FAQ Friday: Family Leadership Project

 The DD Council’s primarily objective is giving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families a helping hand. From it’s recently revised Parent Packet to its cooperation with numerous state agencies and organizations, the Council is actively engaged in helping families navigate the often complex system while searching for the resources necessary to meet the needs of the individual and family.

A major component in DDC’s family services is the Family Leadership Project (FLP). Conducted annually, the project’s primary objective is to assist FLP graduates effectively participate in the development and implementation of policies, programs and services that directly impact their lives. FLP’s goals include furnishing a wide range of information about services and supports; providing a better understanding of the strategies needed to affect system change, and presenting the techniques necessary to work more effectively with state, federal and local agencies. The Council accepts FLP applications through December 31st of each year. Classes are conducted over a three month period, beginning in March and ending in May. To get more information about DDC’s family services, its publications, and activities, including the FLP program, please contact Family Services Coordinator Brenda Mercer at [email protected]

Although the deadline has already passed to complete and submit applications for this, they are still accepting families. The first meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 2, 2012, and Saturday, March 3, 2012, beginning each day at 8:30 a.m.  A schedule is included for the 2012 training.  The training will be conducted at the:

Ramada Limited & Suites
8 Shackleford Road
Little Rock, AR  72211
501.221.766

DDC will reimburse participants for costs associated with attending the training sessions.  This means that participants will be responsible for paying the costs of transportation to and from Little Rock, respite (child care) expenses and meals.  At the training, participants will complete a reimbursement form (TR-1) and within 3-4 weeks will receive a check in the mail for expenses.  Charges for motel/hotel will be direct billed to DDC and will not be billed to participants. 

You may reach Brenda at 501.280.4608 or 1.800.462.0599, Ext. 280.4608, or again at [email protected].  


You  may also be eligible for funding provided by the DD Council based on your specific needs. There are 3 areas where this applies below. Click the links to find out more information:

Parent Activity Fund
The Arkansas Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to announce the availability of
funds to support Quality Assurance acitivities of parents of children with developmental disabilities.
Funding will be provided for participation in state and/or national conferences,other training opportunities which increase the parent’s knowledge of disability issues and develop advocacy skills. Requests must be submitted no later than September 30, 2012.

Self Advocacy Fund
The Arkansas Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to announce the availability of funds to support Quality Assurance activities of individuals with developmental disabilities. Funding will be provided to organizations that support self-advocacy activities for individuals with developmental disabilities who demonstrate an expressed interest in attending trainings, meetings and other quality assurance activities that promote integration, leadership and community inclusion.

Requests must be submitted no later than September 30, 2012 and funding will be awarded in amounts no greater than $1,000 per request.

Transition Fund
The Arkansas Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to announce the availability of funds to assist provider organizations in helping individuals with disabilities transition into community settings. $500 per individual. Requests for funds must be received no later than September 30. 2012.

If you have any further questions please contact Brenda whose information is above or NWA CPRC at [email protected] or 479 927 4100. Thanks!