Texanthropy Spotlight: Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month and The Arc of Texas
October has been declared “Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month” in Texas, a time to celebrate the many Texans with disabilities who have influenced our history.
One organization in Texas that has done a wonderful job of advocating alongside and on behalf of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is The Arc of Texas. Founded in 1950 by a group of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Arc has been instrumental in advocating for programs, services, rights, and benefits for the more than half a million Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all aspects of society.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend The Arc of Texas’ annual Leadership and Legacy Awards Gala last year here in Austin, where they honored individuals and groups for their advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including State Representative John Raney, Whataburger, and others.
Throughout our state’s history, Texans with disabilities have played an important role in making Texas the greatest state in our nation to live, work and raise a family. Demonstrating the remarkable qualities of the Texas spirit — courage, independence and ingenuity — they have filled some of our highest offices, fought in historic battles and contributed to the art and culture of our state.
Greg and I encourage all Texans to learn more about the achievements of Texans with disabilities who have contributed so much to our society, and about organizations like The Arc of Texas who have played an important role in the disability rights movement. I am proud of the activities across our state commemorating this month and the motivating principle behind our celebrations: the recognition that Texas’ finest resource is the people who call it home.