“State of Denial” is a joint project between the Arizona Daily Star and the Local Reporting Network of ProPublica, a nonprofit investigative news outlet that helps local media produce accountability journalism.
Drew Bolender is featured in the story about Arizona's Division of Developmental Disabilities. Drew was born with brain damage, has epilepsy and was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. When the state’s DDD indicated it was moving to cut his caregiving hours, BJ, his mother, was livid.
Drew Bolender
Drew Bolender, 41, with his mother, BJ, share a moment in their kitchen on July 30, 2020, in Phoenix, Ariz. BJ says Drew was born with severe brain damage, has epilepsy and was recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. Drew requires 24-hour care, seven days a week.
Drew Bolender
Drew Bolender, 41, talks with one of his caregivers, Gladys Jerry, in his bedroom on July 30, 2020. Drew lives in Phoenix, Ariz. with his mom,
Drew Bolender
Drew Bolender, 41, performs an exercise and is guided by one of his caregivers, Araceli Rivera, in his living room on July 30, 2020. Drew lives in Phoenix, Ariz. with his mom, BJ.
Drew Bolender
Drew Bolender, 41, takes a short break from his exercises and receives water from one of his caregivers, Araceli Rivera, on July 30, 2020. Drew lives in Phoenix, Ariz. with his mom, BJ.
Drew Bolender
Drew Bolender, 41, moves to a more comfortable chair with the help of one of his caregivers, Araceli Rivera, on July 30, 2020. Drew lives in Phoenix, Ariz. with his mom, BJ.
Drew Bolender
Drew Bolender, 41, was recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. As part of his routine, one of his caregivers will work with him on dates and days of the week.
Drew Bolender
Drew Bolender, 41, lives in Phoenix, Ariz. with his mom, BJ. BJ says Drew was born with severe brain damage, has epilepsy and was recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease.
Drew Bolender
Drew Bolender, 41, with his mother, BJ, talk about music in their kitchen on July 30, 2020, in Phoenix, Ariz. Drew loves heavy metal music and one of his favorite bands is Guns and Roses.
Drew Bolender
BJ Bolender, right, helps her son, Drew, 41, into his recliner in their home in Phoenix, Ariz. on July 30, 2020.
Mamta Popat
Photojournalist
Arizonans with developmental disabilities were promised help. Instead, they face delays and denials.
When state services don’t come through, Arizonans with developmental disabilities struggle with a system balanced on the backs of families.
We worked with ProPublica to write this story. The Star is part of ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network.
Even if you qualify for the highest level of services, you still might not get the care you need as a person with developmental disabilities in Arizona. The challenges for families can be immense.
When state services don’t come through, Arizonans with developmental disabilities struggle with a system balanced on the backs of families.