NASHVILLE
Parent Resources
Center for Exceptional Families, Inc.
The center works in collaboration with families and their local school districts to promote an innovative approach for providing special education services for individuals with disabilities. Their goal is to provide statewide support to families, schools, educators, and students transitioning to adulthood and individuals seeking secondary scholastic achievement. They advocate for all persons in Arkansas to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
www.thecenterforexceptionalfamilies.org
(479) 927-4100
CADRE- The National Center on Dispute Resolution in Special Education
The center works to increase the nation’s capacity to effectively resolve special education disputes, reducing the use of expensive adversarial processes. CADRE works with state and local education systems, parent centers, families and educators to improve programs and results for children with disabilities.
www.directionservice.org/cadre/
(541) 686- 5060
Disability Rights Center
The DRC of Arkansas is the federally funded and authorized Protection and Advocacy system for people with disabilities in Arkansas. DRC is authorized to advocate for and protect human, civil and legal rights of all Arkansans with disabilities consistent with federal law. DRC services are provided free of charge.
http://disabilityrightsar.org/
(501) 296-1775
Arkansas Easter Seals
Easter Seals provides a variety of home and community-based services, affording opportunities for children and adults with disabilites to become more independent.
(501) 227-3600
ARC of Arkansas
The Arc Arkansas 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.
(501) 375-7770
Independent Case Management
ICM, Inc. is a nonprofit agency located in Little Rock, Arkansas, which provides support services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
(501) 228-0063
Arkansas Dept. of Education- Special Educaton Unit
This website has many resources available to families of students with disabilities. It has a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section regarding special education. There is also a section of additional resources. You may also find Your Rights Under IDEA. You can also learn more about CIRCUIT services. Centralized Intake and Referral / Consultant Unified Intervention Team (CIRCUIT) connects parents, guardians, caregivers, school personnel, or any other concerned party to a regional cadre of special education consultants. CIRCUIT can assist in interventions for students with sensory disabilities, multiple physical disabilities, behavior, and autism spectrum disorders.
https://arksped.k12.ar.us/index.html
Arkansas Disability Coalition
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.
(501) 614-7020
Arkansas Waiver Association
Not-for-profit organization that provides information and resources regarding waiver programs within our state.
(479) 927-4100
Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS)
These services are a part of the Department of Health and Human Services. They can assist you in finding appropriate health services for your child.
(800) 633-4227
Learning Disabilities Association of Arkansas
LDAA provides 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 LDAA the leading resource for information on learning disabilities.
(501) 666-8777
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Arkansas
NAMI Arkansas is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to help people living with mental illness, their families, and the community. NAMI Arkansas operates a statewide organization providing and coordinating a network of local support groups providing support, education, and advocacy throughout the state. The organization is affiliated with National NAMI, which is located in Arlington, VA.
(501) 661-1548