The Arc Connecticut

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

A big THANK YOU to Rep Jahana Hayes for taking the time to meet today and listen to the experiences of Connecticut families navigating the transition from school to adulthood for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). 💙
We are especially grateful to the Penn Family for welcoming us into their meeting and sharing their family's story as we discussed the need for strong, comprehensive transition programming that helps young people with I/DD build the skills, confidence and opportunities they need for a successful future.
And a special shout-out to Shannen Penn, a dedicated sibling advocate who continues to make sure her brother's voice and experiences are part of the conversation, even while he is away at Syracuse University, learning, growing and developing the skills to pursue his future in the sports industry!
Stories like the Penn family's remind us why transition services matter. When families, advocates and policymakers come together and listen to one another, we can build a system that helps every young person with I/DD pursue their goals and thrive in adulthood.
Thank you, Congresswoman Hayes and the Penn Family, for being part of this important conversation!

08/26/2026

Voting Resources from The Arc US….

Your Vote Counts: Understanding Your Ballot and Voting with Confidence
Thursday, September 17 | 12:00 p.m. ET
Join The Arc, First Place Global's Vote the Spectrum, and NEXT for AUTISM for a conversation led by leaders with disabilities and neurodivergent leaders. Speakers will share how they prepare to vote, learn about their ballots, and make informed voting decisions. You'll also learn about tools and resources that can help you better understand candidates and ballot questions.
Register: https://nextforautism.org/webinar-your-vote-counts/

Voting Education and Engagement Webinar
Tuesday, September 15 | 4:00 p.m. ET
Hosted by the National Coalition on Accessible Voting, of which The Arc is a member, this interactive webinar will cover voting rights, voter education, and accessible voting options.
Register here. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1I9SYsl0Sf2670gRqxRNsA?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91MKepNiYtXSnM9CFKA2fv300s8oI2pp5bLA06yPMnxA5HXAqXv-RA3NtNHwfjkKuzyX-8iUUPPuD02rl39av5CFodBw&_hsmi=434794173 #/registration

Your Vote Counts: The Arc, First Place Global's Vote the Spectrum & NEXT for AUTISM host this important webinar led by neurodivergent leaders.

08/20/2026

Special education programs across Connecticut are receiving a state funding boost to help support students with disabilities, state officials announced Monday.

The money will support new programming and facilities in multiple school districts statewide, including an Intensive Learning and Independence Program to help students with significant disabilities learn alongside their peers in their home school, and a facility for students with emotional disabilities and autism who need additional behavioral and emotional supports.

Read more: https://www.ctinsider.com/news/education/article/ct-special-education-programs-new-state-grants-22391829.php

08/19/2026

Get your tickets today for the People First Conference! https://www.ctpeoplefirst.com/event-details/nothing-about-us-without-us-people-first-of-ct-theme-2

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

The value of hiring individuals with disabilities isn’t just about filling positions—it expands your talent pool, helps you reach new customers, and makes a meaningful impact on the community. And there are plenty of resources to guide you through every step.

Start the conversation by filling out the form! https://loom.ly/BIZWgUA

08/07/2026

We extend our gratitude to our colleagues from AHEPA in Norwich for their visit and generous gift yesterday. It's always a pleasure to welcome Jim (left) and George (right) - COO, Yvette Horton, is pictured accepting the gift on our behalf.