Arkansas Waiver Association- AWA

02/06/2026

For years, Medicaid Waiver providers have stretched every dollar to support people with disabilities, while reimbursement rates remained untouched. Arkansas’ own rate study confirms rates paid to providers are 23% below the actual cost of care. Delaying the increase puts Arkansans with disabilities and the services they rely on at risk.

Use your voice today. Our state legislators need to hear from all of us.

🔗Arkansas' Rate Study: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/newsroom/hcbs/hcbs-rate-report/
🔗Read the Article: https://mailchi.mp/cf577254758f/asn-feb-update-3-big-things-6255222
🔍Find your representatives: https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Legislators/Search

08/20/2025

The Enabling Technology Summit is back September 9–10 at the Little Rock Marriott! Join technology professionals and explore how technology is transforming support for people with disabilities.

AWA is helping make this event more accessible. If you receive Community and Employment Support (CES) Waiver services, you can enter to win free lodging while attending the summit.

The drawing is on Friday, Aug. 29th. Register to win free lodging at the Little Rock Marriott through this link today! https://forms.gle/Sj3rKbt8EA6dcvm68

*People receiving Home and Community-Based Services and their caregivers can register to attend the Summit for free, though seating is limited.

Register for the Summit: https://web.cvent.com/event/8354ec9b-a5b4-4588-a2d7-61bc1658fd7f/summary?fbclid=IwY2xjawMTARxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFiVU1td1RtSzNsMGhwWWJRAR6FGeyNAtrO8F3Y7IwKGlCkADPND7W0sXVguDBvw4XOeB8ePV6WTzYc712z4A_aem_Rx4MEab8fdB5VI39ugFWqA

07/31/2025

AWA is excited to share the Enabling Technology Summit is back in Little Rock, September 9-10, with opportunities to explore the latest advancements in Enabling and Assistive Technology and Remote Support.

Attendees will:
• Learn from leading experts
• Explore the latest tools and services
• Build meaningful connections

People receiving disability services and their caregivers, providers, PASSEs, DHS teams, and anyone interested in enhancing independence and quality of life through innovative technology solutions are welcome to register.
*People receiving Home and Community-Based Services and their caregivers can register to attend for free, though seating is limited.

Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/8354ec9b-a5b4-4588-a2d7-61bc1658fd7f/summary?fbclid=IwY2xjawL4d-tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYd09rdVBEb2cyZXRqV0xxAR7y1Brqlr9WejI6_tx_kvnyjTsJVoVGYA30jg3MKWapZCNM3rLYvq3GJGG0RA_aem_oyCbIezcLw5AEHskQ-LIbQ

04/04/2025

ASK YOUR AR HOUSE MEMBERS TO VOTE NO!!!

💯💯 UPDATE 💯💯
The Soft Drink Tax bill 🛑FAILED🛑 in the house chamber!!!

Thank you for sharing our page, spreading a word, contacting your legislators, and everything else you have done!! 🙏🙇‍♀️
👊Team Effort👊

_______________________________________________
‼️ VOTE NO to HB1636 on Monday at House Chamber‼️

HB1636 Soft Drink Tax Bill just passed the committee.
This will go to the full house Monday, where all the representatives will vote.
Please contact your local representatives NOW and ask them to VOTE NO to HB1636!!!!

There are 100 House Representatives. We need to contact them all to vote NO.

Here is the link to the legislator list: https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Legislators/List?sort=Type&by=asc&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R

Here is the link to District Finder:
https://districtfinder.youraedi.com/

This bill will cut Medicaid funding!!
Please spread words among your clients' families, staff, and community supporters!!

03/28/2025

📢 Announcement: Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) Applications Open!

The Arkansas Department of Human Services is establishing a Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) to provide valuable insights and guidance on Medicaid program administration.

💡Help shape the future of Medicaid in Arkansas!
📅 Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
🔗 Learn more & apply: humanservices.arkansas.gov/u/MAC

03/19/2025

For more information or to apply by April 30, 2025, use this link, https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/u/MAC

11/13/2024

The Enabling Technology Summit is November 18 and 19 at the Little Rock Marriott.

Know before you go information, https://www.canva.com/design/DAGRm1K_SeI/lmqoinRybrhDPgFgoZ9Tqw/view?utm_content=DAGRm1K_SeI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor #1

Register for the event, https://web.cvent.com/.../16157e83-939a-49e1-8bda.../summary

11/05/2024

The Enabling Technology Summit is November 18 and 19 at the Little Rock Marriott. Hear from leading experts in assistive technology and remote support. Explore a wide range of products and services from top technology vendors.

Find out more and register for the event, https://web.cvent.com/event/16157e83-939a-49e1-8bda-ed80a6785206/summary

10/18/2024

The Enabling Technology Summit is November 18 and 19 at the Little Rock Marriott. Hear from leading experts in assistive technology and remote support. Explore a wide range of products and services from top technology vendors.

Enter to win free passes to attend, https://form.jotform.com/242884164529163

Find out more and register for the event, https://web.cvent.com/event/16157e83-939a-49e1-8bda-ed80a6785206/summary

08/26/2024

AWA is excited to support the Enabling Technology Summit, November 18 & 19 in Little Rock. And, we are thrilled that individuals receiving home and community-based services and their supporters can attend for free! Make plans to attend!

Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/16157e83-939a-49e1-8bda-ed80a6785206/summary

08/01/2024

Save the date for the Enabling Technology Summit, November 18-19, 2024 in Little Rock!!

AWA always works to introduce best practice concepts through our annual conference, and the ARPA-funded Enabling Technology project currently happening in our state is the best and most exciting opportunity we've seen for an innovative expansion of home and community-based service options in Arkansas in a very long time. We hope to see you there in November!

03/22/2024

AWA's president, Syard Evans, highlights ongoing DSP workforce challenges in today's paper:

In December 2021, then-Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced a promising initiative with a commitment of $37.6 million to eliminate the waiting list for Medicaid waiver services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Arkansas. This move was celebrated as a significant step forwa...