Advocate for positive change

The Arc Minnesota supports individuals with disabilities, their family members, and allies in learning about policy issues and engaging elected officials.

A group photo of proud self advocates

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.

How You Can Take Action

Learn about current policy issues and opportunities to get involved in our email newsletter, The Capitol Connector.