04/28/2026
Email sent from The Arc of Texas: Act Now: By May 5, Tell Texas House Committee on Human Services to Prioritize Investments in Services for Texans with IDD
What's Happening
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Texas House Committee on Human Services will hold a public hearing to study the services available to Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This hearing represents a critical opportunity for Texans with IDD and their families to share their experiences and ensure Texans with IDD can access services that are timely, reliable, and responsive to their needs. Although the committee will only hear invited testimony, the public is invited to submit written comments using the House Public Comment Portal (instructions below). The committee will consider the following interim* charge:
• Provision of Services for Texans with IDD: Evaluate the availability of services for Texans with IDD, including service coordination, Home and Community-Based Services, and the functionality of the waiver interest list. Ensure vulnerable Texans are protected by the current regulatory landscape and make recommendations for improvements.
*The Texas Legislature convenes every other year to consider and vote on policies that shape the lives of Texans. The "interim" refers to the period between legislative sessions, during which time legislative committees study key topics ("interim charges") to prepare for the next legislative session (January 2027).
Why It Matters
Texans with IDD rely on a variety of supports to live full and self-determined lives, including Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, services provided by local IDD authorities, and natural supports from families, among others. These services help meet everyday needs such as personal care, medication management, transportation, employment supports, and more. However, Texas struggles to ensure these supports are available when needed. Here's why:
• More than 198,000 Texans with disabilities continue to wait on interest lists for Medicaid waiver services, with some waiting up to 17 years.
• Ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining a stable, high-quality direct care workforce make it difficult for people to receive services consistently, even after they are authorized.
These challenges highlight the urgent need for a system that ensures timely access to services that are available, reliable, and responsive to each person’s needs.
Make Your Voice Heard: Two Ways
Use our sample language below to take action by May 5 in one of two ways:
1. Submit your comments to the committee electronically via the House Public Comment portal.
◦ Enter your contact information
◦ Under “Comments regarding,” select “Bills and Topics”; choose “Provision of Services for Texans with IDD” from dropdown menu
◦ Enter your comments in the text box (3,000 character limit), and use sample language provided below, along with your experience
◦ When finished, click red “Submit” button at bottom right
2. Call or email your member of the Texas House and Texas Senate to urge them to prioritize funding for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Texans with IDD need to live in their homes and communities. Find out who represents you in the Texas Legislature here.
Sample Language
Use this language, paired with your experience, on the comment portal, on a call, or by sending an email.
Subject: Invest in Community Services for Texans with IDD
Dear Members of the House Human Services Committee,
I urge you to strengthen and expand access to community-based services for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who rely on a combination of vital supports, including Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), local IDD authorities, and family support, to live independently and remain in their communities. Too often, people wait decades for these services, and more than 196,000 Texans with disabilities are currently waiting for access to a HCBS waiver. Even after gaining access, many struggle to find consistent support due to ongoing workforce shortages. This reality places immense strain on individuals and families and makes it difficult to maintain stability. I urge the Committee to prioritize solutions that create a responsive system of supports, ensuring Texans with IDD can access the services they need in a timely manner and achieve a high quality of life.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
