<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Arc of Colorado]]></title><description><![CDATA[Arc of Larimer]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/articles-and-news</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:45:31 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Congress Approves Boast to Special Ed, Disability Programs]]></title><description><![CDATA[A newly approved $1.7 trillion federal spending bill will bring more funding for special education while expanding access to ABLE accounts and addressing the use of electric shock on people with disabilities. The legislation, which funds the government through September, was signed by President Joe Biden just before the start of the new year. Read the full story HERE]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/congress-approves-boast-to-special-ed-disability-programs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b9879b3219c8444992f4f8</guid><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:56:05 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Children’s Books Honored For Disability Representation]]></title><description><![CDATA[Several new children’s books are being honored for highlighting the experiences of people with disabilities with a special set of awards handed out alongside the famed Newbery and Caldecott Medals. The American Library Association named three winners and four honorees this week of its annual Schneider Family Book Awards. Read the full story HERE]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/children-s-books-honored-for-disability-representation-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b9875f9f707efd84e1da11</guid><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:55:18 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Mother Of The Disability Rights Movement’ Dies at 75]]></title><description><![CDATA[A preeminent activist who was instrumental in securing civil rights protections and reimagining life for people with disabilities has died. Judy Heumann, known as the “mother of the disability rights movement,” passed away Saturday at the age of 75 in Washington. Information posted to her personal website did not specify the cause. Read the full story HERE]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/mother-of-the-disability-rights-movement-dies-at-75</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b9872b2ed53b993db8e8d6</guid><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:54:08 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Walmart Adds Sensory-Friendly Shopping Hours]]></title><description><![CDATA[The nation’s largest retailer is looking to be more welcoming to people with disabilities. Walmart said it will modify the shopping experience at most stores across the country during special times now through the beginning of the school year to be more accommodating to those with sensory issues. “We are striving every day to create a culture where everyone feels they belong,” Julie Barber, executive vice president of general merchandise at Walmart, said in a post announcing the effort. “This...]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/walmart-adds-sensory-friendly-shopping-hours</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b986c23df4a8950cf5b79b</guid><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:53:09 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Social Security Finalizes Rule Expanding Access to SSI]]></title><description><![CDATA[Under a new rule, more people will soon qualify for Supplemental Security Income and some current beneficiaries will see their monthly payments increase, the Social Security Administration said. The changes will come under a  regulation  finalized recently broadening what counts as a “public assistance household.” The agency is expanding the definition to include households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, payments as well as households where not everyone receives...]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/social-security-finalizes-rule-expanding-access-to-ssi-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b9862abcb9fb0e96f2bd06</guid><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:49:56 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lawmakers Call For Incentives To Broaden Access To ABLE Accounts]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new proposal would offer up matching funds to encourage more people with disabilities to open special accounts that allow them to save money without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits. The federal government would offer a dollar-for-dollar match for new and existing ABLE accounts for people earning $28,000 or less each year under a bill recently introduced in the U.S. Senate. A similar measure has also been introduced in the House of Representatives. Read the full story HERE]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/lawmakers-call-for-incentives-to-broaden-access-to-able-accounts</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b985e25303a105b06c1f72</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Articles]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:48:59 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Congress Urged To Update SSI Access Limits]]></title><description><![CDATA[An independent federal agency says that the government’s failure to update asset limits associated with Supplemental Security Income and other programs is leaving people with disabilities in a tough spot. For decades, asset limits for government benefit programs have gone unchanged even as the cost of living has risen. As a result, individuals with disabilities are often hampered in their efforts to become more independent, according to a new  report  from the National Council on Disability,...]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/congress-urged-to-update-ssi-access-limits</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b985af3df4a8950cf5b44a</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Articles]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:47:52 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Barbie’ Movie Adds Unique Accessibility Option]]></title><description><![CDATA[When the blockbuster “Barbie” movie becomes available for streaming soon, it will offer a new level of accessibility for people with disabilities. The film will debut on Max next week complete with a special option to view it accompanied by American Sign Language interpretation. Read the full story here]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/barbie-movie-adds-unique-accessibility-option</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b985723df4a8950cf5b386</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Articles]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:46:46 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[IRS Raises ABLE Account Limit]]></title><description><![CDATA[With the new year, individuals with disabilities will be allowed to put aside more money than ever before in a special type of account that permits them to save without jeopardizing their government benefits. The Internal Revenue Service said that the federal gift tax exclusion increased to $18,000 effective at the start of this month. The annual deposit limit for ABLE accounts is tied to that measure, so it will rise as well. Read the full story HERE]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/irs-raises-able-account-limit</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b9853e3219c8444992ed9d</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Articles]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:46:07 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Social Security Finalizes Rule Expanding Access to SSI]]></title><description><![CDATA[Under a new rule, more people will soon qualify for Supplemental Security Income and some current beneficiaries will see their monthly payments increase, the Social Security Administration said. The changes will come under a  regulation  finalized recently broadening what counts as a “public assistance household.” The agency is expanding the definition to include households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, payments as well as households where not everyone receives...]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/social-security-finalizes-rule-expanding-access-to-ssi</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b984fc3219c8444992ecee</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Articles]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:44:54 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Google Releasing Bevy Of Accessibility Improvements]]></title><description><![CDATA[Google is unveiling a slew of accessibility updates while also announcing new efforts to support people with disabilities creating content online. The technology giant said recently that it will enhance features aimed at those with blindness or low vision, individuals with cognitive disabilities and physical accessibility needs. The company is also launching a six-month fellowship program for influencers with disabilities and investing $5 million in a  fund  backing nonprofits making coding...]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/google-releasing-bevy-of-accessibility-improvements</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b984ce3219c8444992ec67</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Articles]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:44:07 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Uber Launches Improvements To Boost Accessibility]]></title><description><![CDATA[Uber is rolling out new features to assist riders with disabilities and is adding training for drivers to help better accommodate them. The ride-sharing company said this month that it will offer riders who are deaf or hard of hearing as well as those who are blind or who have low vision the option to self-identify on the app and set communication preferences. Click HERE to read the full article.]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/uber-launches-improvements-to-boost-accessibility</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b98490fde2f1f6ed2866df</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Articles]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:43:08 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lego Increases Disability Inclusion In Its Product Line]]></title><description><![CDATA[Lego is introducing new characters outfitted with an internationally recognized lanyard designed to quietly indicate that a person has a hidden disability and might need some extra support. The company said this month that it is adding the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard to characters in a variety of sets. People can also create their own minifigures wearing the special Sunflower symbol at all 55 Minifigure Factories around the world “to give fans additional opportunities to design the...]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/lego-increases-disability-inclusion-in-its-product-line</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b98468179d01fa61c1ff73</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Articles]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:42:21 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[IRS Raises ABLE Account Deposit Limit]]></title><description><![CDATA[Starting this month, individuals with disabilities can accrue more money than ever before in a special type of account that allows people to save without jeopardizing access to Medicaid and other government benefits. Contributions to ABLE accounts can total up to $19,000 for 2025. That’s an increase from $18,000 last year. To read the full article click HERE]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/irs-raises-able-account-deposit-limit</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b98417fde2f1f6ed286592</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Articles]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:41:18 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Law Mandates National Disability Services Clearinghouse]]></title><description><![CDATA[The federal government will soon be required to roll out a tool to help people with developmental disabilities access services in their communities. President Joe Biden signed the Think Differently Database Act earlier this month. The law mandates that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services establish a clearinghouse of federal and state resources and information for people with disabilities, their caregivers and families. The website must include details about long-term support...]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/law-mandates-national-disability-services-clearinghouse</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b983e93219c8444992e9fc</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Articles]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:40:27 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Position Paper on Housing by Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council (CDDC)]]></title><description><![CDATA[On Housing A Position Paper FINAL]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/position-paper-on-housing-by-colorado-developmental-disabilities-council-cddc</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b9835f179d01fa61c1fcbc</guid><category><![CDATA[Housing]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:37:56 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Housing Vouchers Earmarked For People With Disabilities]]></title><description><![CDATA[The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is sending millions in funding to local officials across the country to help people with disabilities access housing in their communities. The agency said this month that it’s awarding $24.7 million to 98 local public housing authorities in order to provide permanent affordable housing to those with disabilities. As many as 2,210 families are expected to benefit from the funding, federal officials said. Read the full story HERE]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/housing-vouchers-earmarked-for-people-with-disabilities</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b9832bfde2f1f6ed286344</guid><category><![CDATA[Housing]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:37:11 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Feds Seek To Revamp Rules Related To Disability Housing]]></title><description><![CDATA[For the first time in decades, federal officials are planning to update rules prohibiting disability discrimination in housing and they’re looking for input. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is seeking public comment as it considers revising regulations related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Read the full story HERE]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/feds-seek-to-revamp-rules-related-to-disability-housing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b982f63219c8444992e7bb</guid><category><![CDATA[Housing]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:36:13 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Feds Earmark $212 Million To Improve Disability Housing]]></title><description><![CDATA[Federal officials are putting up millions of dollars to expand the supply of housing available to people with disabilities and to help them afford rent. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said this month that it is making $212 million available through the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program. To read the full story click HERE]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/feds-earmark-212-million-to-improve-disability-housing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b982c0fde2f1f6ed28625b</guid><category><![CDATA[Housing]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:35:26 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Medicaid Expanding Offerings For Kids With Severe Needs]]></title><description><![CDATA[Federal Medicaid officials are issuing new guidance aimed at making it easier for children with complex medical conditions like severe autism and cerebral palsy to access the care they need, even if that means crossing state lines. To read the full article click HERE]]></description><link>https://www.thearcoflarimercounty.org/post/medicaid-expanding-offerings-for-kids-with-severe-needs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b9820f3219c8444992e5c3</guid><category><![CDATA[Health & Medicaid]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:32:20 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Aaron Zimola</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>