An Inclusive Workplace is a Better Workplace
What's Happening This April?
Keep scrolling to discover the latest activities, events and updates from the
Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities!
Let's Celebrate!
April is recognized as Autism Acceptance Month and we want to get everyone involved in the celebration! There are plenty of ways to inform your family and community of ways to make this month special.
Ways to Make Your Workplace More Inclusive
It's much easier to say that you're that going to have a more inclusive workplace than it is to actually do it. Have no fear! A recent Q&A conducted by Vanderbilt University highlights simple yet effective ways to promote inclusion for those with Autism.
When we cultivate a neurodiverse working environment, we ensure a better, more innovative future for our workplace! Share this article with friends and family to spread the word on how easy it can be to make a workplace more accessible:
Family Activities
Teaching children at a young age about autism and how it affects others is incredibly important. By informing the next generation about those with developmental disabilities, we can create a better, more inclusive future for all!

Family Forever is about Julia and her experiences as a girl with autism.

Click on the photo above to read this free e-book with your little ones!

Sometimes we all need to stop and take a moment to breathe. For children, it can be difficult to know how to ease stressful or overwhelming situations.

Click on the photo above to follow a breathing exercise led by Patrick Star!
Special Council Meeting on May 5
The Council will hold a special meeting on Thursday, May 5, to consider funding the proposals we received throughout this month. More information will be made available soon! Click the button below to stay up to date on the details of the meeting.
Scholarship Opportunities
Do you know of any college students with developmental disabilities? It's not too late to apply for scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year! The Learning Disabilities Association of Arkansas and the Organization for Autism Research offer two of the many scholarships geared toward individuals with developmental disabilities that are pursuing a post-secondary degree or certification.
The Learning Disabilities Association of Arkansas wants YOU to apply for the Ralph G. Norman Scholarship! If you or someone you know has a developmental learning disability and is active in their community, this scholarship is right for them.
The Organization for Autistic Research has awarded more than $1.3 million to autistic students since 2007. These scholarships are open to students across the spectrum.
The Council
Quarterly Council Meeting
Mark your calendars to get ready for our next Council meeting on June 9! 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!
Council Member Spotlight:
Judy Watson and Annette Mencer!
Our Council members advocate for disability rights day in and day out. This month, we would like to thank Judy Watson and Annette Mencer for their service as Council members through 2021.

Judy Watson is from Hope, Arkansas. She has spent more than 25 years at Rainbow of Challenges, a nonprofit organization focused on providing a wide variety of support for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Thank you, Judy, for all that you do to serve and advocate for those with developmental disabilities!


Annette Mencer is from Benton, Arkansas. For many years, Annette has tirelessly advocated for people with disabilities and at-risk youth. She is a founding member of the Arkansas Autism Foundation and has worked in education for more than 15 years. Thank you, Annette, for being an active volunteer and advocate in our community!

Your service on the Council was greatly appreciated. We will miss you both.
Feline to the Rescue!
In need of you daily dose of cuteness? Watch how Thula the cat completely transformed the life of Iris, a child diagnosed with autism!