J.D. McCarty Center seeks flat appropriation, highlights ARPA‑funded ABA clinic and free therapeutic screenings
January 22, 2026 | 2026 Legislature OK, Oklahoma
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Mr. Powers, speaking for the J.D. McCarty Center, told the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Health that the Norman‑based pediatric rehabilitation hospital is requesting a flat appropriation of about $4,750,000 for the coming fiscal year and emphasized the center’s expansion of services without an increase in base state funding.
Powers described a wide range of services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including occupational and physical therapy, speech and language pathology, applied behavioral analysis (ABA), and school‑based services provided through a contract with Norman Public Schools. "These therapeutic service screenings are free. We don't bill insurance," Powers said, describing a two‑hour evaluation that frequently leads to either in‑house services or direct referrals to local providers.
The center reported serving more than 1,200 unique patients and providing more than 35,000 total encounters in the last fiscal year. Powers said several one‑time capital projects have been completed, including renovations and HVAC upgrades, and he highlighted an ARPA‑funded, 14,000‑square‑foot outpatient ABA clinic built at a cost of $6,800,000. He said the ABA clinic cut the ribbon in August and is expected to be at capacity in three to six weeks; Powers projected the clinic will serve 30 children at 30 hours per week when full.
Committee members praised the center’s efficiency and asked for details on transition services and independent living skills training. Powers said the summer intensive independent living program typically serves six to 12 teens and that inpatients receive school through Norman Public Schools via embedded teachers and paraprofessionals. The center also requested continued legislative support for allied health and nursing education to sustain workforce pipelines, and for access to long‑range capital planning funds to address one‑time campus maintenance needs such as roof replacement.
No formal votes were taken. The center’s request will be considered alongside other agency requests during broader budget deliberations.
Powers described a wide range of services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including occupational and physical therapy, speech and language pathology, applied behavioral analysis (ABA), and school‑based services provided through a contract with Norman Public Schools. "These therapeutic service screenings are free. We don't bill insurance," Powers said, describing a two‑hour evaluation that frequently leads to either in‑house services or direct referrals to local providers.
The center reported serving more than 1,200 unique patients and providing more than 35,000 total encounters in the last fiscal year. Powers said several one‑time capital projects have been completed, including renovations and HVAC upgrades, and he highlighted an ARPA‑funded, 14,000‑square‑foot outpatient ABA clinic built at a cost of $6,800,000. He said the ABA clinic cut the ribbon in August and is expected to be at capacity in three to six weeks; Powers projected the clinic will serve 30 children at 30 hours per week when full.
Committee members praised the center’s efficiency and asked for details on transition services and independent living skills training. Powers said the summer intensive independent living program typically serves six to 12 teens and that inpatients receive school through Norman Public Schools via embedded teachers and paraprofessionals. The center also requested continued legislative support for allied health and nursing education to sustain workforce pipelines, and for access to long‑range capital planning funds to address one‑time campus maintenance needs such as roof replacement.
No formal votes were taken. The center’s request will be considered alongside other agency requests during broader budget deliberations.
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