Arkansas State Independent Living Council-ARSILC

05/12/2026

The Arkansas Autism Legislative Task Force—created by Act 1016 of 2007 and extended by Act 1272 of 2009—brings together lawmakers, state agencies, and members of the autism community to improve how Arkansas supports individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

The Task Force focuses on strengthening services, improving education supports, and identifying ways to secure additional resources for families.

Its work includes examining current systems, recommending best practices, and proposing legislative changes to better serve autistic Arkansans and their families. The group typically meets monthly at the State Capitol and is open to public engagement.

Awareness is important—but real progress comes from continued advocacy, policy work, and community involvement.

This site is maintained by the Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research, Information Systems Dept., and is the official website of the Arkansas General Assembly.

05/11/2026

School districts will have more time to comply with new federal web accessibility rules under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, after the U.S. Department of Justice extended key deadlines.

The regulations, aimed at improving access to public school websites and digital services for people with disabilities, were originally set to begin taking effect this month for larger districts. Smaller agencies were given a later timeline that has now been pushed to 2028.

The change gives districts additional time to update websites, train staff, and meet accessibility standards, but disability advocates say delays could slow progress toward equal access to important online school information and services.

Via Education Week

People with disabilities say inaccessible online content is a barrier to participating in public life.

05/11/2026

University of Arkansas at Little Rock has secured $12.75 million in federal funding, including a $750,000 appropriation to expand the Bowen School of Law Veterans Legal Services Clinic.

The clinic provides free legal assistance to Arkansas veterans while also giving law students hands-on legal experience. So far, the clinic has served veterans in two-thirds of Arkansas counties and helped secure more than $500,000 in veterans benefits.

With the additional funding, the clinic aims to expand support and reach veterans in all Arkansas counties.

Arkansas Times

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a Carnegie-classified high research activity (R2) institution, secured $12.75 million in federal funding to support veterans services, leading-edge nanotechnology research, cybersecurity innovation and advanced social network analysis.

05/09/2026

Jonesboro Basketball Registration is Live!

Community Connections is excited to launch our very first Jonesboro Basketball program! This marks a special milestone, and they’re looking forward to building meaningful connections with kids and families throughout that community.

Register HERE.

The Basketball Program focuses on building confidence, coordination, and teamwork in a fun and safe environment.

05/08/2026

Arkansas pianist Darnell Paul, who lives with developmental disabilities, taught himself to play by ear and can learn songs in just a few days—using music as a way to connect with and uplift others.

If you’ve ever heard a familiar pop song drift out of a piano and thought, “Wait, that’s Ed Sheeran,” there’s a good chance Arkansan Darnell Paul would make you

05/08/2026

“Awareness is knowing that autism exists; acceptance is creating a world where neurodivergent individuals are welcomed, valued and supported.”

April was Autism Awareness Month, a time to recognize and support autistic individuals and their families while promoting greater acceptance and inclusion.

An article from Arkansas Times titled “Autism Awareness Month: One Arkansas Family’s Story” shares a personal perspective on autism advocacy, acceptance, and the importance of community support in Arkansas.

Awareness is knowing that autism exists; acceptance is creating a world where neurodivergent individuals are welcomed, valued and supported.

05/07/2026

💜 May is Lupus Awareness Month—let’s Make Lupus Visible!

Lupus Awareness Month is a time to lift voices, share knowledge, and support those living with lupus.

💡 Learn more about Lupus at Lupus Foundation of America and help spread awareness! https://www.lupus.org/resources/what-is-lupus

Find out more about lupus: the symptoms, types, causes, and who is at risk for developing this chronic autoimmune disease.

05/06/2026

Join the RTC:Rural Protecting Access to Rural Community Living for People with Disabilities Virtual Summit

📅 May 20, 2026

⏰ 3:00 – 4:00 PM

💻 Free (registration required)

This session will explore the future of home health care in rural communities—covering challenges like funding gaps, workforce shortages, and barriers to care—while highlighting real solutions and strategies for growth.

Hear from experts in research, policy, and direct care as they share insights on strengthening the rural workforce, improving coordination, and advancing independent living.

Don’t miss this important conversation on advocacy, innovation, and sustaining community-based care.

https://umontana.zoom.us/meeting/register/nTld_3s4QuSQnUbEhzZFQA #/registration

The 2026 RTC:Rural Policy and Practice Summit, featuring a presentation of our research and a panel discussion on the intersecting forces affecting rural home health care.

05/05/2026

May 5, 2026 is European Independent Living Day!

A reminder for EVERYONE of the importance of independent living:

Independent living is centered on the idea that disabled people should have the same control over their lives as anyone else.

In practice, it means having the right and access to make your own choices about where you live, who you live with, how you spend your time, and what support you receive—rather than having these decisions made for you.

It doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means having the support you need—such as personal assistance, accessible housing, or community services—so you can live independently and participate fully in society.

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Photo: A man using a wheelchair cooks pasta at a stove in a bright, modern kitchen. Fresh fruits and vegetables sit on the countertop beside pots, utensils, and cooking ingredients.

05/04/2026

The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) is the longest-running national, cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities.

Founded in 1982, NCIL represents thousands of organizations and individuals, including people with disabilities, Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), and other advocates committed to advancing the human and civil rights of people with disabilities across the United States.

Mission
NCIL advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities.

Vision
NCIL envisions a world where people with disabilities are valued equally and fully included in all aspects of society.

What They Do
✔ Promote Independent Living
✔ Support National Advocacy
✔ Empower Disability Rights

Learn more -

Independent Living and Disability Advocacy