Strengthening the Direct Care Workforce

Have a Heart for The Arc Day is a fun way to show your disability rights pride and highlight the issues facing Texans with IDD with your legislators. This year’s focus is on strengthening the direct care workforce. Direct care workers provide essential supports that enable people with IDD to thrive in their communities, but fair wages are needed to sustain this workforce.

On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, we invite you to remind Texas policymakers to “have a heart” for The Arc of Texas, Texans with IDD, and direct support professionals who provide crucial supports to help them live in their communities of choice instead of isolated in institutions.

Stay tuned for more details and a Valentine’s Day card you can email to your elected official or hand-deliver to their office in your home district or at the Texas Capitol!

Here’s how to participate from your phone or computer:

1. Click here to identify your state legislators.
2. Send them an email on Feb. 14, 2025 and attach our Valentine’s Day card (we’ll share it on this page soon).

Here’s how to participate in person:

1. Click here to identify your state legislators.
2. Schedule an appointment with them for Feb. 14, 2025 either in your home district or at the Texas Capitol in Austin.
3. Practice your message – use our talking points. We’ll provide them on this page soon!
4. Meet with your state legislators and/or candidates on Feb. 14, 2025 and deliver our Valentine’s Day card to them (we’ll share it on this page soon).
5. Thank them afterward via email/mail, or mention them on social media.

Click Here

Find Your State Representatives

Our Policy Pillars & Priorities for the 89th Session

Advocacy

Public policy addresses a public issue through laws, regulations, and programs developed by governments. Advocacy is when you inform policymakers about issues you care about so they understand how their decisions impact people’s lives.

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Learn How to Advocate

Want to learn more about how to advocate confidently and strategically? Check out our “Legislative Advocacy Toolkit” intended to help you have conversations with legislators anytime! This toolkit is general — not specific to an event or issue.

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Remember to Vote

Elected officials have the power to impact the lives of Texans with disabilities positively or negatively. YOU have the power to help determine who gets elected.

Important Dates