Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities

inclusion. integration. independence.

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Meet the Executive Director

It’s not “Them” and “Us”. It’s just us.By Jon Taylor My involvement in the disability community began about 10 years ago at TJ Maxx in Conway, AR. I was an operations manager, and staffing was a major part of my job. So, when I was told we were going to have a large group of […]

August is ABLE to Save Month

Celebrating National ABLE to Save Month August marks the nationally celebrated ABLE to Save Month where those involved in ABLE Savings Plans programs across the country highlight the value and importance these plans bring to those living with disabilities. The Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act) became law on December […]

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM)

DD Awareness Month Arkansas 2021-Artist Spotlight March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Join the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Arkansas (GCDDAR or the Council) in highlighting the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form stronger, more diverse communities. Together we can raise awareness about the importance of inclusion of […]

National Family Caregivers Month 2020

Thank you Caregivers! National Family Caregivers Month (Caregiver Appreciation Month) is a month-long tribute to recognize those individuals providing caregiving support to a family member or loved one. Each year, in November, we take time to recognize and give praise and support to the 78 million people who dedicate their time, often unpaid, caring for […]

Are You Vote Ready?

Educate, Engage, Participate Dubbed the most important election year ever, 2020 is certainly the year to stay engaged, become educated and actively participate by using your voice through the voting process. For individuals with any form of disability, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires government entities of all levels provide equal opportunity […]

Be Preparedness Ready

The Atlantic Hurricane Season & Arkansas Although Arkansas typically does not have a direct impact from a hurricane, it is common that inland communities are threatened as a storm moves away from the coast. Storms of hurricane intensity may bring high winds, flooding, and power outages to areas away from the coastline, including our state. […]

Adjusting to New Norms

Transitioning to Normalcy Since March, our state has adjusted to a new norm of social distancing, remote work, telemedicine and mask wearing to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Now, three months later, Arkansans are once again tasked with shifting into another new norm – opening Arkansas back up. During phase 1 of the state’s reopening, […]

Learn More About Our Staff Leadership Transition

GCDDAR Staff Leadership Transition Process Q&A Released The Arkansas Council and staff continue their work as the staff leadership transition process moves forward. Our organization has released a Transition Q&A document to help answer questions related to this process. Please follow this link to access a PDF of the Q&A:GCDDAR 2020 Staff Leadership Transition QA […]

Executive Director Eric Munson Receives New Appointment

The Arkansas Council and staff congratulate Eric on his new appointment. Please read below a press release issued yesterday by the Arkansas Department of Commerce. Eric Munson named Securities Department Commissioner Press release 2020-05-14 10:25By the Arkansas Securities Department / Arkansas Department of Commerce May 14, 2020 (LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston […]

Employment Opportunities During Uncertain Times

Employment versus COVID-19 Employment seems like a far-reaching goal during this time of uncertainty brought on by the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.  However, large corporations across the state have an immediate need to increase their workforce to meet the demand for products sold in their stores. According to USA Today, clothing retailers including JCPenny, […]