Arkansas State Independent Living Council-ARSILC

10/24/2026

Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind Transition Fair!

Join the Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind for the 2026 Transition Fair, celebrating the value and talent of students who are blind, have low vision, or are DeafBlind.

📅 Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
📍 Location: City Center, 315 N. Shackleford Road, Little Rock, Arkansas
🎉 Theme: Celebrating Value and Talent
💙 Admission: Free!

Students, educators, parents, and community partners are invited to explore opportunities and resources that help students prepare for their futures.

✨ What to expect:
🔹Experience a Reality Fair
🔹Discover careers that match individual interests
🔹Explore college and training programs
🔹Learn about internships and work experiences
🔹Build skills through self-advocacy
🔹Hear from a keynote speaker
🔹Connect with organizations at the Resource Fair

This event helps students explore their strengths, build confidence, and connect with resources to turn their goals into reality.

Register - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Z4ydXAE85C

FranSha Anderson Dametrice FranSha Anderson

10/23/2026

Medicare’s 2026 Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7

Need Help Understanding Medicare? AR SHIIP Is Here for You!

Arkansas State Health Insurance Assistance Program (AR SHIIP) provides free, confidential, one-on-one Medicare counseling to Medicare-eligible Arkansans and their families.

Certified counselors can help you:
✔️ Understand Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D prescription drug coverage.
✔️ Compare prescription drug plans and explore ways to save on medication costs.
✔️ Find out if you qualify for Extra Help and other programs that may reduce Medicare expenses.
✔️ Understand your options so you can make informed decisions about your coverage.

AR SHIIP works with 36 sponsoring organizations and local coordinators to connect people with support across all 75 Arkansas counties.

Counselors are not affiliated with the insurance industry and do not sell or endorse insurance products. Their goal is to provide unbiased information so you can choose what works best for you.

🔗 Learn more and find local assistance: https://insurance.arkansas.gov/consumer-assistance/medicare-resources/

Arkansas Insurance Department FranSha Anderson Dametrice FranSha Anderson

SMP / Medicare Fraud SHIIP

10/22/2026

Get to Know the Arkansas Down Syndrome Association (ADSA)!

Since 2004, the Arkansas Down Syndrome Association (ADSA) has been dedicated to advocating for healthy, inclusive, and productive lives for individuals with Down syndrome.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit powered entirely by volunteers, ADSA supports families across Arkansas by providing free events, valuable resources, educational materials, and advocacy to help individuals with Down syndrome thrive in their homes, schools, and communities.

🌟 What makes ADSA special?
💙 Supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families
💛 Promoting awareness, acceptance, and inclusion
💙 Providing educational, medical, legal, tax, and advocacy resources
💛 Partnering with schools and communities to build understanding
💙 Connecting families with a supportive community

ADSA is guided by a diverse board of directors, including medical professionals, business leaders, and parents who share a passion for making a difference. The organization is also connected with national and international Down syndrome organizations, strengthening its commitment to advocacy, education, and inclusion.

📲 Learn more or explore helpful resources at www.ardownsyndrome.org

FranSha Anderson Dametrice FranSha Anderson

Block Party 2024 Sept. 21 Register Now 2024 Buddy Walk Oct. 26 Learn More & Register Volunteer Register now October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month! Learn More Club Connect is Back! 6/17/21 Register Now Win a FREE Registration to NDSC! More Info & Sign Up Here 2024 Tax Forms available now! Get Tax....

10/21/2026

Webinar: Register for Voting Rights 101 with Kathy Webb

Join the Arkansas Kids Count Coalition for its monthly Policy 101 webinar series, exploring key policies and programs that impact children and families in Arkansas.

This month, Kathy Webb of Get Loud Arkansas will discuss critical national and state voting rights laws.

📅 Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
🕐 Time: 1:00–2:00 p.m.
💻 Location: Zoom

https://www.aradvocates.org/events/kids-count-policy-101-voting-rights-101/

Dametrice FranSha Anderson Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families Get Loud, Arkansas

This year, the Arkansas Kids Count Coalition is hosting a monthly webinar series, Policy 101, to explore the fundamentals of major policies and programs

10/20/2026

What Is an Invisible Disability?

Invisible disabilities aren't always visible. A person may seem healthy while facing challenges that impact daily life, work, or social interactions.

These disabilities can be physical, mental, neurological, or cognitive, and experiences vary for each individual. Examples include:
🧠 Mental health: Depression, anxiety, PTSD.
💙 Chronic illnesses: Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus.
🧩 Neurological: Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, brain injury effects.
📚 Learning/developmental: ADHD, dyslexia, autism.
🩺 Other conditions: Diabetes, Crohn’s disease, certain heart issues.

Key points to remember:
🔸 You can't always tell if someone has a disability by appearance.
🔸 Invisible disabilities may affect energy, focus, memory, and daily activities.
🔸 Needs can fluctuate daily.
🔸 Everyone deserves kindness and respect without needing to prove their disability.

Learn more from Invisible Disabilities Association: https://invisibledisabilities.org/what-is-an-invisible-disability/

FranSha Anderson Dametrice FranSha Anderson

10/19/2026

Unity Day is October 21st!

Wear ORANGE to show that we stand together for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion! 🧡 By wearing and sharing orange, we send a powerful message to students that they are not alone and that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and Unity Day, sponsored by PACER Center ’s National Bullying Prevention Center, reminds us that we all have a role in preventing bullying and creating a more inclusive world.

Together, we can spread kindness, celebrate our differences, stand up against bullying, and make every day a little brighter for everyone! 🧡

United for kindness. United for acceptance. United for inclusion. Together, we can create a world without bullying!

FranSha Anderson Dametrice FranSha Anderson

10/18/2026

Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, Inc. is proud to receive a grant through the Union Pacific Railroad Community Ties Giving Program!

This generous support will strengthen Texarkana Resources’ Supported Employment and Workforce Development Program, helping individuals with disabilities overcome employment barriers, build valuable job skills, and access meaningful, competitive employment opportunities throughout communities across Arkansas.

https://txktoday.com/news/texarkana-resources-union-pacific-community-ties-grant/

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

Texarkana, AR (10/12/2026) – Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, Inc. is the proud recipient of a Union Pacific Railroad Community Ties Giving

10/18/2026

Springdale special education teacher named 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year

https://www.nwahomepage.com/northwest-arkansas-news/springdale-special-education-teacher-named-2027-arkansas-teacher-of-the-year/

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

A Springdale special education teacher was surprised on Thursday when it was announced she was named the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.

10/17/2026

The Arvest Foundation recently presented a $15,000 grant to Community Connections . The grant will be used to expand sports and arts programming and volunteer outreach for children with special needs in Fort Smith, Van Buren and Russellville.

https://www.rivervalleydemocratgazette.com/news/2026/oct/14/arvest-foundation-awards-15000-grant-to-community/

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

FORT SMITH -- The Arvest Foundation recently presented a $15,000 grant to Community Connections. The grant will be used to expand sports and arts programming and volunteer outreach for children with special needs in Fort Smith, Van Buren and Russellville.

10/16/2026

GET TO KNOW THE LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF ARKANSAS!

Did you know that the Learning Disabilities Association of Arkansas (LDA Arkansas) works to support individuals with learning disabilities, families, educators, and professionals?

What do they do?

✅ Educate the public about learning disabilities.
✅ Provide information, resources, and support to families.
✅ Promote early identification and effective interventions.
✅ Advocate for the rights and educational opportunities of people with learning disabilities.
✅ Offer training and educational resources for parents, teachers, and professionals.
✅ Collaborate with other organizations to promote understanding, support, and success.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Through education, advocacy, and awareness, Learning Disabilities Association of Arkansas - LDAA helps individuals and families find resources and navigate the challenges associated with learning disabilities.

💙 Learn more or get involved: 🌐 https://lda-arkansas.org/

Dametrice FranSha Anderson

LDA has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals with cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources. These services make LDA the leading resource for information on learni...