DHS: An insider’s guide
The Arkansas Department of Human Services is often unfairly depicted as a faceless bureaucracy. It is the largest entity within our state government, with a small army of employees at its disposal. DHS employs roughly 7,400 people across nine divisions and six public...
DRA files lawsuit against Division of Services for the Blind
UPDATE August 9, 2019: We appreciate the Division's expeditious response to this individual's complaint. We truly hope that they look at the systemic issues that caused it. We will continue to monitor the services provided by DSB to ensure that all clients are...
I’m not broken: The danger of well-meaning assumptions
FIRST PERSON: We plan to occasionally publish blog posts that highlight the lived experience of people with disabilities. We're proud to kick off the First Person blog feature with this piece by our own staff advocate Abigail Craig. If you have a story to tell, email...
Free appropriate public education: What is the age range?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures all children with disabilities have access to a free public education, including special education and related services. The services provided under the umbrella of a free appropriate...
UPDATED: DRA Statement on the Division of Services for the Blind Funding Crisis
This past legislative session, the Arkansas executive branch underwent a “government transformation.” In doing so, the Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) transferred from underneath the Department of Human Services to the Department of Commerce, Division of...
EPSDT: an ounce of prevention (and treatment) for children
The Medicaid Act provides a variety of both services and protections for people with disabilities. One of the populations that benefits the most from Medicaid services is children. Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) is a Medicaid benefit...
Registering to vote: What you need to know
It's National Disability Voter Registration Week! Here are the basics of how to get registered and vote. If you're not registered, then you cannot vote. If you don't vote, then you're missing out on your chance to choose the people who represent you in government and...
Guest Blogger Jackson Shaddox: It’s your right. Have your say!
July 15-21 is National Disability Voter Registration Week. Throughout the week, we'll share articles and resources about voting: why you should vote, how you can register, and the difference we can all make when our voices are heard. To kick things off, we asked...
HUD offers $150 million to provide affordable housing to people with disabilities
HUD OFFERS $150 MILLION TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Funding expected to help approximately 18,000 non-elderly persons with disabilities The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is offering $150 million in grants to...
Information about applying for FEMA Disaster Relief Assistance
The State of Arkansas has been approved for a major disaster declaration due to the recent storms and subsequent flooding. Individual Assistance, Public Assistance Category A—Debris Removal, Category B—Emergency Protective Measures, and Direct Federal Assistance is...