Here's Our June Newsletter Just for You! 📩

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER

Greetings!

Remember counting down the minutes during your last class of the year? The smell of sunscreen and fresh watermelon? The thrill of belly-flopping into a pool? The joy of popsicles and firecrackers? So do we!

We're so excited to continue our mission during the hottest months of the year and promote inclusion in our communities, integration in our workplaces and independence for those living with a disability. Together, we can make meaningful change.

So lather up with sunscreen, grab your floaties, step up to the diving board and let's jump into June's content!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY ACT

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act). As DD Act programs began to develop in each state, a greater image of inclusion and integration for those with developmental disabilities became clearer. And that mission is still one we continue today.

Over the years, the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families have evolved, making Projects of National Significance (PNS) more important than ever before. Click the button below to read more on the DD Act and everything it encompasses.

Click Here to Learn More

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Dr. CW Gardenhire

Dr. CW Gardenhire serves on the Council as a parent advocate. CW identifies himself as a husband, father, educator, Army Veteran, cyclist, suicide prevention trainer, and gardener. He is a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, at-risk students, and people with mental health support needs.

Professionally, Gardenhire is dedicated to serving at-risk students as an Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) Program Advisor with the Arkansas Department of Education, where he coordinates program development and presents specialized training for teachers and parents. CW lives in Beebe, Arkansas.

When asked about how to be an effective parent advocate, Gardenhire said “Educate yourself about the different programs and resources available. Get involved, getting involved is the best way to educate yourself and help others.”

Gardenhire leads the Council’s State Plan and Implementation Committee (SPI). The SPI committee is where much of the “work” of the Council is decided, reviewed, and refined. This committee reviews needs assessment data and public input/stakeholder feedback on specific needs and issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their families across Arkansas and assures that Council activities promote the improvement and expansion of community-based services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Under Gardenhire’s leadership, this committee effectively monitors Council activities to ensure consistency in implementing the approved State Plan through projects that support the intent of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Thank you, CW!

THE 2023 ARKANSAS SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Last month, Governor Sanders kicked off the 2023 Arkansas Special Olympics. Click on the video to hear her remarks and join in the celebration!

Arkansas Special Olympics events are taking place all summer long. Check out the calendar on their website for more information.

BUSINESS CORNER

9 Reasons why Inclusion Benefits Workplaces and the Economy - Entrepreneur

GET YOUR COVID-19 SHOT TODAY!

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 for increased immunity. Help us protect our loved ones with disabilities and get the shot today.

Learn more by visiting Our Best Shot is the Shot .