The Center for Exceptional Families

The Center for Exceptional Families To promote exceptional quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Advocacy with heart! ​DISCLAIMER: The Center for Exceptional Families, Inc.

is not a legal services agency and cannot provide legal advice or legal representation. Any information contained in this message is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitution for legal advice.

We are so grateful to Lauryn Tacker and Ag for Autism for having us on this episode 🤗 Go listen if you haven’t already 🎧
01/14/2026

We are so grateful to Lauryn Tacker and Ag for Autism for having us on this episode 🤗 Go listen if you haven’t already 🎧

🚨 RESOURCE ALERT 🚨

If you’re a caregiver or professional navigating disability services, IEPs, or advocacy in Arkansas—this episode is for YOU.

We’re joined by Shelby Knight, Executive Director of The Center for Exceptional Families, sharing how families can access training, support, and advocacy when things feel overwhelming.

🎧 Listen now and save this episode, you never know when you or someone you love will need these resources.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cultivating-spectrum-connections/id1858126091

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3e66T0y8CifYxbIyIfTA4d

Join us for our first Youth Hangout of 2026 🎉 We create a safe space for teens and young adults to chat about topics of ...
01/13/2026

Join us for our first Youth Hangout of 2026 🎉
We create a safe space for teens and young adults to chat about topics of interest while learning to advocate for themselves. We hope to see you there! Please reach out with any questions you have 🤗

Each hangout is moderated by Parent Mentor Brandy Sandersfeld

Join Parent Mentor, Karen Lutrick and IFTW tomorrow on Zoom for more information about Alabama ABLE accounts 🤝 Scan the ...
01/12/2026

Join Parent Mentor, Karen Lutrick and IFTW tomorrow on Zoom for more information about Alabama ABLE accounts 🤝 Scan the QR Code for more information ⬇️⬇️

Podcast time! Thanks Lauryn and Ag for Autism for the chance to talk about our services and for the chat time as a careg...
01/09/2026

Podcast time! Thanks Lauryn and Ag for Autism for the chance to talk about our services and for the chat time as a caregiver of a person with autism. We will share on our social media as soon as it’s ready!

Check out our line up for Sensory Cinema 🎦 These will be showing at Jonesboro & Van Buren! All shows start at 9:30 (no p...
01/08/2026

Check out our line up for Sensory Cinema 🎦 These will be showing at Jonesboro & Van Buren! All shows start at 9:30 (no previews). Cost is $8 plus tax/person!

We want to thank our 2025 Sensory Cinema Sponsors 🤗 We wouldn’t be able to make this happen without all of you! We appreciate all of you so much!
*Kidspot
*Miracle Kids Success Academy
*Myers-Davis
*Cynergy Rehab
*The Reform Alliance

Interested in becoming a Sensory Cinema Sponsor? Contact Shelby Knight for information

Check out these workshops we have coming up! We have partnered with The University of Arkansas and Prevention Pilot Prog...
01/07/2026

Check out these workshops we have coming up! We have partnered with The University of Arkansas and Prevention Pilot Program for children and families. Join Karen Lutrick in Bradley County and Teresa Hendrix in Batesville 🤗 We hope to see you there

We would like to welcome our newest board member, Jeremy Ellis 👏Jeremy is a Certified Public Accountant based in Northea...
01/05/2026

We would like to welcome our newest board member, Jeremy Ellis 👏

Jeremy is a Certified Public Accountant based in Northeast Arkansas. He currently serves as the Controller for Miracle Kids Success Academy, where he oversees budgeting, financial reporting, full-cycle accounting, and revenue cycle management. He lives in Jonesboro with his wife, Holly Ellis, and their three sons—Benjamin, Jacob, and Lucas. Jeremy is honored to support The Center for Exceptional Families’ mission by helping ensure strong financial stewardship and long-term stability in service of children and families across Arkansas.

Join us in helping him feel welcome 🤗

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DMdXptjXB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
01/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DMdXptjXB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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. This process does not require documentation.

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.

Please note: DMV also offers a communications/speech impediment sticker for the license plate. Download form to be signed by physician here:

https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/communicationImpedimentDecalFrm.pdf

Thank you to all who have trusted The Center for Exceptional Families in 2025. You inspire us every day, and it is an ho...
01/01/2026

Thank you to all who have trusted The Center for Exceptional Families in 2025. You inspire us every day, and it is an honor to support you as you navigate the special education processes for your children.

Also, a thousand thank yous to our partners who help make our work possible. Your collaboration and compassion allow us to serve families of children with disabilities with dignity, respect, and care.

Together, we are building a community where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.

Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas from all of us at TCFEF 🎄🎅🏼
12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us at TCFEF 🎄🎅🏼

ATTENTION‼️ It’s MOVE TIME 🎥🍿 Join us this Saturday December 20 for Sensory Cinema in Jonesboro & Van Buren What’s playi...
12/17/2025

ATTENTION‼️ It’s MOVE TIME 🎥🍿

Join us this Saturday December 20 for Sensory Cinema in Jonesboro & Van Buren

What’s playing: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants & Avatar: Fire & Ash
Time: Show starts at 9:30– NO PREVIEWS
Cost: $8 plus tax per person (cash only)
Concessions will be available to purchase 🍿🍫🥤

We hope to see you there! 😎

Address

Po Box 16125
Jonesboro, AR
72403

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Center for Exceptional Families posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram