This edition of Connecting focuses on the power and importance of parent and family advocacy. I want to take a moment to humbly thank everyone who contributed to this discussion—your voices and experiences are the foundation of our work. Now more than ever, the perspectives of parents and family members of children with disabilities are critical in shaping the future of services and policies that impact our community.
Lately, there has been a flood of news and information surrounding potential budget cuts, reductions in services, and talk of ‘waste’ and ‘fraud’. Depending on personal perspective and lived experience, these conversations can evoke deep emotional reactions. At Raising Special Kids, we recognize the challenge of sorting through mountains of information—sometimes conflicting, sometimes misleading—to bring clarity to the families we serve.
Our mission is to strengthen families and systems of care to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families. As part of this commitment, we work diligently to help Arizona parents and families understand the key issues being debated and the potential consequences of policy decisions. Some of these changes could drastically alter the support systems that families rely on in healthcare, education, and community services.
Raising Special Kids has been closely monitoring policy discussions and decisions—some made with little or no input from the families they affect. At this time, we are particularly focused on three key issues that could have a profound impact on thousands of Arizona families raising children with disabilities and special healthcare needs:
- MEDICAID CUTS – Medicaid in Arizona is known as AHCCCS, which funds critical services for individuals with disabilities. This includes home- and community-based services that enable independent living, therapies such as speech and occupational therapy provided through IEPs in schools, medical equipment, personal care services, and behavioral health supports. Reductions in Medicaid funding could result in thousands of children and adults with disabilities losing access to vital services. Families may face prolonged waitlists, reduced hours of care, or even complete loss of essential supports. These cuts could force many individuals into institutional settings, reversing decades of progress in community-based care.
- THE FUTURE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION – While statutory programs like IDEA and Title I remain intact, the landscape is shifting. As of the date of this writing, nearly half of the Department has been reduced, and many discretionary programs and grants have been eliminated. Without oversight, enforcement, and funding, schools may struggle to provide legally required services to students with disabilities. The loss of federal guidance and enforcement of civil rights protections puts students at risk of discrimination, inadequate educational services, and diminished opportunities for success. Particularly troubling is the cessation of investigation and enforcement of civil rights complaints and violations, which could leave families without recourse when schools fail to meet their obligations.
- ARIZONA LEGISLATURE VS. GOVERNOR HOBBS – Funding for Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has been at the center of political debate. The Division requires approximately $120 million to close a budget shortfall for this fiscal year. Without a solution, over 60,000 families could face devastating consequences, including the loss of home- and community-based services that support their loved ones. Now is the time for leaders to set aside political differences and focus on real solutions that prioritize the well-being of Arizona families. Parents and caregivers of children and adults with significant disabilities have been—and should continue—demanding action from both the Legislature and the Governor to ensure that critical services remain intact. The question, in our estimation, is not who is to blame, but rather how we can move forward together to protect and support the children and adults who depend on these essential services.
Our lead article this week explores the history and ongoing importance of parent and family advocacy. If any of these key issues resonate with you, we encourage you to share your story with your legislators at the state and federal levels. Your voice matters.
HELPFUL ADVOCACY LINKS
- To find your Arizona state legislators, visit https://www.azleg.gov/findmylegislator/
- To find your U.S. Congress representatives, visit https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
- Read about how to engage in effective advocacy https://wapave.org/telling-your-story-with-a-purpose/
Thank you for being part of this conversation and speaking up for Arizona families.
Christopher Tiffany
Executive Director