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Federal Disability Enforcement Continues to Shift: What Families Should Know

July 20, 2026

Federal Disability Enforcement Continues to Shift: What Families Should Know

Recent federal actions have prompted questions about how disability laws may be interpreted and enforced. Here's what families need to know. Over the past several…

News & Updates

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July 14, 2026

ACTION ALERT: Sign the Petition to Keep IDEA Oversight at the U.S. Department of Education

A national coalition of disability organizations has launched a petition asking the Administration and members of Congress to keep the Office of Special Education and…

News & Updates

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July 13, 2026

Education Department Shares New Details About Special Education Transition: What Families Should Know

The federal government has released new details about its plan to move special education oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services. Learn what…

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July 7, 2026

What Families Should Know About a National Petition Related to Special Education Oversight

Recent discussions about the future of federal oversight for special education have prompted disability organizations, parent centers, educators, and advocates across the country to share…

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June 29, 2026

Opening Doors to Employment

Work is possible with the right support Arizona is an Employment First state. This promotes the idea that employment is a possibility for everyone, including…

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News & Updates

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June 29, 2026

Moving Special Education from DOE to HHS Is a Step Backward for Students with Disabilities

A Perspective from Our Executive Director Like many parents, I never imagined becoming an expert in special education law, healthcare systems, transition planning, or disability…

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June 22, 2026

New DOJ Memo Raises Concerns About Disability Rights and Community Living

A new Department of Justice memo is raising serious concerns among disability advocates and families who rely on community-based services and supports. As reported by…

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June 22, 2026

ACTION ALERT: Join a National Disability Coalition Effort to Protect IDEA and Civil Rights Enforcement

This Thursday, June 25, National PLACE and a broad coalition of disability advocates, Parent Centers (including Encircle Families), families, and organizations across the country are…

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June 16, 2026

A Message to Families and Our Community

By now, many families have likely heard the news about today’s major announcement involving special education. The U.S. Department of Education has announced an interagency…

From the Director

News & Updates

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June 12, 2026

Remembering Nilda Townsend

Encircle Families is deeply saddened by the passing of Nilda Townsend, a beloved former Family Support Specialist whose kindness, wisdom, and steady presence touched so…

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June 11, 2026

LUMINA 2026 Gallery

Lumina was made possible by an incredible community of artists, sponsors, volunteers, staff, donors, and guests who came together to support Arizona families of children…

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June 9, 2026

What New Medicaid Eligibility Changes Could Mean for People With Disabilities

A recent article in Disability Scoop highlighted concerns from disability advocates about proposed changes to Medicaid eligibility rules and what they could mean for people…

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