- April is Autism Acceptance Month!

April is Autism Acceptance Month.

It's a great time to learn more about Autism. Just like there is no one-way to be autistic, there is no one-way to celebrate Acceptance Month!

This month-long celebration was previously called Autism Awareness Month. Through the hard work of many in the Autism advocacy community, the emphasis has shifted to acceptance. The goal is to celebrate and promote acceptance for the condition that occurs in one in every 44 children in the United States. In the US, more than 5.4 million adults are autistic.

Acceptance is creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it.

2023 Autism Festival and Walk

On Saturday April 8, the Arkansas Autism Foundation hosted a one mile, family friendly walk at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, AR.

There was a wonderful turnout of Arkansans supporting AAF's mission of “Building bridges to independence for Arkansans with autism.” We hope to see you next year for this fun-filled event! Visit https://arkansasautismfoundation.org/about-us/ to learn more.

📸 Credits: Arkansas Autism Foundation

Community Spotlight:

Katherine Donoven is a parent advocate and attorney from Sherwood, Arkansas. She serves as the Chairperson of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Kate has a daughter with Down Syndrome. Originally from California, Donoven has called Arkansas home for many years. In her legal career, Kate is dedicated to the long-term public interest

of consumers and the legitimate business community. When not at work or serving her community, she tries to keep up with her three children, two cats, and a garden.

Kate spends her free time practicing the tango, rumba, or west coast swing. Kate has been a member of GCDD Arkansas since 2016. She has been instrumental in developing and implementing the Council’s five-year state plan. Her leadership has been vital to the success of the Council’s activities. Thank you, Kate!

Coming Up:

Adults on the Autism Spectrum - April 22, 2023

Downtown CALS Main Library | Fribourgh Room, 1st Floor

100 S. Rock St. Little Rock, AR 72201

10:30AM - 12 PM noon

For more info: Lud Kozlowski (502)-791-5835 | Email: [email protected]

10th Annual Famous Family Bistro

April 29, 2023 | 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Parent Advisory Council is excited for the 10th Annual Famous Family Bistro, with 4 speakers and a exciting disability vendor expo. Don’t miss out on the excitement April 29th from 8-1 at the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center at the University of Central Arkansas.

Visit https://gcdd.arkansas.gov/calendar/event/602/ for more information.

Storm Recovery and Disaster Assistance

On Friday, March 31st, 2023, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes struck Arkansas. In the wake of horrible destruction, our communities have come together and shown care and support for those affected. We are also here to help in any way we can. #ARStrong

Emergency Preparedness: Are You Prepared?

Be sure to watch the video above to make sure you're up to date on your Emergency Preparedness and visit https://gcdd.arkansas.gov/advocacy/detail/storm-recovery-and-disaster-assistance-information to learn more about recovery and disaster assistance.

Ready for Your COVID Shot?

Are you wondering if it's safe for your child to get their COVID-19 shot? Children as young as 6 months old can now receive their COVID shot, as well as booster shots to increase immunity. Help us protect our loved ones with disabilities and get the shot today.

Click here for to learn more:

https://ourbestshotistheshot.com/