Developmental Disabilities

Arkansas Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to the Developmentally Disabled

The Division of Developmental disabilities Services (DDS) housed in the Department of Human Services provides an extensive range of services to individuals with developmental disabilities in community settings. The Community Support Section of DDS acts as the entry point for persons interested in services. These services are provided through private, not for profit programs whose service areas include all 75 counties of the state. There are 96 DDS Licensed Providers statewide.

State Agency Responsible for Overseeing Employment Opportunities for the Developmentally Disabled

The Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS), also in the Department of Human Services operates a program to assess, plan, develop, and provide vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, consistent with their strengths and abilities in order to prepare for and engage in gainful employment. ARS operates 20 statewide offices for person with physical, mental, cognitive or sensory disabilities. Persons who wish to apply for services must first contact a rehabilitation counselor. Counselors are assigned to each of the state's 75 counties.

Sheltered Employment

Sheltered workshops in Arkansas are overseen by community rehabilitation programs. To get information about the community rehabilitation programs contact:

Competitive Employment

Community providers who serve people with developmental disabilities are licensed or certified by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDS) Licensure Unit. Programs are reviewed periodically to determine compliance with minimum standards. If you have concerns about any of the services being provided by DDS or community providers of DDS services, complaints should be directed to the DDS facility program evaluator who enforces licensure standards at (501) 682-8693 or the local program supervisor. These individuals will inform you of the internal grievance procedure and your rights in that procedure. Efforts are made to settle complaints quickly.

The health and safety of workers in Arkansas are protected by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA enforces workplace safety and health standards by providing safety and health information, training and assistance to workers and employers. OSHA has one area office in the state.

Health and Safety

The Arkansas Department of Labor offers free OSHA consultation services. Their purpose is to help businesses meet the OSHA job regulation standards and develop an ongoing effective safety and health program.

Arkansas Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH) enforce health and safety issues affecting state, county and municipal employees. AOSH investigates complaints, accidents and fatalities in public sector workplaces and checks for violations of Arkansas safety and health regulations. Employees of the public sector can call in complaints to the AOSH Compliance Section.

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

Arkansas Adult Protective Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services protects and assists adults, age 18 and older, who are abused, neglected, or exploited, or any combination thereof, and who are endangered as a result of lack of capacity or impaired from mental or physical disease or defect as these terms are defined by Arkansas Statute. Information regarding the reporter of a referral is confidential and will not be revealed.

Protection and Advocacy

Another advocacy source is the Arkansas Governor's Developmental Disabilities Council which supports people with developmental disabilities in achieving independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community through advocating and promoting service systems that enhance their lives.

The Disability Rights Center (DRC) is a private non-profit agency with offices in Little Rock. DRC operates under authority outlined in Federal law and is funded primarily by the Federal government. DRC is authorized to protect human, civil and legal rights of all Arkansans with disabilities consistent with federal law.