Tisha Campbell Shed “Happy Tears” After Son With Autism Gets Into His Dream College Against The Odds – Video

Actress and singer Tisha Campbell is celebrating this week because her son Xen is set to be a college bound young man. It’s an especially sweet victory for the mom of two because Xen lives with autism, and Tisha has been encouraging him to go for his dreams despite the barriers the developmental disorder can create She shared the news, saying she cried tears of joy because the 18 year old, who stayed on the Dean’s list in school and as she shared, works two jobs to be financially independent, already exceeded all her hopes and dreams for him.

To read more on this story, click here: Tisha Campbell Shed “Happy Tears” After Son With Autism Gets Into His Dream College Against The Odds – Video

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This Black History Month, We Salute Lois Curtis

Ms. Curtis’ bravery and refusal to live behind the dark walls of a state institution led to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead v. L.C. decision in 1999. The case established that unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is a form of discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act – and that people with disabilities have a right to live in the community rather than institutions.



This Black History Month, we celebrate the life and legacy of our African American heroes. They endured, persisted, and paved the way – for us all.

The Arc salutes Lois Curtis. Ms. Curtis’ bravery and refusal to live behind

the dark walls of a state institution led to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead v. L.C. decision in 1999. The case established that unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is a form of discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act – and that people with disabilities have a right to live in the community rather than institutions.

More than 20 years after Ms. Curtis returned to the community, she is living life to the fullest.

“I am doing pretty good,” Ms. Curtis tells The Arc.

She lives in her own home near Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Curtis, 52, has a new and blossoming passion for singing and song writing. She enjoys writing original songs and her own versions of Motown hits. Ms. Curtis records at a local recording studio and takes keyboarding lessons. She is also invited to sing for groups in the Atlanta area.

Ms. Curtis says singing makes her feel good and reminds her of good memories with her mother.

These days, Ms. Curtis travels often with her family and direct support professional. She enjoys vacationing in Florida and her family is currently planning a trip back to Miramar Beach.

She loves church, going to the movies, shopping, getting her nails done, and going out to eat. Her favorite cuisine is Mexican.

Ms. Curtis’ longtime direct support staff Pertula Mark says it is a joy to see her happy. There are some tough days when Ms. Curtis talks about her time living in the institution or runs into people she knew at the facility.

Despite the pain of the past, Ms. Curtis, Olmstead co-plaintiff Elaine Wilson, who died in 2005, and attorney Sue Jamieson inspire us all to keep fighting for inclusion, community living, and equality for people with disabilities.

Thank you, Ms. Curtis!

To learn more about Lois Curtis, click here: Unlocked: The Lois Curtis Story

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Blue Runway For Autism Fashion Show Event

Blue Runway for Autism Fashion Show helps promote positive self-image for kids with special needs.




   Take a look at the video below:

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Families Suffer While NC Makes Them Wait Years for Assistance for Their Disabled Kids

Unfortunately, this is a struggle that many families are going through across the country...

Laura Branan used to call twice a year to ask if her son had moved up on the waiting list.

Every year she got the same answer: “No, he hasn’t moved much.” The last thing they told her was he was in the top 5% of people waiting. She didn’t know what that meant.

After repeating this for a decade, she gave up on it. The answers weren’t changing.

Now in 2020, it’s been 16 years since she and her husband, Andrew, first applied for home and community based services like support staff and therapy for their son Joe.

To read more on this story, click here: Families Suffer While NC Makes Them Wait Years for Assistance for Their Disabled Kids

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Ed Department: More Students Being Served Under IDEA

Positive Steps

The number of American schoolchildren receiving special education services is on the rise and they’re increasingly being served in mainstream classrooms at least part of the day.

More than 6.1 million students across the country ages 6 to 21 — or 9.2 percent of all kids — were served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 2017, the most recent year for which data is available. That’s up from 8.6 percent of children in 2008.

To read more on this story, click here: Ed Department: More Students Being Served Under IDEA

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DDS Town Hall Presentation

Susan and Montrel present on the DSP Academy at the DDS Town Hall! #rcmdspacademy #dspsrock

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