What's Going on Now in Advocacy?

Advocacy is a constantly changing topic. The Arc of Dallas created a blog to keep current information available at the click of a button. Visit our blog often for updates including legislative topics, news articles, videos and links to other information sources. Click here to visit our blog.

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Living and Breathing Advocacy Everyday

Since its beginnings more than a half-century ago, The Arc of Dallas has dedicated itself to providing a voice for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in the community. Every day we are at the table voicing their concerns and interests: From the advisory board for a disability-friendly terminal at DFW airport to the Coalition to Prevent Child Abuse, The Arc speaks out. Join us at the advocacy table!

• Use this website to speak out to others by participating in our interactive I.D.E.A. forum, click here.
• Learn the latest activity on the advocacy front by visiting our blog, click here
• Find out about upcoming meetings on advocacy in the Dallas area by checking our Calendar of Events, click here
• Review our Advocacy activities for the past six months by opening this report, click here

Collaborating to Succeed Statewide and Nationally

The Arc of Dallas works in collaboration with The Arc of Texas and The Arc of the United States to support legislative advocacy. More importantly, legislators often express the need to hear from families and constituents rather than agencies; therefore, The Arc can only be effective when self-advocates, caregivers, family members, professionals and community volunteers participate. Offer your voices, your time and resources to help protect the rights and expand the opportunities for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. To become an advocate, begin by signing up for our list serve Legislative alert. Email your name and contact information to Drew Dixon, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Self-Advocates Speak Out Too!

Graduates of Leadership Institute can participate in The Arc of Dallas' chapter of Texas Advocates called Advocate Leaders. This self-advocacy group is one of 20 local chapters across the state that provides opportunities for advocacy training, community service activities, fundraisers and information about local public policy issues. Texas Advocates is the only statewide nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Texas run by and for people with disabilities. The board meets in Austin at the annual state conference and conducts five regional meetings each year. Meet other self-advocates by joining The Arc of Dallas Self-Advocates Forum. Click here.

Texas Advocate Board members and other Texas Advocate members visit their legislators, attend Capitol Day, meet with State Agency representatives and sit on statewide committees and task forces including the Disability Policy Consortium. Advocate Leaders meets monthly, the second Tuesdays, 6:30 pm at the Preston-Royal Library. Email Sharla at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to become a member.