The Arc Michigan

06/01/2026

The R-word didn't stop being used because something cooler replaced it. It faded because people fought to end it. And now it's creeping back, dressed up as a punchline, an insult, or a throwaway comment, including in shows like Euphoria and stand-up specials. It was never any of those things. And people with disabilities have dealt with this word their entire lives.

In our blog, people share exactly what this word has meant in their lives and the moments they heard it, who said it, and what it cost them. Their stories are honest, painful, and important. And they are exactly why this conversation still matters.

Read their words. Sit with their experiences. And then make two choices: never use it again and say something when others do.

Learn more about how the R-word impacts the lives of people with disabilities: https://bit.ly/42Zth3T

06/01/2026

🙋🏾‍♀️Who's ready for summertime?

🧐Who might still have IEP questions while school is on break?

💡Michigan Alliance for Families offers IEP: A Closer Look every month, even during the summer!

June 22 IEP: A Closer Look with Stephanie Nicholls from 6:30pm- 8:00pm. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5ed3vevx

QR code takes you to our website calendar for easy registration ➡️ https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

06/01/2026

The DCW Wage Coalition is asking for something straightforward: fund the full cost of the $3.40/hour wage commitment in the FY27 budget. Not part of it. All of it.

05/29/2026

Navigating special education shouldn't mean hours of searching for answers you're not even sure you can trust. The Arc@School just launched a free AI Advisor to help you find expert-vetted answers to your special education questions.

Got questions about IEPs, accommodations, or disability rights in schools? This tool is for you (see link in comments).

05/27/2026

Policy decisions shape real lives.

Join The Arc Michigan this June for a three-part Disability Policy Webinar Series featuring leaders from across Michigan and the nation discussing the issues impacting disability services today—and what may be ahead.

From legislative updates to conversations about access, quality, and the future of services, this series is designed to keep advocates, families, and professionals informed and connected.

📅 June 5, 12 & 26, 2026
Register now: https://tinyurl.com/ArcMi26

05/27/2026

As a parent of a child receiving services through Early On, you already play an important role—especially by participating in your child’s IFSP meetings. But did you know there’s another powerful way to get involved?

You can join your Local Interagency Coordinating Council (LICC)—a group that helps shape how early intervention services work in your community. Each LICC includes parents, educators, and community partners, and at least 20% of members are parents of children with disabilities. That means your voice truly matters.

Parents bring real-life perspective to conversations about services, supports, funding, and systems—and help ensure decisions reflect what families actually need. Your experience can help make a difference for other families, too.

Check out the updated LICC handbook athttps://www.michigan.gov/mileap/-/media/Project/Websites/mileap/Documents/Early-Childhood-Education/MICC/Michigan-LICC-Handbook.pdf

05/22/2026

Federal mandates are coming. New work requirements and eligibility checks will overwhelm an already-stretched system — unless Michigan invests in MDHHS staffing now.

Tell your lawmakers: Fund MDHHS. Protect Medicaid.

It takes less than a minute to send an email: https://protectmicare.org/take-action/

05/20/2026

Michigan has already taken steps to increase wages—but without consistent, reliable funding in the state budget, those gains are at risk. Wage progress can’t be temporary. It needs to be sustained.

05/20/2026

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 — 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲.

Last year, Kent County Arc celebrated 75 years of advocacy, empowerment, and community impact.

From supporting families and students to helping individuals access critical services and live more independently, their work reflects the heart of The Arc’s mission: creating a society where people with disabilities are fully included and valued.

As we celebrate 75 years of The Arc Michigan, we honor the local chapters helping move this mission forward every day.

This month we are highlighting how The Arc Kent County advocates for individuals with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) by empowering them t...

05/18/2026

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