Court rejects Toma and Petersen’s claims of legislative privilege tied to how past legislation became law
The state's top Republican lawmakers can't avoid having to answer questions about their backing of legislation making it more difficult to register to vote.
Lawmakers explore development of flying drone taxis
Arizona lawmakers are hoping the state becomes a pioneer in establishing necessary infrastructure to accommodate flying, unmanned taxis as a transportation service in the state within the decade.
October time to shine light on benefits of workers with disabilities
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year’s theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.” Observed annually in October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present.
Empowering innovation, tenacity aids people with disabilities
As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let us honor the tenacity and innovation of people with disabilities. Together, we can break down obstacles and champion equal opportunities, not as a dream but as recognition of this fundamental right for all.
ESA program added almost 50,000 students in the past year, state reports
The state added nearly 12,000 students to the Empowerment Scholarship Account program in the last quarter, bringing total enrollment to 61,689 at the end of June and renewing debates about the costs and benefits of the program.
Arizona needs 190K direct care workers in next seven years
By 2030, Arizona will need more than 190,000 new direct care workers. Those results, from a 2021 survey from the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI), concluded that, without intervention, the caregiver crisis will worsen.
4 firms submit bids to run ESA program
Four financial management companies put in proposals to run the state’s burgeoning Empowerment Scholarship Account program, the state treasury announced May 22.
Board of Education approves ESA handbook despite concerns
The State Board of Education voted to approve the Empowerment Scholarship Account handbook today, though two board members voted against adopting the final draft, citing frustration with accepting last minute “substantive” changes without sufficient stakeholder input.
AZ Nurses urge Biden to protect Medicare Advantage, reject cuts
The Arizona Nurses Association, as our state’s oldest and largest nursing organization, now feels compelled to speak out against a Biden administration proposal to cut billions of dollars from Medicare Advantage in the coming year.
DOE’s proposed ESA handbook edits draw parents’ anger
The Arizona Department of Education’s proposed edits to the Empowerment Scholarship Account handbook were met with backlash and claims of improper outside influence in a state board of education meeting today.
Cuts to Medicare Advantage would harm Arizonans with disabilities
Those of us at Ability360 ask that the Biden administration reject cuts to Medicare Advantage and continue to support this vital program.
Hiring people with disabilities is good for business, good for Arizona
People with disabilities have long been underrepresented or excluded from the workforce based on employers’ low expectations and prejudiced bias about abilities. As CEO of an Arizona-based organization that promotes opportunity and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities, I can tell you that things are looking up, but there is still more to do.