Cindy has volunteered in various capacities over the years, advocating for individuals with autism or other disabilities. During her time on the Council, she worked with her fellow members to guide the development and implementation of the current five-year state plan. Fong served on the Council's Public Policy and Outreach Committee. The committee is charged with monitoring and reviewing policies and legislation to ensure that the rights and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are considered.

It also guides Council activities that educate stakeholders about the importance of promoting policies and practices to increase opportunities for independence, productivity and integration into the community. Cindy's term of service with the Council ended in December of 2023; she served as a parent advocate member for five years. In addition to her service with the GCDD, she has held positions with the Arkansas Autism Foundation, the Lifespan Respite Coalition, and the Partners for Inclusive Communities Community Advisory Committee. Fong is a trained Sibshop facilitator. Cindy also promotes the employment of people with disabilities in the community through her participation in the Arkansas Coalition for Disability Employment.

Your service on the Council was greatly appreciated, Dr. Fong. We wish you all the best in continuing your advocacy journey!

The Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) will host a Transition Fair on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn West Little Rock location. This is a great opportunity for Arkansans who are blind and their families to locate resources to help them navigate through life successfully. Lunch will be provided.

Families can RSVP to the event by emailing LaTasha Mays. Please reach out to her at LaTasha.Mays@arkansas.gov.

In the News

• 11th Annual Famous Family Bistro to take place April 20 - Parent Advisory Council CMS
• U.S. to Strengthen Protection for Air Travelers with Wheelchairs - U.S. News & World Report
• U.S. Census Bureau Revisits Community Survey Disability Questions - census.gov
• Partners for Inclusive Communities Receives Grant for Children & Family Services - UofA

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.