Families, advocates spotlight decade-long wait for state disability waivers as candidates weigh in

More than 2,000 Arkansas families remain on the state's CES waiver wait list for disability services, and some say waits that can last years are forcing impossible choices, a THV11 report said.

"There's so much red tape and rules," said Marishia Rank, the mother of Shiloh, a child with Down syndrome, describing delays securing equipment and services. The report said some families were given stark options in emergency cases, including institutionalization or relinquishing parental rights.

THV11 reporter Tanya Motorzit said the backlog can take up to 10 years to clear for some families. Lawmakers previously approved a major payout that allowed many families to move off the list, but advocates and parents say more action is needed to address the remaining backlog.

Several gubernatorial candidates have raised the issue on the campaign trail. The report quoted candidate Fred Love saying he helped pass a bill to remove 3,000 families from the wait list and urged renewed efforts. Candidate Colt Shelby called the backlog a priority and said a special legislative session would have been preferable to recent tax cuts.

The governor's office said it is reviewing ways to address the problem, the report added.

Why it matters: Families and advocates say the delays affect access to medical equipment, therapies and in-home supports that can be critical for children and adults with disabilities. Parents described prolonged hospital stays and repeated appeals for help.

What's next: The story said the policy debate has reached statewide campaigns and that any permanent remedy would require state-level funding and administrative changes. THV11 said it will continue to follow announcements from the governor's office and legislative leaders.

Sources: THV11 reporting; on-camera interview with Marishia Rank; statements reported from candidates and the governor's office.