Advocate for positive change
The Arc Minnesota supports individuals with disabilities and their allies in learning about policy issues and engaging elected officials.
Through nonpartisan legislative advocacy, we support public policies founded in the principles of human & civil rights, self-advocacy & self direction, and equity & true belonging.
Alongside self-advocates, parents and family members, support professionals, and coalition partners, we work to advance policy solutions that create positive systems and social change for Minnesotans with IDD.
Through our public policy work, we seek to support those leading the disability rights & racial justice movements. We are committed to ending both the ableism, racism, and other types of oppression experienced by Black, Indigenous, and other People of color who have disabilities in Minnesota.
With questions or for more information, contact info@arcminnesota.org.
Human & Civil Rights
Upholding and protecting human and civil rights must be central to all public policy advocacy efforts alongside and on behalf of people who have IDD. All people who have IDD are entitled to human and civil rights including dignity, self-determination, voting, and equal opportunity in where they live, learn, work, worship, and play.
Self-Advocacy & Self Direction
Legislative advocacy efforts must reverse the history of overprotecting and involuntarily segregating people who have IDD. They must create opportunities for individuals to receive respectful support and gain/retain authority to make decisions, exert control in their lives, and advocate on their own behalf.
Equity & True Belonging
Public policies must maximize inclusion and true belonging in community for people who have IDD of all ages, in all areas of life. Informal supports should be robust, and formal services should be self-directed by the individual—with help from trusted people in their lives, when needed. We must work together to build a more equitable society for all people who have IDD.
Disability & Racial Justice
Systems, social, and legislative change must be centered in the experience of people who have disabilities – especially those who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color. We must act in support of the disability and racial justice movements that people who have disabilities are leading. The Arc Minnesota works to make sure that our public policy efforts align with the principles of disability justice created by Black, Indigenous, and people of color who have disabilities.
More information about our policy work:
Public Policy Pillars
Public policy advocacy is central to The Arc Minnesota’s mission. Find out more about our Public Policy Pillars.
2026 Legislative Session
Review the 2026 Policy Goals.
Current Federal Information
See who represents you nationally and the issues that are most important at a federal level.
Regional Quality Council
These groups work to improve services and encourage community involvement in specific regions of Minnesota.
Advocacy Toolkit
Find out how you can get engaged and work for positive change.
Capitol Connectors Teams
Capitol Connectors Teams build awareness about issues that impact Minnesotans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These teams create a statewide, grassroots advocacy network.How You Can Take Action
Learn about current policy issues and opportunities to get involved in our email newsletter, The Capitol Connector.
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