Hello Jon,


July is a time each year when we say #ThanksToTheADA! 34 years ago on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. This historic civil rights law protects the rights of disabled people by prohibiting discrimination of people with disabilities in many aspects of public life.


As we draw close to the end of July, we can't help but acknowledge the extreme heat that characterized how it began. It has been a challenging month for many of us, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels in some areas and others receiving record rainfall and flooding. Moving forward, let's remember the lessons we learned from these experiences, and continue to plan, prepare, and care for each other, no matter what challenges come our way. #BeReady


Read on to find out more and join us as we continue our work toward inclusion, integration, and independence for every Arkansan.

~ GCDD Staff

Happy 34th Anniversary to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! #ADA34


Did you know that the ADA National Network is a free resource that provides information and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act? Visit their website where you'll find links to locate your regional ADA Center, info on upcoming events, fact sheets, and more.


Visit the ADA Network Site

July 26th is also known as National Disability Independence Day which highlights the importance of promoting and recognizing the rights and independence of individuals with disabilities.


Check out this article from the Inclusion Hub to learn more and access a host of resources!



Learn More

July is Disability Pride Month, an annual celebration to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Disability Pride has been celebrated for over 30 years, yet many allies and people with disabilities still don’t know about it. 


Check out this blog from staff member Kim Gatewood to read her story and learn more about the Disability Pride Flag!

Learn More

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat, your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. People with disabilities, and chronic health conditions, are at a higher risk of heat-related illness during periods of high daytime and nighttime temperatures. #HeatSafety #BeatTheHeat


Find resources and more information on preparedness at Ready.gov


Launched in February 2003, Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies and disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.

Extreme Heat Resources

We also need to stay ready for other extreme weather like severe storms and flooding. #SevereWxPrep


Severe weather can happen anytime, in any part of the country. Severe weather can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, and hurricanes. 




  • Learn what to do before, during & after a flood by visiting: ready.gov/floods 




Assistive Technology Webinar


Save the date for this upcoming August webinar from Partners for Inclusive Communities and ICAN!


August 13, 2024

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

 

About this Event

Assistive Technology for All Stages of Life 

Assistive Technology can help older people live satisfying and independent lives. However, not all of us have the experience to feel confident in selecting devices or technology. Arkansas is fortunate to have ICAN (Increasing Capabilities Access Network) who can fill that gap. Their services are available to anyone in Arkansas, regardless of age. They have a wide variety of assistive devices and technology they loan. They also advise, educate and partner to ensure Arkansans with disabilities of ANY age can “borrow before they buy” when it comes to assistive devices.  It’s important to note that ICAN serves people of ALL ages. This presentation will also benefit anyone who may need assistive devices or technology at any age. 


Registration

This event is free but registration is required. Once registered, you will receive a link to join the event. Online Registration Form


Questions?

Feel free to contact Paula Pottenger at ppotten@uark.edu


Partners for Inclusive Communities is Arkansas' University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD) and serves as the Arkansas Affiliate for the Southwest ADA Center.

Saturday, August 17, 10:30 am to Noon. 


Join other adults on the autism spectrum in Little Rock to support each other! No registration or RSVP is required. It is free to attend.


Upcoming Dates:


  • September 21
  • October 19
  • November 16
  • December 21


Where?

River City Coffee (in Hillcrest)

2913 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72205

www.rivercitycoffeelr.com


When?

10:30AM to 12 Noon


Contact?

Lud Kozlowski

Email: aspielud@comcast.net

Call: 502-791-5835 (leave a voicemail, Lud will call you back)


Share Your Story

Have you participated in one of our activities or funded program activities (training, events, etc.)? We would love to hear your story. Please share the impact that participating in our sponsored activity made in your life!


Download and fill it out electronically (or print the form, fill it out, scan it) and email it to our staff at ddcstaff@dfa.arkansas.gov to submit your story. You can even mail it to our office at Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Arkansas, 1515 W. 7th Street, Suite 320-330 Little Rock, AR 72201.

Download the Form
Arkansas Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities

Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities | (501) 682-2897

gcdd.arkansas.gov

Facebook  X  Youtube  Linkedin