In a poignant session of the Arizona House Appropriations Committee on April 15, 2025, heartfelt testimonies from individuals and families highlighted the urgent need for community-based care for those with disabilities. The meeting, held under the soft glow of city hall lights, became a platform for advocates to share their personal experiences and call for systemic change.

One of the most moving accounts came from a 61-year-old man who recently earned his master's degree in social work. He spoke candidly about his past, having been institutionalized at the age of six. His journey from isolation to community integration underscored the importance of belonging and the need for support systems that keep individuals with disabilities connected to their communities. "We must all belong," he emphasized, reminding committee members of their responsibility to allocate funds wisely to support such initiatives.

Following his testimony, Amy Haley, a mother of a 13-year-old boy with complex medical and behavioral needs, painted a stark picture of her daily challenges. She described the overwhelming reality of caring for her son, Caleb, who cannot communicate verbally and often resorts to self-injury when distressed. Haley's plea for more accessible and skilled caregiving options resonated deeply, as she highlighted the difficulties families face in finding qualified providers willing to take on such high-risk roles for inadequate pay. "Finding providers skilled, capable, and willing to do this work is almost impossible," she lamented.

Haley also addressed the limitations of existing programs, noting that while the Parents' Pay Caregivers Program expanded the workforce, it did not significantly impact the services Caleb receives. She called for a reevaluation of how caregivers are valued and supported, emphasizing that many families, like hers, are often left in the shadows, struggling to find adequate care.

The committee members listened intently, with some expressing gratitude for the testimonies and acknowledging the complexities involved in funding and providing care. The discussions illuminated a critical gap in services for families with children who have both medical and behavioral complexities, raising questions about the future of care options in Arizona.

As the meeting concluded, the emotional weight of the testimonies lingered in the air, leaving a clear message: the need for community-based care is urgent, and the responsibility to act lies with those in power. The stories shared that day serve as a reminder of the human faces behind policy decisions and the profound impact that thoughtful funding and support can have on families navigating the challenges of disability care.