Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities

inclusion. integration. independence.

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Voting, Recognizing DSPs, and Emergency Preparedness…

NDVRW & DSPRW 2021, Preparedness Month Continues This week was very busy! It was Direct Service Provider Recognition Week and National Disability Voter Registration Week, along with continuing to celebrate National Preparedness Month. Thank you, DSPs! During Direct Service Provider Recognition Week, we recognized the need to elevate the vital career of the direct service […]

September is National Preparedness Month

Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best.  By Jon Taylor I grew up in New England, bouncing between Massachusetts and Maine until I was 30. In the Northeast, emergency preparedness for most people focused on being ready for snowstorms, Nor’easters (BIG snowstorms), and Blizzards (REALLY BIG snowstorms). Some of the preparation was similar […]

ABLE to Save

Today’s Decisions Shape Tomorrow’s OpportunitiesBy Dennis Milligan Living with a disability is a life-altering challenge like no other. It’s made more complicated when you add in the financial ramifications, especially when determining eligibility for means-tested benefits such as Medicaid, SSDI, SNAP or TANF. Not being able to save more than $2,000 is a financial burden, […]

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, […]