Tom Masseau

Graphic displaying Disability Rights Arkansas with text announcing that DRA is affected by the federal government shutdown. The image notes that, due to the lack of Fiscal Year 2026 funding, the organization has paused new case intake and furloughed staff in several programs. Message emphasizes DRA’s continued commitment to advocating for the rights of Arkansans with disabilities.

Due to the ongoing federal shutdown and lack of FY 2026 appropriations, DRA is facing severe funding challenges. We are pausing new case intake and implementing staff furloughs to preserve essential advocacy work. Our commitment to Arkansas’s disability community remains steadfast.

When police are better at diffusing a situation than “Mental health Professionals” something is wrong!

Important announcement from Disability Rights Arkansas on case acceptance and funding. Please read flyer.

This is a horrible bill that will have lasting implications in other nonprofits across the state.

On February 3, 2025, Rep. Jack Ladyman (R-Jonesboro) introduced HB1382. The bill requires Disability Rights Arkansas (DRA) as the designated Protection & Advocacy agency for the state & the designated Client Assistance Program (CAP) for the state, to report to the Hospital, Medicaid, & Developmental Disabilities Study Subcommittee of the Legislative Council. Disability Rights Arkansas is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization authorized by Federal and State law to protect & advocate for the civil & legal rights of people with disabilities in the State of Arkansas since 1980. DRA services include information & referral, short-term assistance, technical assistance, legal representation, systemic advocacy, monitoring, & training. DRA provides an extra layer of protection to people with disabilities in Arkansas at no cost to the state. HB1382 is an overreach by the state to exercise oversight of an independent non-profit organization. The bill would mandate DRA report not only on details of our work to protect & advocate on behalf of people with developmental disabilities, but to provide information about our finances, contractual relationships, & “all information requested” by the committee. There is no exception in the bill for confidential client information or other privileged information. We already report on a regular basis to our federal funders, & we are audited annually by an independent firm. Our organization is required by federal law to investigate abuse, neglect, and exploitation. With excess funds remaining, we may handle cases in other areas, such as Special Education & Medicaid. If HB1382 passes, the additional time & expense we anticipate from complying with these unfunded legislative mandates will affect our ability to handle those cases in the future. All of that information is already publicly available.

Statement from Tom Masseau, Executive Director, Disability Rights Arkansas:

#DisabilityRightsAR #arpx #arleg

Fordyce officer resigns after ‘unjustified use of force’ on handcuffed teen in 2023 Police officials in Fordyce said an officer has resigned after an “unjustified use of force” during a 2023 incident when a teen was hit by an officer while handcuffed.

Did you catch us on the news last night? 📺🎥
An investigation by our Abuse & Neglect Team uncovered the disturbing incident.

View the article: bit.ly/FordycePolic...

#ProtectARChildren #DisabilityRightsAR #PRTF #ResidentialTreatment #Abuse #Fordyce #Reform #SICAA #TroubledTeenIndustry #Arkansas

Systemic failures. Ongoing harm. Children at risk.

This report highlights the devastating impact that oversight gaps can have on the safety & well-being of children.

Hold Little Creek & Acadia Healthcare accountable.

disabilityrightsar.org/oversight-an...

#DisabilityRightsAR #ProtectARChildren