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Education

Students with disabilities are entitled to certain protections/supports under 2 federal laws; the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), 2004 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Below are links to various state agencies and organizations that provide in-depth information about special education law/regulations and specialized services available in Arkansas.

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3D Program – U of A Pulaski Tech

The Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute at UA – Pulaski Tech admits a new cohort of students each fall who challenge others to think differently about disabilities, much like a 3D film highlights new dimensions, by offering post-secondary education and job preparation for adults with developmental or intellectual differences. 3D Students learn about professionalism in the industry through rigorous hands-on training before connecting with a supported internship in the fields of Culinary, Baking, and Hospitality.

Visit Online

https://www.uaptc.edu/3d/

ACCE Program

Academics, Community, Career Development and Employment Program (ACCE)
Postsecondary Education & Training

Easterseals Arkansas and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock have an exciting new program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in central Arkansas.

The Academics, Community, Career Development and Employment Program (ACCE) is an opportunity for students to have a college experience and prepare for competitive employment. Academics, social support, work exploration, and job placement are all components of the program.

ACCE is a two-semester program on the UA Little Rock campus. For additional information, or to apply, please contact Easterseals Arkansas at 501-227-3600 or info@eastersealsar.com.

Visit Online

Advocate Medical Group | Resource Library

About the Center

The Advocate Medical Group is a primary and specialty healthcare clinic that has served the medical and psychosocial needs of over 6,000 teens and adults with Down syndrome since 1992. As a comprehensive medical resource we provide patients everything from holistic care and support to education and resources in a compassionate, welcoming environment. We also hold events, participate in community outreach and conduct research.

Visit Online

https://adscresources.advocatehealth.com/

Arkansas Autism Resource and Outreach Center

The Arkansas Autism Resource & Outreach Center (AAROC) was established January 2008 as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The mission of the AAROC is to provide Hope, Direction & Support to families of individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Visit Online

aaroc.org

Arkansas Department of Education/Special Education

The Arkansas Department of Education is responsible for dispersing funds to local school districts for special education and related services, and they also regulate services. This website contains complete Arkansas regulations and forms that are required for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Visit Online

https://arksped.k12.ar.us

Barnabas Prep

From the Barnabas Prep website: “At Barnabas Prep, we’re a collegiate program, but we’re also a partnership. We’re committed to helping your student become the very best version of themselves away from home.
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Our Christ-centered program based in Branson, Missouri is uniquely designed to equip young adults with disabilities to achieve high levels of independence.”

 

Visit Online

https://www.barnabasprep.org

BridgingApps

Bridging the gap between technology and people with disabilities.

BridgingApps is a program of Easter Seals Greater Houston that provides access to educational and therapeutic tools—anywhere, anytime—allowing parents, teachers, and therapists to effectively use mobile devices and apps to target and improve individual skill development to help children and adults with disabilities reach their highest levels of physical and cognitive development.

Visit Online

https://www.bridgingapps.org/

Center on Technology and Disability

Center on Technology and Disability: provides a wealth of free resources about assistive and instructional material – personal and professional development webinars, articles, guides, training materials and more.

The Center on Technology and Disability (CTD) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The Center is designed to increase the capacity of families and providers to advocate for, acquire, and implement effective assistive and instructional technology (AT/IT) practices, devices, and services.  Research-based technologies, used appropriately, have great potential to help infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities participate fully in daily routines; have increased access to the general educational curriculum; improve their functional outcomes and educational results; and meet college- and career-ready standards.

Visit Online

https://www.ctdinstitute.org/

CIR/CUIT

CIR/CUIT – Centralized Intake and Referral / Consultant Unified Intervention Team

CIR/CUIT is a group of special education consultants available to assist in interventions for students with sensory disabilities, multiple physical disabilities, behavior, and autism spectrum disorders.   Services can be requested by parents, guardians, caregivers, school personnel, or any other concerned party.

Visit Online

https://arksped.k12.ar.us/sections/circuit.html

Disability Rights Arkansas

“Our Mission is to vigorously advocate for and enforce the legal rights of people with disabilities.

We Envision an Arkansas where people with disabilities are equal members in their communities and can dictate the course of their own lives through self-determination.”

 

Visit Online

https://disabilityrightsar.org/

 

Down Syndrome Education USA

“We support scientific research and deliver evidence-based advice and information to improve educational outcomes for children with Down syndrome.

We work in partnership with Down Syndrome Education International. Together, our research, resources and services help people with Down syndrome in over 170 countries achieve more and live more independent and fulfilling lives.

You can find out more about our research, resources and services on the main DSE web site”

Visit Online

https://www.dseusa.org/en-us/

EMPOWER – University of Arkansas

EMPOWER offers a four-year, non-degree college experience program for students with cognitive disabilities that incorporates functional academics, independent living, employment, social/leisure skills, and health/wellness skills in a public university setting with the goal of producing self-sufficient young adults. The University of Arkansas program is offered for students who demonstrate the ability to safely live independently, sustain employment, and socially integrate during their enrollment. The program progresses with an emphasis on workplace experience, community integration, and independent living with transitionally reduced supports. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of program completion.

Visit Online

https://empower.uark.edu/

Enrichment Activities: The Ultimate Guide to Working from Home with Kids

“Millions of families are facing the challenge of working from home with kids for the first time. For many, juggling professional responsibilities with childcare presents a challenge that can feel insurmountable.

Our child life experts created comprehensive guides to support families experiencing this balancing act. They address issues like WFH schedules for kids of all ages, financial security, self-care, how to encourage independent learning, coping with stress, and helping kids stay social.

We also asked families and teachers around the world to submit their best ideas to keep kids engaged while their parents work. Our curated directory of activities includes hundreds of activities that parents can filter by age, screens, parental involvement, and more. Our directory grows daily as parents submit creative ideas to keep the whole family thriving.”

Visit Online

www.enrichmentactivities.org

Inclusion Works Foundation

“The mission of Inclusion Works Foundation (Inclusion Works)  is to promote Equity and Access to a Quality Inclusive Education for children of ALL ABILITIES.“

The Inclusion Works Foundation supports inclusive Classrooms, inclusive education, special education inclusion (definition) and the overall promotion of IDEA. Specifically, the promotion of Inclusion, Diversity & Educational Activism for parents, students, educators and community – in all settings. Inclusion means “Everyone Matters!”

IRIS

Supported by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs and located at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, the IRIS Center develops and disseminates free, engaging online resources about evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices to support the education of all students, particularly struggling learners and those with disabilities. These resources, designed to bridge the research-to-practice gap, are intended for use in college teacher preparation programs, in professional development (PD) activities for practicing professionals, and by independent learners. The array of IRIS resources includes modules, case studies, information briefs, course/PD activities, a high-leverage practices alignment tool, and an online glossary of disability-related terms as well as supporting products to enhance their use in coursework and PD activities.

 

Visit Online

https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu

Life Styles, Inc

Life Styles enthusiastically supports individuals with disabilities in reaching their full potential as contributing members of the community. They are the organization behind the Launch program.

Launch

Launch is a program for students between the ages of 18 and 25 who want a college experience. They are able to experience many social aspects of the University of Arkansas such as having class on campus, using the gym on campus, eating at the Union and Commons, having University Mentors and Internships. The classes that the students take are focused on continuing education (math, reading, writing, etc.) and independent living skills (budgeting, career exploration, social skills, healthy living, etc).  It is not fully affiliated with the University of Arkansas; partnerships between departments exist. For additional information, please contact the Program Director.

Visit Online

Launch program: https://thinkcollege.net/programs/launch

Life Styles: http://www.lifestylesinc.org/

Online Safety

Allowing kids (of any age) online can be a bit scary, however, during these times, online options are the best way to connect to the world around us. Here are some sites to help with online safety:

The NetSmartz program offers age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement. With resources such as videos, games, downloadable activities, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates.

 

The internet provides many benefits but many dangers for children who by going on-line have access to a world that now has access to them. Protecting children from internet predators is a focus of the D.A.R.E. program.

 

 

Internet Safety 101SM is a multi-media Internet safety resource designed to educate, equip and empower parents, educators and other adults with the knowledge and resources needed to protect children from Internet dangers including pornography, predators, cyberbullies and threats related to online gaming, social networking and mobile devices.

 

ConnectSafely.org is a Silicon Valley, Calif.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to educating users of connected technology about safety, privacy and security. Here you’ll find research-based safety tips, parents’ guidebooks, advice, news and commentary on all aspects of tech use and policy.

 

OSEP – The Office of Special Education Programs

The mission of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is to lead the nation’s efforts to improve outcomes for children with disabilities, birth through 21, and their families, ensuring access to fair, equitable, and high-quality education and services. Our vision is for a world in which individuals with disabilities have unlimited opportunities to learn and to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives.

OSEP administers the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which authorizes formula grants to states under Part B, grants to lead agencies for the infants and families program under Part C, and discretionary grants under Part D to institutions of higher education and other non-profit organizations to support grants for state personnel development, technical assistance and dissemination, technology, personnel development, and parent-training and information centers.

Visit Online

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/about.html

Project SEARCH Arkansas

ACCESS Initiative is an innovative job-training program providing a nine-month internship program for young adults, with developmental disabilities. Interns in the program complete (3) ten-week rotations at a partnering business with the goal of gaining necessary skills to obtain competitive employment. Upon completion of the program, staff provide assistance with finding employment within the community and continued support during employment

Visit Online

https://projectsearcharkansas.org/

Ruby’s Rainbow

The goal and mission at Ruby’s Rainbow is to grant scholarships to adults with Down syndrome who are seeking post-secondary education, enrichment or vocational classes, helping them achieve their dreams of higher education while spreading awareness of their capabilities and general awesomeness.

 

Visit Online

https://rubysrainbow.org/

SchoolVirtually

“School Virtually provides information for educators and parents as schools make a quick switch to distance and online learning. Going beyond lists of resources, School Virtually provides tips on designing online instruction, using technology tools, and supporting students with disabilities and language learners.”

Visit Online

https://schoolvirtually.org/ 

Snap & Read

This is an online tool that helps you read any content on your computer screen.

Snap&Read Universal is a product of Don Johnston Incorporated.

Visit Online

https://snapandread.com/

More Resources

Thank you to our sponsors

Inclusion Sponsors

Natalie & Win Rockefeller

Lisenne Rockefeller and Family

Acceptance Sponsor

Awareness Sponsor

Social Sponsors

James, DeAnn
& Al Hunt

Arkansas Down Syndrome Association promotes and enhances the overall health and well-being of people with Down syndrome and their families.


Learn more about ADSA >


Contact Us

PO Box 55675
Little Rock, Arkansas 72215
501-223-DOWN (3696)

contact@ardownsyndrome.org
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