Project Description:
The Core Grant from AIDD establishes the infrastructure for the UCEDD in the state of Arkansas whose mission is inclusion of people with disabilities in community life. Focusing on inclusion is critical in Arkansas since the state continues to rely on state-operated ICFs as a large part of the service continuum. The HCB waiver has a waiting list with approximately 3000+ individuals on it, some of whom have been waiting 10 years or more for services. The Core Grant goals include: (1) Increasing the capacity in the state for screening, diagnosing and intervening with individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities; (2) improving community inclusion for persons with ASD and other developmental disabilities by providing community training, technical assistance, and community-based services; (3) adding to the knowledge base for improving the lives of people with autism and other developmental disabilities by conducting research and publishing the findings; (4) adding to the knowledge-base on state providers concerning autism and other developmental disabilities by disseminating information about research findings and established evidence-based practices; and (5) increasing community integration for persons with disabilities by promoting the development of an advocacy network of self-advocates and family members. Partners for Inclusive Communities, Arkansas' UCEDD, is heavily involved in interdisciplinary preparation of graduate students, in intensive intervention for young children with ASD, in training/technical assistance for early care and education providers, in providing training on cultural awareness/humility and interpreter certification, in prevention of violence, abuse and exploitation of individuals with disabilities and elderly Arkansans; in creating digital access, in expanding self-advocacy, and in assisting with COVID19 activities. Partners' also provides information to policy makers as needed.
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services, Demonstration Services
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Education & Early Intervention, Child Care-Related Activities, Health-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Cultural Diversity, Other - Leadership, Other
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County, Mulit-County, State, Regional, National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
