The purpose of the Council is to assure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, integration and inclusion in all facets of community life.
96% Federally Funded – The Council receives substantially all of its funding through a federal grant and technical assistance through the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, under the Developmental and Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000, Public Law 106-402.
Community Focused – The Council advocates prioritizing self-determination, equitable access to services and supports, and creating and sustaining a statewide community that truly values the contributions of all its members. The DD Act states that “individuals with developmental disabilities (should) have access to opportunities and the necessary support to be included in community life, have interdependent relationships, live in homes and communities, and make contributions to their families, communities…”
Input Driven – The Council is a governing board. Member input drives Council operations. Public input is also vital to focus our efforts exactly where the Arkansas IDD community needs them. The needs of individuals with IDD and their families guide our strategic plan. We conduct needs assessments regularly by inviting community input through in-person listening sessions, surveys (in-person and online), interviews, impact story submissions, focus groups, and other methods of outreach and data collection.
Creative Connector – Achieving our goals requires collaborative efforts from members, staff, disability network partners, policymakers, service providers, employers, educators, and the community at large. We strive to connect partner organizations, to connect individuals and families with community-based services and supports they need, and to promote collaborations.
Trusted Resource – The Council has printed and digital publications available to the community, at no cost. We maintain this website full of resources and information. Staff is available to support our members and the IDD community via phone, email, and social media. You can find us on the social media platforms: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
Consistent with state council’s enabling legislation (the Developmental and Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000, or the DD Act), the specific purpose of the Council is to engage in “advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities”.
The Council works to identify the most pressing needs of the IDD community in our state and address those needs by conducting outreach, fostering positive change and supporting capacity-building efforts. We conduct activities and support programs and projects that fit our 5 year state plan. The Arkansas GCDD has three goals stated in our plan:
Goal One: People with developmental disabilities and their families will be active in advocacy activities that improve their lives, and the lives of others and the service system.
Goal Two: People with developmental disabilities and their families will have increased access to community support and services.
Goal Three: The Council will work to improve competitive, integrated employment of Arkansans with developmental disabilities.
Find a copy of the full 5 year state plan here, along with annual work plans and other documents.
To keep up with the Council through monthly email updates, please subscribe to our newsletter here GCDD eNewsletter or access the archived newsletters here.
For additional information, email [email protected] or call 501-682-2897.