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State of Denial

Inside Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities

Arizona’s services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are supposed to be the best in the country. But the state is failing to deliver. ProPublica and the Arizona Daily Star are working to make stories accessible. You can read the stories in plain language and Spanish and listen to audio versions.

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ProPublica and Partners Nominated for Seven ONA Awards

ProPublica Local Reporting Network Partner Amy Silverman Named Arizona Journalist of the Year

Two ProPublica Local Reporting Network Projects Named Finalists for Shadid Award for Journalism Ethics

A Woman With Developmental Disabilities Was Abused in Arizona. The State Promised Changes. It Has Not Made Them Yet.

After a Violent Crime, Arizona Promised Reforms for People With Developmental Disabilities. It Has Yet to Deliver.

They Made a Revolutionary System to Protect People With Developmental Disabilities. Now It’s Falling Apart.

Join Us for an Event About Our Investigation Into Arizona’s Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services

Join Us to Talk About the Stories We Wrote About People With Developmental Disabilities in Arizona

This System Is Supposed to Protect People With Developmental Disabilities. It Is Falling Apart.

People with Developmental Disabilities Were Promised Help. Instead, They Face Delays and Denials.

Editors’ Note: Why We Investigated the Treatment of People With Developmental Disabilities

He Has a Developmental Disability and Needs a Caretaker. The State Suggested Diapers Instead.

She Needs a Device to Communicate. The State Has Kept it From Her for 18 Months.

“I Thought Arizona Was Rated High for Disability Services, But That Is Wrong.”

Arizona Promised to Help People With Developmental Disabilities. But Some Had to Wait a Long Time. Some Did Not Get Help at All.

Editors’ Note: Why We Wrote About the Way People With Developmental Disabilities Get Treated

How We Wrote the Story

He Has a Developmental Disability. He Needs a Helper. Arizona Said He Could Wear Diapers Instead.

She Needs a Device to Talk to People. Arizona Has Not Given It to Her. It Has Been 1.5 Years.

“I Thought Arizona Was Rated High for Disability Services, But That Is Wrong.”

Prometieron ayuda para las personas con discapacidades de desarrollo. En lugar de recibirla, enfrentan retrasos y rechazos.

Community Storytelling Is Informing Our Coverage of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services. Share Your Story.

What’s Your Experience With Intellectual and Developmental Disability Care in Arizona?

Arizonans: Share Your Story About Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at our Virtual Event

Intellectual Disability Service Providers Want to Protect Clients. The State Isn’t Telling Them How.