Local Resources
Diagnosis:
The Specialty Diagnostic Resource Center (SDRC) is Arkansas’s center for diagnostics and resources on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). SDRC provides evaluations to determine if patients have an FASD and to assist families of patients with an FASD. We also provide training for students and other professionals to increase knowledge about FASD.
This clinic is in Little Rock at Partners for Inclusive Communities.
To schedule your appointment or for more information, call (501) 291-1621 or email: appointment@ArkSDRC.org
Website: https://www.arksdrc.org/
G. Bradley Schaefer, MD, FAAP, FACMG, Medical Director
519 Latham Drive
Lowell, AR 72745
Phone: 479-750-0125 x266
Fax: 479-750-0323
The Arkansas Children’s Genetics and Metabolic Clinic provides evaluation of children and adults with birth defects, inherited conditions, metabolic disorders, developmental delay, mental retardation and autism as well as genetic counseling for relatives.
1301 Wolfe Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
Jill Fussell, MD, Medical Director
Phone: 501-364-1830
The Dennis Developmental Center (DDC) specializes in the assessment of developmental conditions that result in delayed milestones, inability to communicate effectively, inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, learning problems, and poor or atypical social interactions. Evaluation and therapy are also provided for families coping with the stress of chronic developmental disorders or chronic medical illnesses, and with grief and loss concerns.
Education:
Office of Communications
Four Capitol Mall, Room 403-A
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-4475
Fax: 501-364-1564
The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) is a dedicated service agency that provides leadership, support and service to schools, districts and communities so every student graduates prepared for college, career, and community engagement.
P.O. Box 23514
Little Rock, AR 72221
Phone: 501-682-4475
Fax: 501-364-1564
The Learning Disabilities Association of Arkansas is a non-profit, volunteer organization of individuals, professionals and parents of children with learning disabilities. We are dedicated to defining and empowering individuals affected by learning disabilities through education, advocacy and legislation.
Special Education Information for children ages 3-12
Four Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-4475
Fax: 501-364-1564
To the Arkansas Department of Education Special Education Unit parents and families are important partners in achieving success for all students. This webpage is designed to help parents and families of
students ages 3-21 learn more about special education in Arkansas.
First Connections (birth -3)
Donaghey Plaza, P.O. Box 1437
Little Rock, AR 72203
Toll Free: 800-643-8258
Phone: 501-682-1332
Email: info@firstconnections.gov
Early intervention (0-3) under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is First Connections. The Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities Services is the “lead agency” with administrative oversight. First Connections provides supports and services for families and their children, birth to age three who have special needs
Our Mission is to improve educational opportunities for students with disabilities, including students transitioning to adult life beyond high school.
Directories to Services:
Search local services, support groups, activities, schools and more for children and families with special needs by clicking on the categories below. All area codes are (501) unless otherwise noted.
The information included in this booklet is a starting point in educating and informing caregivers of children about their rights and in creating early expectations and models for self-determination.
State Programs:
Arkansas Division of Medical Services
Department of Human Services
Donaghey Plaza South
P. O. Box 1437, Slot S401
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1437
The General information section of this website describes Arkansas Medicaid’s organization and services.
525 W. Capitol Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-296-1600
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) mission is to prepare Arkansans with disabilities to work and lead productive and independent lives.
Toll Free: 1-800-482-5850, ext. 22277
Phone: 501-682-8207
During the hours of 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday.
A Medical Home is not a building, house or hospital, but rather an approach to providing health care services in a high-quality and cost-effective manner. Children and their families who have a medical home receive the care that they need from a well-trained physician who provides primary care and helps to manage and facilitate essentially all aspects of pediatric care. Links are provided on this website to information for both families and professionals that will enhance their knowledge of specific special need conditions and will guide them to obtaining needed services.
322 Main Street, Suite 501
Little Rock, AR 72201
David Deere, Director
Toll Free: 800-342-2923
Phone: 501-301-1100
Fax: 501-682-5423
Partners for Inclusive Communities (Partners) is Arkansas’ University Center on Disabilities. Administratively located within the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions, Partners is a member of the nationwide Association of University Centers on Disabilities – AUCD.
To support individuals with disabilities and families of children with disabilities to fully and meaningfully participate in community life, effect systems change, prevent disabilities and promote healthy lifestyles.
P.O. Box 1437, Slot N505 Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone: 501-683-0870
Homepage | Title V Page
DDS Children’s Services provides case management/care coordination for children birth to 21 years of age. Title V Care Coordinators will provide individuals and their families with information about the array of services that are available in their community and assist with referrals and applications for those services.
Support/Advocates:
1020 West 4th Street, Suite 300
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-212-8600
Toll Free: 877-650-2362
AFMC is a nonprofit organization engaged with beneficiaries and health care providers in all settings to improve overall health and consumers’ experience of care, while reducing health care costs. We accomplish this through education, outreach, data analysis, information technology, and medical case review and marketing/communications services.
1123 S. University Ave., Suite 225
Little Rock, AR 72204-1605
Phone: 501-614-7020
The Arkansas Disability Coalition (ADC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been in existence almost 40 years, having been incorporated in 1976. The ADC is a statewide organization that assists families and individuals with all types of disabilities by providing information, support, resources, and training.
Union Station
1400 West Markham Suite 306
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 371-9678
Fax: (501) 371-9681
E-mail: connect@aradvocates.org
Website: www.aradvocates.org
The mission of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families is to ensure that all children and their families have the resources and opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives and to realize their full potential.
2004 So. Main Street
Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: (501) 375-7770
Art Center: (501) 225-6890
The ARC provides supports, housing, advocacy, education and leadership to people with disabilities and their families. The Arc assists and encourages individuals with disabilities in acquiring skills and supports, which allow them to make decisions regarding their own lives, helping them to achieve integration into the mainstream of community life. These personalized supports are outcome oriented, dependable, effective and flexible.
Legal:
714 S Main S
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Phone: 870-972-9224
Our mission is to improve the lives of low-income Arkansans by championing equal access to justice for all regardless of economic or social circumstances.
1100 N. University, Suite 201
Little Rock, AR 72207
Toll Free: 800-482-1174
Fax: 501-296-1779
E-mail: info@disabilityrightsar.org
Disability Rights Arkansas has a vision that people with disabilities are equal members in their communities and dictate the course of their own lives through self-determination.
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 376-3423
Fax: (501) 376-3664
Toll Free Legal Helpline is available by county. See home page for link.
This site provides information, resources and links that can assist you in helping to find the legal assistance you need. These free resources are provided by the Center for Arkansas Legal Services and Legal Aid of Arkansas. Together, these two non-profit law firms provide free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income people throughout the state.
Therapy Services/ Developmental Child Care:
Phone: 501.526.8700
UAMS Kids First is an academic, interdisciplinary program providing comprehensive care to young children with special needs. Our university-based clinical team provides best-practice developmental intervention and medical support for infants, toddlers and preschoolers through high-quality, coordinated, family-centered programming. KIDS FIRST Clinics are located in Little Rock, Morrilton, Magnolia, Lowell, Ft. Smith, Warren, Pocahontas, Newport, Mt.View, Pine Bluff and Searcy.
Sherwood, AR | Phone: 501-753-5459
Conway, AR | Phone: 501-329-5459
Russellville, AR | Phone: 479-890-5494
Little Rock, AR | Phone: 501-821-5459
Pediatrics Plus is a specialized pediatric healthcare provider. We are committed to helping your child succeed in all stages of life through evidence-based therapy and education, diagnostic services, state of the art facilities, specialized equipment, family support, and community investment.
Pediatrics Plus outpatient therapy provides occupational, physical, and speech language therapy. Our therapists provide a comprehensive evaluation focused on the specific needs of the child and family and develop an individualized treatment plan based on those needs. Therapeutic interventions are used to help a variety of challenges that children may have including: language, pragmatics, auditory processing, speech, oral motor, feeding, swallowing, daily living, strength, range of motion, flexibility, balance, posture, body mechanics, coordination, and endurance.
105 East Roosevelt Road.
Little Rock, Arkansas 72206
Phone: 501-666-0246
Sammie Gail Sanders Children’s Learning Center supports, encourages and loves children of all abilities. It is a place full of laughter, accomplishment, and acceptance…where “work is play,” and where little miracles happen every day!
Locations in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Beebe, Mt. Ida, and Lonoke.
Private School (K-12) for Children with Disabilities
1600 Riverfront Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
Phone: 501.663.6965
email: info@eastersealsar.com
Located in Little Rock, Ark. Easterseals Academy at Riverdale is a private school and outpatient therapy clinic that offers services to students with developmental disabilities in the central Arkansas area.
3920 Woodland Heights Rd.
Little Rock, AR 72212
Phone: 501-227-3600
The purpose of Easterseals Arkansas is to change the way the world views and defines disabilities by making profound, positive differences in people’s lives every day. Easterseals Arkansas’ services include developmental preschools in Little Rock and Stuttgart, pediatric speech-language, physical, and occupational therapy and our Center for Training & Wellness which assists adults with finding jobs and learning new skills.
Call or Text: 501-514-3722
Providing Occupational, Speech, and Physical Therapy in the Conway and Greenbrier area.
Recreational Activities/Equipment:
1040 Angel Court,
Little Rock, AR 72206
Phone: 501-888-4140
Extracurricular activities help individuals explore their capabilities, as well as challenge them to grow. Extracurricular activities offered by I CAN! of Arkansas include dance, art, music, cheerleading clinics, soccer and CrossFit. Families may participate in any or all of the activities offered. These classes conclude with a devotional thought and time of prayer.
Mailing Address: 2740 College Avenue
Conway, Arkansas 72034
Phone: (501) 733-1627
Community Connections is a non-profit organization in central Arkansas providing extra-curricular activities for children with special needs & support for their families.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7372
Little Rock, AR 72217
Welcome to the Miracle League …. There is nothing like it! When you step into the ballpark, you know that there is something inclusive for everyone, from the barrier free surface made of recycled tires to, thus creating a unique opportunity to challenge, to understand and to correcting misperceptions about individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities. Quickly learning that our players are not much different than yourself they simply go about it differently.
2115 Main Street
North Little Rock, AR 72114
Phone: (501) 771-0222
Fax: (501) 771-1020
Toll Free: (800) 722-9063
The mission of Special Olympics Arkansas is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
900 W. 7th Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-666-8868
Toll Free: 800-828-2799
Fax: 501-666-5319
Assistive Technology (AT) is a broad term that refers to any piece of equipment or device that helps an individual to complete a task and to do so as safely and independently as possible.
Increasing Capabilities Access Network (iCAN) is connecting Arkansans with the technology they need to help them learn, work, communicate and live more independently.
Our services offered are available to all Arkansans, regardless of age, geographic area, disability, income or eligibility for any other service
Respite:
The Arkansas Lifespan Respite Coalition is a collaborative partner with the Department of Human Service Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) for the Arkansas Take the Time Lifespan Respite Program. The Coalition is represented by family caregivers, respite providers, and members of the aging, disability and health services networks. Everyone is welcome.
Transitioning to Adulthood:
Arkansas Transition Services serves all 75 counties in Arkansas in an effort to improve transition outcomes for students with disabilities. Our mission is to effectively assist students with disabilities, educators, parents, agency personnel and community members in preparing students to transition from school to adult life and reach positive post-school outcomes. We provide technical assistance, trainings and consultations to special education teachers and other relevant staff, as well as to various agency personnel. Our services are provided at no cost.