The purpose of the Council is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in all facets of community life.
Along with our network partners, the Council works to implement the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act in Arkansas so that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are fully supported to live their best lives in their communities.
In addition to the DD Act, the most important guide for Council activity planning is input from Arkansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Your lived experience matters! Please read on to learn how to participate.
State Plan Development Public Input
The Council is developing our next five-year state plan, a workplan for activities starting 10/01/2026 and continuing through 09/30/2031.
We need more input from Arkansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities! Now scheduling one-on-one interviews.
If you are willing to help us by sharing your input and ideas, please contact Jonathan Taylor. You can email him at
[email protected]
Jon will assist you with scheduling an interview. Our staff is happy to schedule for in-person, online, or through a video meeting. We have several video platform options to fit your needs.
Questions or need more information? Call Jon at 501-682-2912 or Assiah Lewellen at 501-682-4431. Let us know if you want to learn more about sharing your experience with us.
You can also complete an online survey if you prefer that method of providing input. Click this link to find our Survey on Future Activities https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2zf6U-ddJTVAZwEoQRzh3J8ws3RYMkWWEZOIdcO10b2AjDg/viewform?usp=sf_link
Please think about these questions in regards to your or your family’s lived experience with intellectual and developmental disabilities:
What are your (or the family’s) needs?
What barriers have you (or the family) faced?
What will make you happy?
What do you worry about? (What keeps you up at night?)
DD Network Listening Sessions
The Council is a member of the Arkansas Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network. From January through May 2025, the DD Network traveled across Arkansas to hear community concerns and learn about individual and family needs.
We held 11 in-person listening session events and gained vital insights. Through these sessions and the data collected, our network is working to identify the most pressing needs of the intellectual and developmental disability community in our state. The information we gathered will guide our strategic plans to address those needs.
Your input is vital to focus our efforts exactly where Arkansas needs them. We are planning an additional, virtual (online) listening session in July 2025.
To get on the invite list for the virtual session, please email Scottie York at [email protected]
We hope to see you soon. Please spread the word! Watch this space and our social media for details.
CONTACTS:
Jonathan Taylor, to propose a new session/offer to host a session, or schedule a one-on-one interview – email Jon at [email protected]
Assiah Lewellen, to learn more about GCDD state plan activities, state plan development, advocacy, or schedule a one-on-one interview – email Assiah (ah-see-yuh) at [email protected]
Linda Sims, to learn more about GCDD grants and programs – email Linda at [email protected]
Scottie York, for information & operations at GCDD – email [email protected]
Sign up for our newsletter: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/MQQsk3r
To provide other public comments or submit feedback on current and past GCDD programs/activities: https://gcdd.arkansas.gov/slides/opportunities-for-public-comment/