’s Congress taking a moment to acknowledge a civil rights powerhouse. It specifically recognizes The Arc’s historical mission to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and ensure they are fully included in the community throughout their lives. Essentially, it’s a public thank-you note from the government to one of the groups that pushed them to make life more accessible for millions of Americans.

The Historical Impact: From Segregation to Inclusion

The resolution reads like a highlight reel of modern disability rights history, and it makes clear that The Arc was often leading the charge. For context, The Arc was founded in 1950 by parents who were tired of the system denying their children education and basic rights. Fast forward, and the resolution credits The Arc’s advocacy for influencing the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (now IDEA), which guarantees a free, appropriate public education for students with disabilities. If you’re a parent today whose child receives services in school, The Arc’s early work laid that foundation.

Beyond education, the resolution notes The Arc’s instrumental role in securing landmark laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which governs everything from wheelchair ramps to workplace accommodations. They also helped establish programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and secure coverage for long-term supports and services within Medicaid. In short, if you or a family member relies on government support to live independently, access healthcare, or get an education, this organization was likely in the room when those provisions were written.

The Ongoing Mission: Community Integration

While celebrating history, the resolution also confirms The Arc’s ongoing relevance. The organization currently operates nearly 600 local and State chapters across 47 States, continuing to engage in litigation and partner with governments and corporations. The resolution commends The Arc for its continuing efforts to support home and community-based services, which advocate for people with IDD to live in their communities rather than in institutions. For families navigating the complex world of caregiving and employment for their loved ones, The Arc is still a crucial resource for connecting them to services.

Ultimately, this resolution is a feel-good moment that reinforces the government's commitment to the existing framework of disability rights. For the busy professional, the takeaway is simple: The laws that ensure accessibility in your workplace, your child’s school, and your public transit system are the result of decades of hard-fought advocacy, and this resolution recognizes the group that spearheaded much of that progress as it heads into its 75th year.