Arkansas State Independent Living Council-ARSILC

02/07/2026

🌟 Achieve Community Alliance

Achieve Community Alliance advances the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with disabilities across Arkansas.

Founded in 1957 as United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arkansas, Achieve Community Alliance provides a comprehensive range of services—from early intervention and preschool to adult habilitation, employment services, Medicaid waiver supports, community living, therapy, daycare, and parent relief—helping individuals and families live Life Without Limits.

Proudly affiliated with United Cerebral Palsy, Achieve Community Alliance welcomes all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

Achieve Community Alliance is a nonprofit disability service provider serving Arkansas

02/06/2026

7 Black Activists Who Shaped Disability Rights via SETWorks Blog

Throughout history, Black activists — many of them women — have been central to advancing disability rights.

https://set-works.com/7-black-activists-who-shaped-disability-rights/

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

Throughout history, Black activists — many of them women — have been central to advancing disability rights.

02/05/2026

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF)

Founded in 1977, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families has spent more than 45 years advocating for policies that improve the lives of Arkansas children and families. From protecting children in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, to expanding children’s health coverage through ARKids First, strengthening early education, and promoting economic security, AACF has been a leading voice for kids across the state.

AACF continues fighting to ensure every child in Arkansas has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Learn more - https://www.aradvocates.org/

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

The mission of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families is to ensure that all children and their families have the resources and opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives and to realize their full potential. We serve as a voice for children at the Arkansas State Capitol and in Washingto...

02/05/2026

New Toolkit Helps You Advocate at Home

The National Down Syndrome Congress has released a State and Local Policy Advocacy Toolkit designed for self-advocates, families, and allies.

Advocacy doesn’t only happen in Washington D.C.—many important decisions are made right in your community, by school boards, city councils, and state legislatures.

This toolkit helps you:
Share your story effectively with local leaders
Give testimony at hearings
Build relationships with decision-makers
Use social media to amplify your message

It also includes practical resources like one-page topic summaries and short “elevator speeches” to make advocacy easier and more confident.

👉 Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking for fresh ideas, this toolkit is your guide to creating change in your community.

View the toolkit by clicking here - https://ndsccenter.org/file_download/inline/745535ca-f8d6-454a-b843-678950c1c818

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

02/03/2026

Happy 100th Birthday, Black History Month! 🎉

In 2026, the U.S. marks 100 years since Black history first received federal recognition. What began in 1926 as Negro History Week has grown into the nationwide observance of Black History Month every February.

Founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson—historian, educator, and the second African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University—the movement was rooted in the belief that knowing your history affirms your humanity. Born to formerly enslaved parents, Woodson reminded us:
“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

By aligning Negro History Week with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, Woodson envisioned Black history as a permanent part of schools, libraries, churches, and communities—not a token observance, but a core part of America’s story.

Expanded to a month-long observance in 1976, Black History Month continues to honor Woodson’s vision: Black history is not separate from American history—it is essential to it.

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

02/03/2026

2027–2031 Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities - State of Arkansas State Plan Open for Public Comment

The Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is inviting public feedback on its draft 2027–2031 Five-Year State Plan—a roadmap for improving the quality of life, inclusion, and community participation of Arkansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

The plan was shaped by input from Arkansans with IDD and their families across the state, and now your voice matters.

📅 Public comments accepted through February 28, 2026

👉 Review the draft and share your feedback to help shape the next five years.

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

02/02/2026

Due to unsafe road/travel conditions, we are having to reschedule our presentation on Monday February 2nd in Batesville. We apologize for any inconvenience and we will get a new a date soon! Thank you for your patience & understanding 🫶

02/01/2026

Day at the Capitol - Thursday, February 5

Due to the inclement weather we have been experienced, we have made the decision to postpone our Day at the Capitol.

The event will now take place on Thursday, February 5, at 10:00 AM at the Arkansas State Capitol.

We will still hold the poster-making contest and follow the plan outlined in the original announcement.

This event is the largest cross-disability gathering held at the Arkansas State Capitol, featuring exhibitors, speakers, and resources aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities to become productive members of society.

Click the link or use the QR code to register. This is a free event, but registration is required to help staff and volunteers manage logistics. The lunch sponsor will be announced soon.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-day-at-the-capitol-hosted-by-the-arkansas-state-independent-living-council?fbclid=IwY2xjawPpzphleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhcnlMbjIySzZiSjFoVWFBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmyfzavrZ6IHT44LMm41pXVFKX9FlhCDW3JX9F3NytEfm5pi1gMFSZ36xZ-B_aem_Wrzy3F8759GKgMk_mBvwkQ

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

01/31/2026

Did you get your tickets?!

Arkansas SILC is raffling off one unopened Apple iPhone 14, and every ticket helps make a difference.

🎟️ Ticket Prices:
• $5 = 1 ticket
• $10 = 3 tickets
• $25 = 6 tickets

Enter: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/arkansas-independent-living-council-arkansas-silcs-end-of-the-year-giveaway

💙 Where your money goes:
Every dollar supports Arkansas SILC’s work—helping families in need, expanding independent-living programs, and providing vital resources to people with disabilities.

Your purchase is a tax-deductible donation that directly fuels our mission. Thank you for standing with us—and good luck in the drawing!

What organization benefits from the funds raised by the raffle? The proceeds go to the Arkansas State Independent Living Council (Arkansas SILC).

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

01/31/2026

Stay current with news, updates, and events from the Arkansas State Independent Living Council in 2026 by joining our email list.

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

Stay up to date with news, updates and events from the Arkansas SILC!

01/31/2026

Jonesboro Human Development Center Begins Construction on New Wellness Center

The Arkansas Department of Human Services is building a state-of-the-art Wellness Center at the Jonesboro Human Development Center to provide comprehensive, on-site medical care for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Residents will be able to access primary care, dental, therapy, and behavioral health services in one location, reducing travel, delays, and disruptions to care. The new facility reflects DHS’s commitment to improving quality of life and supporting health, independence, and high-quality care.

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

01/30/2026

Our Dementia Care Connection series continues next month with a session on how to improve communication and respond to dementia-related behavior while caregiving.
https://alz-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/qELtmKYHT1iVcKMyjDFHIw