Katrina Robertson demands transparency for disability services funding in Garland County

During a recent meeting of the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee, significant concerns were raised regarding the treatment and rights of individuals with disabilities in Arkansas. The testimony of Katrina Robertson, a resident of Garland County and mother of a 22-year-old son with complex needs, highlighted the challenges faced by families navigating the system of care for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Robertson expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and cooperation from institutions that receive federal funding, particularly regarding Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. She emphasized that these institutions should be subject to FOIA, as they are funded by taxpayer dollars. Her comments underscored a broader call for accountability and access to information that families need to advocate for their loved ones.

The meeting also addressed the controversial use of restraints in community care settings. Robertson shared her personal experience, detailing how her son became a danger to himself and others due to inadequate support from community-based providers. She argued that while the ideal scenario would be to avoid restraints, the reality is that some individuals require them for their safety and the safety of others. This perspective was echoed by another family who reported distress over the intervention of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DRA), which they felt mischaracterized their daughter's use of restraints as abuse.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the complexities involved in caring for individuals with disabilities and the need for policies that prioritize their safety and well-being. As families like Robertson's continue to advocate for better support systems, the committee's actions could have lasting implications for the future of disability services in Arkansas.

The meeting concluded with a call for further consideration of proposed legislation aimed at improving the care and rights of individuals with disabilities, signaling a potential shift towards more supportive and responsive policies in the state.