Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities

inclusion. integration. independence.

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April 2026 Self Determination Conference – North East Arkansas

Who? Jonesboro Area Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Family Members, and Allies

Save the Date:
Friday, April 3, 2026
Saturday, April 4, 2026

The Arkansas Developmental Disabilities Network will host another engaging event, focusing on fun, connections, and learning.

A self-determination conference is an event that focuses on empowering people with disabilities to have more control over their lives, make informed decisions, and advocate for themselves. These events offer practical strategies and resources. Attendees will participate in hands-on activities designed to enable participants to practice what they have learned.

This conference will offer information about disability rights, navigating service systems, and living our best lives. Whether you’re a young adult or adult with a disability, a family member, or a support professional, this conference is for you!

This event is for young adults and adults. ATTENDEES MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER

Eligible Region (open to people living in or attending school in this area):

Jonesboro

Craighead County
Mississippi County
Poinsett County
Jackson County
Independence County
Lawrence County
Greene County
Clay County
Randolph County

NOTE: The DD Network Self Determination Conferences are designed as regional events. More events will be held in other regions of Arkansas. Please wait to sign up for your area. The DD Network will eventually host 3 to 4 of these events each year and offer follow-up events in regions we have already visited.

This is a save-the-date announcement. More information will be posted soon. Check back on this space and our social media platforms for updates!

A graphic with a mostly blue background and white text that states: The Arkansas Developmental Disabilities Network: GCDD Arkansas/State Council on DD, UA Partners/University Center, Disability Rights Arkansas/Protection & Advocacy. DD ACT CORE GOALS: • self-determination • independence • productivity • integration • inclusion in all facets of the community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 created the DD Network Partnership between the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Protection and Advocacy Organization, and the University Centers for Excellence in Disabilities. Established with overlapping objectives to allow collaboration among the partners, this structure ensures we work together to achieve the core goals of the DD Act, so people with disabilities can live their best lives.

The Arkansas DD Network is a collaboration between the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability Rights Arkansas and University of Arkansas Partners.

This Network was established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (the DD Act). Per the Act, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Protection and Advocacy Organization, and the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities are the three main partners.

While each entity within the network serves specific purposes, they were established with overlapping goals to facilitate collaboration and interconnectivity among the different units. This structure allows each entity to work cross-functionally to achieve the core goals of the DD Act: self-determination, independence, productivity, integration, and disability inclusion in all facets of community life for people with developmental disabilities.