
ALT Image ID: Photo of Sabrina testifying. The Arc of Texas logo top left. Colors of purple, orange, yellow and white. The image says: This week, Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, testified before the House Human Services Committee on the challenges Texans with IDD face when trying to access supports to thrive in their communities. Thanks to the nearly 60 Texans who used our sample language in the House Public Comment Portal!

ALT Image ID: Photo of Sabrina testifying. The Arc of Texas logo top left. Colors of purple, orange, yellow and white. The image says: “Waiting 18 years for services takes a tremendous toll on individuals with IDD and their families.” The current system “reflects not true choice, but a lack of community-based supports,” causing Texans in crisis to resort to institutionalization. -- Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, Director of Public Policy & Advocacy

ALT Image ID: Headshots of Rep. Manuel and Rep. Rose next to their quotes. The Arc of Texas logo bottom right and a large quotation mark bottom left. Colors of purple, orange, yellow and white. The image says: “People with IDD just want to be part of the Texas experience like everybody else.” - Rep. Christian Manuel | District 22, Vice Chair, Texas House Committee on Human Services “The IDD community has been left behind... We have 198,000 people on the waiting list... It is about time the state stepped up and really assist this community. I think it's a travesty for someone to have to wait on the list for services for over 17 years.” -- Rep. Toni Rose | District 110
![Image ID: Headshots of Rep. Manuel and Rep. Rose next to their quotes. The Arc of Texas logo bottom right and a large quotation mark bottom left. Colors of purple, orange, yellow and white. The image says: “I really love individuals [with IDD] and what they bring to our society... we do need to make sure that they are provided for in a way that is adequate for their needs.” -- Rep. Candy Noble | District 89
“I had the honor and pleasure of talking to a mother about [Texas' Medicaid waiver programs] and she said that she feared her son would die before he became eligible… and she teared up." -- Rep. Aicha Davis | District 109](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HH05wayaMAAdqI8.jpg?name=small&format=webp)
ALT Image ID: Headshots of Rep. Manuel and Rep. Rose next to their quotes. The Arc of Texas logo bottom right and a large quotation mark bottom left. Colors of purple, orange, yellow and white. The image says: “I really love individuals [with IDD] and what they bring to our society... we do need to make sure that they are provided for in a way that is adequate for their needs.” -- Rep. Candy Noble | District 89 “I had the honor and pleasure of talking to a mother about [Texas' Medicaid waiver programs] and she said that she feared her son would die before he became eligible… and she teared up." -- Rep. Aicha Davis | District 109












