Arkansas Disability Coalition

02/18/2026

Stay updated on our latest activities!

Email from Arkansas Disability Coalition The latest information at your fingertips! Click this button to visit the ADC Spanish Newsletter. Click here to apply now! Click here to take the Arkansas Disa

02/17/2026

02/17/2026

02/11/2026

Christi and Michael Thornton are in this photo.

The 2026 Day at the Capitol for individuals with disabilities, organized by the Arkansas Independent Living Council, was a resounding success.

It was heartwarming to see so many attendees, particularly students experiencing the state capital for the first time. Their engagement with exhibitors and participation in important discussions on emergency preparedness—led by our center directors, Dr. Jim Mather and LaKesha Whitman—and anti-bullying efforts, presented by myself and Mr. Antoine Ghoston, was truly inspiring.

This event has been recognized as the largest cross-disability gathering in Arkansas, emphasizing not just attendance numbers, but the quality and impact of the experience. It is crucial to remember that individuals with disabilities represent the largest demographic in our state. Let’s continue to advocate for and educate about the independent living movement; the future is bright.

Thank you, Leigh Garvin/Board Chair for always supporting the vision. And to Carl Daughtery, for delivering an insightful overview of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services and the VR Now Program. Your presentation was engaging and informative, helping everyone understand the valuable programs available to assist individuals with disabilities. We greatly appreciate your dedication as a committed Board Member.

A heartfelt thank you to all the exhibitors, sponsors, participants, and everyone involved. I would especially like to acknowledge my volunteers, including lead coordinator Kristie Henderson, and the amazing members of the Little Rock Branch of the National Association of University Women. Your dedication has been invaluable, as has the support from the board of directors and staff at the Arkansas State Independent Living Council. This event would not have been possible without your efforts.

A heartfelt thank you to Miss Charity White from Meyers/Davis and Mr. Jonathan Taylor, the Executive Director of the Arkansas DD Council. Charity, your insights on Pre-ETS was incredibly valuable, and Jonathan, we appreciate the overview you provided regarding the Blue Envelope initiative that was approved by legislators last year. Thank you both for being integral members of the SILC family!

Dr. Dametrice FranSha Anderson

02/10/2026

Parent Advisory Council Arkansas PAC for CMS 13th Annual Disability Resources Expo & Family Bistro Conference
Saturday, April 11, 2026
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative
1022 Scogin Drive, Monticello, AR 71655.
Check the Arkansas PAC for CMS for more information.

02/10/2026

UPDATE: this is NOT mandatory. “Drivers may request…”

Beginning January 2, Arkansas drivers will have access to two new programs designed to make traffic stops safer, calmer, and more effective for individuals with mental illness or autism. The Green Envelope Program and the Blue Envelope Program, both passed during the 2025 Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assembly, focus on improving communication between drivers and law enforcement during motor vehicle interactions.

The Green Envelope Program, established under Act 531, is available to individuals diagnosed with a mental illness. It provides a specially designed green envelope to hold essential documents such as a driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. In addition to organizing paperwork, the envelope serves as a clear visual signal to law enforcement that the driver may experience heightened anxiety or communication challenges. The envelope also includes guidance for officers on best practices for interaction, as well as simple instructions for drivers on how to present their documents and what to expect during a stop.

The Blue Envelope Program, created under Act 16, is designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The blue envelope similarly holds essential documents and helps ease communication by alerting officers that the driver may process information differently, need extra time, or benefit from clear, direct instructions. Like the green envelope, it contains notes for law enforcement on effective ways to interact, along with step-by-step guidance for drivers to help reduce confusion and stress.

Both programs are intentionally easy to access. Drivers may request a green or blue envelope at any of the more than 130 Revenue Offices across the state or order one online. There is no documentation required to obtain the envelope.

By combining clear visual cues with practical guidance for both drivers and officers, the Green and Blue Envelope Programs promote understanding, reduce anxiety, and enhance safety. As these programs become available statewide for the first time this January, they represent a meaningful step toward more compassionate and effective interactions on Arkansas roadways.

02/10/2026

The Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for is a national transition resource center.
What is Health Care Transition (HCT)? HCT is the process of moving from a to an model of health care.

https://movingtoadulthealthcare.org

02/10/2026

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Good oral health starts at a young age, and you should start cleaning your kid’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears to help prevent the formation of cavities. Learn more: https://bit.ly/2z13wC4

02/10/2026

That dramatic back arch isn’t “naughty” — it’s your baby saying “Too much” or “Move me.

A back arch can mean overstimulation, discomfort, or simply needing a better position.

It often shows up when baby’s body feels overwhelmed and they’re trying to escape the sensation.

What NOT to do: don’t force eye contact, don’t talk louder, and don’t switch to rapid bouncing.
Fast stimulation can make the nervous system spike even more.

What to do instead: Pause → Hold → Quieter.
Pause and steady your body, hold with calm supportive contact, then reduce noise/light and reposition gently.

When baby relaxes you’ll know you decoded the message — not the “behavior.