Remembering Chris Tebbetts
Christopher Tebbetts, the longest serving member of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026. He was 55. Services for Chris will be held Saturday, February 21st, beginning at 10 AM at Batesville First United Methodist Church. For more details, including his obituary, please click this link (this link opens […]
Reaching Your Own Greatness in 2026
In 2026, the Arkansas DD Network will be offering Reaching My Own Greatness (RMOG) sessions across the state. What is Reaching My Own Greatness? A Self-Determination Curriculum created by People First of Washington. People First of Washington is a powerful self-advocacy organization by and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focused on empowering members […]
Getting to Know Spina Bifida
by Kim Gatewood Spina Bifida Awareness Month is observed every October to raise awareness, support individuals affected by Spina Bifida, and promote education. Spina Bifida is a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. It is a difference in neural tube formation that may cause damage to the spinal cord and […]
How I Prepare
by Kim Gatewood September is National Preparedness Month. FEMA’s Ready Campaign has observed National Preparedness Month since 2004 to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies. The month is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared. Preparedness Starts at Home is the 2025 theme, with a focus on getting back to […]
Focus on Your Well-being
by Kim Gatewood We recently asked the community on social media, “How do you maintain your well-being?” This will be different for everyone. First, I want to share the meaning of well-being. Well-being is your overall feeling of comfort, health, and happiness. I thought it might help if I shared my answer with you. I […]
Thanks to the ADA
by Kim Gatewood Lots of laws affect people with disabilities and their families, and that is why we say, “all policy is disability policy.” However, there are a handful of laws that have made really big changes in daily life…laws that have helped me, and people with disabilities like me, live better lives and be […]
Self Determination – Our Life, Our Way
Are You Living Your Best Life, Your Way? What does your best life look like? At home, at work, and within the community. Self-Determination is the freedom to live as you choose, or to act or decide for yourself what you want or need. You have the same right to self-determination as anyone else (with or […]
We’re Here All Year
We’re Here All Year: Beyond Awareness Months by GCDD Staff Every March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) serves as a powerful reminder that with the proper supports and services, individuals with developmental disabilities are dynamic contributors to the community of their choosing. That individuals with developmental disabilities are valuable members of our communities and deserve […]
Building Relationships and A Career Path Through Supportive Mentors
by Lud Kozlowski At first, being identified by others as autistic offended me, whether it was by a doctor or just someone I met in passing. I knew there were times growing up and as an adult when I obsessed over a matter, and those times were awkward, but the thought of being autistic made […]
Disability Voting Rights Week
Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW) is a nonpartisan movement hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the REV UP. DVRW is about advocacy, celebrating community, and building power. Learn more about DVRW here. In 2024, DVRW is the week of September 9-13. The REV UP Voting Campaign builds the power of […]