Happy August, Y'all!
It's back to school time in The Natural State as we start looking towards fall! Before summer ends, there's so much to celebrate this August; keep reading to find out more!

It's Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month.


SMA impacts approximately four people in every 100,000 throughout the United States, and for some seniors who deal with inactivity due to physical, balance, cognitive, or other challenges, one big risk they may face is spinal muscular atrophy.

Visit here for more resources and support:
The Council
August is ABLE to Save Month
Giving those with disabilities the ability to save.
This month-long campaign provides people with disabilities and their families information about the significance of ABLE accounts and how these accounts can be used to address daily needs, help achieve long-term goals and dreams and increase their financial well-being.

For resources, visit here:
School is Here. Do you Know the Difference in an IEP and a 504 Plan?
IEPs and 504 Plans can both offer formal help for K–12 students who are struggling in school. They’re similar in some ways but very different in other ways.

Need a clear explanation? For a detailed chart and quiz to find out what you need, click here and also watch the video below to gain an understanding.

Council's Work Plan
Quarterly Council Meeting
Mark your calendars to get ready for our next Council meeting September 12! You do NOT need to be a Council member to participate in the meetings and contribute ideas of your own. We look forward to seeing you there!
Dial 988
for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
There is now a three-digit, direct connection to support for anyone experiencing substance use issues, a suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.  

Connect to Counselors
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors who are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen to callers, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support and connect them to resources if necessary.

The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will also always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

For more information, visit:

Adults on Autism Spectrum Support Group Meeting
Don't forget about the Adults on Autism Spectrum Support Group Meeting
at the downtown Little Rock library Saturday, August 27! 

It's a great opportunity to join other adults on the spectrum to socialize and support each other. 

For a calendar of the 2022 monthly meetings, click here.

Questions? Contact Lud Kozlowski at 502-791-5835 or email aspielud@comcast.net.

Why We Must Avoid Harmful Disability Slurs
Emily Ladau, Digital Content & Community Manager for the Disability & Philanthropy Forum, interviews Julie Petty, Project Trainer, Initiatives on Access and Justice, Partners for Inclusive Communities at Arkansas’ University Center on Disabilities. 

Julie shares insights about why she prefers to use person first language, the importance of using respectful language and why we must avoid harmful disability slurs.