Your Input & the DD Act Guide Our Work
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.
The Council is developing our next five-year state plan, a work plan for activities starting 10/01/2026 and continuing through 09/30/2031.
Your lived experience matters! Please read on to learn how to participate.
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UPCOMING EVENT
ASU Jonesboro Restore Hub Listening Session
You are invited to attend a GCDD Arkansas Listening Session in Northeast Arkansas on Friday, August 29th. Two session options are available.
WHEN? 08/29/2025, (*two session options)
* afternoon session at 3 PM – 4:30 PM
* evening session at 6 PM – 7:30 PM
WHERE? ASU Restore Hub, 2301 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro, AR, United States, Arkansas 72401
WHY? To hear your concerns and needs.
HOW TO REGISTER? Participants can choose which session time they prefer to participate in by registering either by filling out the form located at https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSe3OiXtxUb…/viewform… or by calling the RESTORE Hub at (870) 680-8062.
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We need more input from Arkansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities!
Please help guide our future activities.
Staff will stop gathering input soon to allow time to collate the data and create reports to share with the Council.
OTHER INPUT OPTIONS STILL AVAILABLE THROUGH 08/30/25:
One-on-One Interviews
If you are willing to help us by sharing your input and ideas, please contact Jonathan Taylor. Jon will assist you with scheduling a one-on-one interview. Email him at [email protected]
Our staff is happy to receive your input in-person, or online through a video meeting or a survey. We have options to fit your needs.
Questions or need more information? Call Jon Taylor at 501-682-2912 or Assiah Lewellen at 501-682-4431. Please let us know if you want to learn more about sharing your experience with us.
Online Survey
We are developing our next 5-year plan! Want to Provide Input on Future Council Activities? You can complete an online survey to give your input.
Click to go to our online survey. 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?)
Your input is vital to focus our efforts exactly where Arkansas needs them.
DD Network Listening Sessions
The Council is a member of the Arkansas Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network. From January through August 2025, the DD Network traveled across Arkansas to hear community concerns and learn about individual and family needs.
We held multiple 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.
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 Scottie at [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/