As the economy continues to falter, strapped states are cutting much needed social and medical services for people with disabilities.

In Arizona, more than 1,000 people are without home health aides. In California, the state’s Medicaid program cut dental services. Children with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities are on never ending waiting lists for therapies in several states.

And beyond the personal impact, such cuts are likely to yield higher expenses to states long term since people who lack services now will likely need more intensive help in the future, reports The New York Times. To read more click here.

Stimulus funds are helping to stem the tide to some degree. In Tennessee such funds will prop up a $7 million program that provides funds directly to families to pay for therapy, respite care and medical needs. But once those funds disappear, the program’s budget could drop to $200,000 next year, reports The Tennessean. To read more click here.

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