New PASSE contract; PASSE performance metrics released
Below are recently released documents related to PASSE: New PASSE contract, effective January of this year; and PASSE Performance Metrics Empower Arkansas Total Care Summit If you have questions about the PASSE or need further information,...
An Open Letter to the Arkansas Legislature
Dear Legislators, We the undersigned urge the Arkansas Legislature to address the needs of all Arkansans with disabilities during the remainder of the session. We want Arkansas to be a place where all individuals are welcome and can receive supports and services. We...
Restraint and seclusion examined this week on KABF “Speak Up Arkansas”
When students pose a threat to themselves or others, educators sometimes need to restrain them or remove them to a separate space. That's supposed to be a last resort, and it's a controversial practice. There are guidelines around restraint and seclusion in schools,...
Disability community opposes Senate Bill 24, “Stand Your Ground”
Disability Rights Arkansas Executive Director Tom Masseau has signed onto the following letter, along with people with disabilities, their families, and disability advocates from across the state, regarding our shared opposition to Senate Bill 24, more commonly known...
Disability issues at the Legislature tonight on Speak Up Arkansas
The 93rd General Assembly convened earlier this month for their regular session. This group of legislators will consider thousands of bills and make hundreds of laws. They will make decisions that affect you, your family, and your community on a daily basis. The...
#ARLEG Update – 1/13/2021
Ready...set...GO. The 93rd Arkansas General Assembly is under way! The 93rd General Assembly convened this week for their regular session. This group of legislators will consider thousands of bills and make hundreds of laws. They will make decisions that affect you,...
DRA, DecARcerate release report on solitary confinement in Arkansas
Decarcerate and Disability Rights Arkansas announce the release of our report on the Arkansas Department of Correction's use of solitary confinement. Read the report here: bit.ly/solitaryreport Here are the major findings: ADC’s use of solitary is the highest in the...
Reflections on 2020 from a self-advocate
As a self-advocate, 2020 has been very rough on me. I am sure I am not the only person with a disability that feels this way. In a normal year, I would have traveled at least once, maybe twice, out of state to conferences to learn about issues that matter to people...
Speak Up Arkansas sheds light on the horrors of solitary confinement
Nine out of ten people who spend time in prison in Arkansas eventually return home to their communities to begin a new life. And what happens in prison doesn’t necessarily stay in prison: a person who is released to begin anew brings with him or her the cumulative...
Life’s no holiday in our state’s psychiatric residential treatment facilities
What are YOU thankful for this holiday season? A warm, comfortable bed? Safety and security? Connection to those you love? Right here in our state, there are children for whom these things are sadly out of reach. For the 800 children currently receiving services in...