Arkansas State Independent Living Council-ARSILC

03/16/2026

Ouachita’s Department of Kinesiology is showcasing the importance of awareness, inclusion and health promotion for individuals with disabilities through their adapted fitness program, Tiger Tough. Implemented each semester through a course called Adaptive Kinesiology Methods, the Tiger Tough program allows current department students to participate in and lead fun, engaging and effective exercise classes with disabled individuals at a local Group Living facility.

The Tiger Tough program allows current department students to participate in and lead fun, engaging and effective exercise classes with disabled individuals at Group Living Inc

03/15/2026

Life Styles to Host “The Abilities Ball” Fundraising Gala on March 20

The Abilities Ball is dedicated to celebrating the talents and achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities while raising funds to support Life Styles’ programs and services.

Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring music, dancing, and special performances by Life Styles clients. The event aims to highlight the unique abilities of the individuals served by the organization while bringing the community together in support of its mission.

Life Styles will host fundraising gala ‘The Abilities Ball’ on Mar. 20, 2026.

03/14/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Every year in March, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) and its Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) raising awareness about the services and supports offered by DHS and the Arkansans who benefit from them.

Find out more!

What is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month? Every year in March, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) and its Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). This month, we raise awareness about the services and su...

03/14/2026

Attending the 2026 inaugural Regional Founders Day for the Blazing Southwest. “The vision of the 22: The Gift that Keeps on Giving” .
The work continues as more than 500 Deltas from 63 chapters from Arkansas, Texas,Louisiana,New Mexico and Jamaica gathered in Little Rock, Arkansas, to celebrate Founders Day. We proudly stand on the shoulders of the 22 visionary founders who set the standard in 1913. The work of Delta Sigma Theta embodies leadership, service, and impact. Across the United States and around the world, Deltas have championed countless initiatives that uplift communities and advance change. We are women of purpose and influence, transforming lives, shaping policies, and making a lasting difference.
I’m proud to be a member and do the work.

03/14/2026

Voting is a fundamental civil right. People with disabilities must be able to participate in our democracy without facing unnecessary barriers.

Congress is considering several bills right now that could make voter registration more difficult for many Americans, including millions of voters with disabilities.

Congress is considering several bills that could make voter registration more difficult for many Americans, including disabled voters.

03/13/2026

I received this picture from my brother from another mother, Scott Hamilton.
He met Self-advocate Michael Thornton. Michael is shown doing what he does best, connecting with people and likely advocating for disability rights.
Scott is no stranger to disability rights. His mother the late Miss Wanda Hamilton, served numerous years on the Arkansas SILC Board and was a strong supporter of the work of the SILC. Scott is very familiar with these endeavors.
Thanks for sharing!

03/13/2026

The University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions’ Office of Innovation for Education is committed to supporting K–12 educators as they meet the evolving needs of all learners across Arkansas.

Through a partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education, the Office of Innovation for Education is implementing a five-year, $425,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This initiative will help create more meaningful educational opportunities for K–12 students with disabilities throughout Arkansas.

OIE is partnering with the Arkansas Department of Education to implement a five-year, $425,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to create more meaningful educational opportunities for K-12 students with disabilities across Arkansas.

03/13/2026

This story is why we must have laws in
Place like the ‘Blue envelope’ in Arkansas.
Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities - State of Arkansas
Disability Rights Arkansas

The Silent Plea Ignored
In 2019, Andrea "Dre" Hollingsworth was pulled over in North Las Vegas. As a Black, deaf woman, she found herself in a high-stress situation where communication was vital. She repeatedly used her hands to signal that she was deaf and pointed to her ears, trying to explain that she could not hear the officer’s verbal commands.

Instead of adapting or recognizing her disability, the officer escalated the situation. Despite her visible attempts to communicate, she was forced out of her vehicle and handcuffed in front of her young children. The trauma of being silenced by the very people meant to protect her sparked a legal battle that lasted years.

The Cost of Injustice
The $1.2 million settlement reached with the City of North Las Vegas serves as a significant acknowledgment of the department's failure, but the impact goes beyond the dollar amount:

The Children's Trauma: Hollingsworth's children witnessed their mother being treated as a threat simply because she couldn't hear.

ADA Violations: The case highlighted a clear breach of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires law enforcement to provide effective communication for the deaf and hard of hearing.

A Call for Training: This incident became a catalyst for demanding better de-escalation training and mandatory education for officers on how to interact with the disabled community.

"I was trying to tell him I’m deaf... and he just didn't care." — Andrea Hollingsworth

03/13/2026

Share!!

We’re excited to see so many great events happening across Arkansas in support of the disability community over the next few months. If you’re looking for ways to get involved, here are a few upcoming opportunities:

• March 29 – Texarkana Opportunities: Sunday Funday | Crossties – Texarkana
• March 31 – GLI: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Parade – “This Is Me” | Downtown Arkadelphia
• April 11 – Arkansas PAC for CMS: 13th Annual Disability Resources Expo & Family Bistro Conference | Southeast Education Service Cooperative – Monticello
• April 14 – DDPA: Legislative Luncheon | Capitol Hill Apartments Meeting Room
• April 18 – Texarkana Resources: Pork on a Fork Fundraiser
• April 28–30 – DDPA: Spring Conference | Wyndham Grand – Little Rock
• May 21 – AEDD: Curtain Call | North Little Rock Event Center

These events are great ways to connect, learn more, and support organizations doing important work for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

03/13/2026

Delighted to attend the Regional Southwest Founders Day in Little Rock on Saturday to engage in fellowship with Sorors from Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas and Jamaica as we commemorate our Founders.
Dr FranSha Anderson.

03/12/2026

ARSILC Second Quarter Board Meeting -

The Arkansas State Independent Living Council Second Quarter Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 17 at 10:00 a.m.