Message of Gratitude from Executive Director Tammy Simmons

Dear ACCESS Friends and Family, As I reflect on the events of the past year, the word “gratitude” has never meant so much as it does during this season of thanksgiving. 2020 has been a trying year for the world, and ACCESS was not immune to the challenges brought about by the coronavirus...

Living a Full Life with CES Waiver Services

Life can bring many surprises and lots of joy. Thirty-three years ago, my daughter Claire was born. As a nurse, I thought I knew what to expect, but boy were my eyes about to be opened. After Claire survived a fetal maternal hemorrhage, yes, lots of uncertainty was to come. Long term, Claire has...

What is Dyslexia and How Can ACCESS Help?

Language and learning disorders are not as uncommon as one might think among children in the United States, even those students with average or above average intelligence. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), 1 in 5 children in the U.S. have learning and attention...

The Importance of Community Support During Unprecedented Times

Watch this special message Fred Davis, member of the ACCESS Board of Directors, about why community support is crucial to the success of ACCESS, the families we serve, and our community at large. As an organization, ACCESS has been celebrating 25 years of service all academic year. Through the...

Independence and Community Integration Through CES Waiver Services

How can CES Waiver help me or my child gain independence and be part of the community? Community and Employment Supports (CES) Waiver Program is a Medicaid and state-funded program for children and adults diagnosed with a developmental disability prior to the age of 22. CES Waiver’s goal is...

Expanding Potential: The Value of Outpatient Therapy

A Testimonial by Shannon Shirley, ACCESS Parent Upon arriving at ACCESS Outpatient Therapy several years ago, Stella had many milestones to meet. As a parent, you may feel any number of emotions while seeking special help for your child. Our path, as special needs parents, is different. It is...

ACCESS State of Operations on COVID-19

As we navigate these unprecedented times during the coronavirus pandemic, we are all making adjustments with the health and safety of our communities in mind. At ACCESS, we continue to adjust to best serve our clients and families, striving to continue to build brighter futures for those with...

Plants with a Purpose: ACCESS Spring Plants Sales Are Here!

PLANTS WITH A PURPOSE: Shop the ACCESS Spring Plant Sales and Support New Opportunities for Purpose and Independence for Individuals with Special Needs Curbside delivery orders now available! Call today to reserve your plants, and our horticulture experts will meet you at your car for load-in....

ACCESS® Hosts Viewing of Acclaimed Independent Film Normie, Welcomes Director and Lead Actor to Little Rock

Little Rock, Arkansas – February 11, 2020 – ACCESS® Group, Inc. will host a special viewing of the nationally-acclaimed independent film Normie on Thursday, March 5, 2020. The viewing will take place at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church’s Wesley Hall, and tickets will be free for...

ACCESS Support Services: Medicaid Waiver

Join us for the next Transitions Night discussing ACCESS Support Services: Medicaid Waiver. Did you know that there are a variety of services available through the CES Medicaid Waiver program to encourage community integration for development disabled individuals? Join our ACCESS Medicaid Team...

2019-2020 Annual Giving Campaign Supports Technology

Every day, we use technology – making phone calls on our smart phones, typing emails to friends and colleagues, watching television to catch up on the news.  We often take for granted the many ways that technology helps us with our daily tasks.  Technology is an essential part of our...

So You Think You Have a Picky Eater?

Having two young children myself, I have gone through my fair share of frustrating moments wondering, “Why in the world will she not eat dinner?” or “Is it awful that he is eating chicken nuggets again?” I mean Chick-Fil-A is healthy right? Every parent has these thoughts, and it is...

Back to School Stress vs. Anxiety – How Do I Know the Difference?

Firsts! Someone said, “there’s a first time for everything.”  For students across Arkansas, the first weeks of school have started.   First time to wear those new school shoes.  First time to use that new backpack.  Maybe the first time in a brand new school.  For some readers, it...

ACCESS Transitions Night: METRO 101

You direct students/clients to use the local transit system; are you up-to-speed on how it works? There’s no time like the present to sign up for this 1.5-hour METRO Transit 101 class. RSVP TODAY! Participants will learn: How to read a system map; How to read a schedule brochure or...

ACCESS® Celebrates 25 Years of Building Brighter Futures for Individuals with Special Needs

ACCESS® Group, Inc. will kick off its 25th year of service on August 19, 2019 for the 2019-2020 academic year. ACCESS began in 1994 as a small therapy clinic in Little Rock serving just a handful of early childhood clients with special needs. Over the course of 25 years, ACCESS has expanded...

ACCESS Gardens Spring Plant Sales: More than Just Plants

The ACCESS® Gardens horticulture program is more than just plants. It’s designed to not only build upon school-aged classroom curriculum, but also impart vital social and vocational skills that can help individuals with special needs plan for future employment and exciting new opportunities....

Speech Therapy, More Than Just Words

Q: Most people associate speech with vocal language and articulation. What all does speech therapy actually encompass? A: Speech therapy is SO much more than talking. The role of a speech therapist is diverse; we work on so many aspects of communication, as well as feeding and swallowing....

The Road to Success: Will Stuckey’s Journey with Autism

The Road to Success: Will Stuckey’s Journey with Autism When you first meet Will Stuckey it is not hard to be captivated by his wit and bright personality. You could say he is somewhat of a legend as he walks the halls of the ACCESS Academy. Former teachers and therapists greet him with...

ACCESS Gardens Spring Plant Sales Are Here

Spring has sprung in the ACCESS® Gardens! Come check out the beautiful flowers and plants our students and young adults have been growing. ACCESS ACADEMY AND YOUNG ADULT CAMPUS 15OO N. MISSISSIPPI STREET LITTLE ROCK, AR 72207 APRIL 8 – JUNE 1 MONDAYS – SATURDAYS 9:00 AM –...

21st Annual Starry Starry Night Preview

Calling all bidders! On Saturday, February 23, ACCESS® will host the 21st Annual Starry Starry Night, “Igniting Potential,” at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. This event will celebrate individuals and community partnerships who have helped to ignite potential for...

ACCESS Transitions Night: Guardianships, Special Needs Trusts, and ABLE Accounts

Calling all parents and guardians of children with special needs! Join Kayleigh Dulaney, with Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP, as she presents on topics including guardianships, special needs trusts and ABLE accounts at the next ACCESS Transitions Night. Childcare will not be provided....

2018-2019 Annual Giving Campaign: Joining Hands to Bridge the Gap and Give #ACCESS4ALL

What is the ACCESS Annual Giving Campaign? The Annual Giving Campaign raises funds to support the day-to-day operations of ACCESS: the richness of our academic curriculum, the expertise of our therapeutic programs and the operations and maintenance of our campuses. Contributions come mainly...

ACCESS Serves Arkansas Residents Through the Waiver Program

When most families and supporters think of ACCESS, they think of services such as therapy, full-time education, vocational training, and even comprehensive evaluations and testing for individuals with special needs. All of those aspects are important to living our mission of expanding...

23 Truths You Should Know about Individuals with Down Syndrome

23 Truths You Should Know About Individuals with Down Syndrome Liane Meadors, a physical therapist at the ACCESS® Stella Boyle Smith Early Childhood campus, has been working with children with special needs for more than 30 years. Throughout her career, she has been a part of the journey of...

Breaking Down the Mission

A mission statement is a key tool to precisely communicate the aspirations of an organization; what do we do and why. ACCESS offers a variety of therapeutic services and unique educational programs, but what is the main purpose behind it all? Out of that question came the mission of...

Plant Power: The ACCESS Horticulture Program and the People Who Keep it Growing

The ACCESS® horticulture program is more than just plants. It’s designed to not only build upon school-aged classroom curriculum, but also impart vital social and vocational skills that can help individuals with special needs plan for future employment and exciting new opportunities. Under...

ACCESS Gardens Spring/Summer Plant Sales are Here

Check out our exciting new inventory and see what our ACCESS Academy students and young adults have grown just for you! All proceeds benefit the ACCESS Horticulture program in order to continue expanding individual potential for individuals with special needs. SPRING/SUMMER PLANTS...

Vocation Innovation Project: A New Type of Job Readiness Training

The Vocation Innovation Project (VIP) is a pre-employment transition service for high school students 16-21 years of age with a developmental disability. In partnership with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, ACCESS® provides individuals the opportunity to learn work-readiness skills in...

Making the Transition from Secondary School: A New Chapter

Students with special needs have a variety of options when it comes to transitioning from secondary school. It’s an exciting new chapter but it can also fill students and their families with uncertainty. That’s why ACCESS has created a new series called “Transitions.”...

Watch P. Allen Smith’s Feature on ACCESS Aeroponics

The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Taziki’s Year of Giving & Support for ACCESS

Last year, the Keet Family of Taziki’s Mediterranean Café in Arkansas launched the HOPE Project (“Herbs Offering Personal Enrichment”) in partnership with ACCESS to teach individuals with special needs all aspects of the herb business, including transferable skills that...

20th Annual Starry Starry Night Auction Preview

Calling all bidders! On Saturday, February 24, ACCESS® will host the 20th annual Starry Starry Night, “Written in the Stars,” at the Little Rock Marriott. This year’s landmark event will celebrate the past, present and future of the organization while honoring those who have helped to...

ACCESS Honors Local Legacies at 20th Annual Starry Starry Night

For Immediate Release: Media Contact: Krysten Levin, Marketing and Special Events Manager Company: ACCESS Group Inc. Phone: (501) 217-8600 email: Krysten.Levin@accessgroupinc.org Website: www.accessgroupinc.org Social Media: @accessgroupinc   Little Rock, Arkansas – December 12, 2017 –...

Paying it Forward: Matching Gifts

The Annual Giving Campaign is underway! There are so many ways individuals can help ACCESS “bridge the gap” created by operating expenses not covered by tuition and other fees. One of the ways supporters can assist ACCESS in its mission to provide children with a rich, well-rounded...

2017 ACCESS Annual Giving Campaign: Joining Hands to “Bridge the Gap”

What is the ACCESS Annual Giving Campaign?  The Annual Giving Campaign raises funds to support the day-to-day operations of ACCESS: the richness of our academic curriculum, the expertise of our therapeutic programs and the operations and maintenance of our expanding campuses. Contributions...

The Full Spectrum of Individual Potential

Two years ago, nervous parents Darrell Finney and Mischa Banks sat in the reception area of ACCESS’s Stella Boyle Smith campus with their son Harlem, knowing that the results of his evaluation might change all of their lives forever. When Harlem was around 18 months old, Darrell and Mischa...

Why Children with ADHD Need More Than Medication

The pediatrician prescribed ADHD medication for my child. Why does my child need a comprehensive evaluation? A comprehensive clinical assessment is necessary to diagnose ADHD. Since a variety of other disorders can look like ADHD, including anxiety, learning disorders, conduct problems,...

Bella’s Story: Cultivating Individual Potential through Innovative Instruction

Amy Kelton’s experience with the ACCESS Evaluation and Resource Center (AERC) was nothing short of life changing. She recalls, “One of our daughters, Isabella (“Bella” for short), had been having a lot of social and behavioral issues. Her therapist asked if we had ever considered having...

Literacy Begins at Birth

We start talking to babies immediately. We do not wait until they understand us to begin talking to them. Reading is much the same. As we read to babies and young children, we foster language development and a love for reading at an early age. As we continue to read aloud to to young children,...

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Arkansas to partner with ACCESS®, Launch “HOPE” Project

NEWS                                                             For Immediate Release  Information Contact: Stephanie Keet                                             ...

What’s Going into Your Child’s Brain?

Television and computers are having an undeniable impact on the brains of our youth. In order to weigh the positive and negative impact of technology on learning and development in children today, we must first explore how specific connections in the brain play a critical role in...

What Parents Should Know About Reading Instruction

Effective reading instruction includes five areas that must be addressed by third grade to successfully teach children to read. Those five areas are: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Before children are ready to read, they must become aware of the sound...

Help Give #ACCESS2More on ArkansasGives Day

Today is ArkansasGives Day! This special event is all about helping nonprofits grow stronger by encouraging Arkansans to donate on a single day, via Arkansasgives.org. When supporters donate online, ACCESS receives vital funding that, in turn, provides individuals with developmental delays and...

UAMS Project SEARCH® Student and Alum Use Their Skills to Raise Awareness for Accessibility

William “Will” Stevens joined the University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences (UAMS) Project SEARCH® program as an intern in the fall of 2016. Project SEARCH® Arkansas: ACCESS® Initiative in partnership with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) is a nine-month internship program...

6 Reasons Why You Should Support ACCESS on Giving Tuesday

ACCESS relies on the kindness of its supporters to offer a wide range of services to individuals with developmental delays and language and learning disabilities ages six weeks through 35. Every supporter has his or her own personal reason for giving, but in case you were wondering why YOU...

A Message of Gratitude from Tammy Simmons, ACCESS Executive Director

  This week we will gather with friends and family to celebrate the many thingsfor which we are grateful. I want to take this opportunity to thank our staff, families and supporters: …For believing in this organization and the mission of expanding individual potential through innovative...

The Meaning of Giving Tuesday

ACCESS is so excited to participate in #GivingTuesdayAR on Tuesday, November 29, 2016! But what is “#GivingTuesdayAR,” anyway?! This special day is a state-wide effort supported by the Arkansas Nonprofit Alliance and is part of a national movement that encourages holiday giving rather than...

Getting App Happy: Apps Geared Toward Learning and Therapy are Worth Smiling About

It’s a lament heard by parents and teachers of students in early childhood all the way through high school: “My kid is glued to their smart technology.” We worry that we are helping to create an entire generation of children and young adults who use touch-screen devices as a means to...

Development and Early Intervention: Ask the ACCESS Expert

Meet ACCESS’ Licensed Psychological Examiner, Kimberly Newton. When it comes to gauging your child’s development, Kimberly advises parents to seek early intervention if they notice developmental delays. Q: My child is almost two years old. How much should she be talking? Though children...

How Does ACCESS Make a Difference? Let’s Count the Ways!

# of individuals served by ACCESS: 320 # of ACCESS staff using technology to help change lives: 165 # of ACCESS fingers engaging with technology daily: 4,850 # of laptops used by ACCESS staff: 92 # of smartboards used in classrooms: 12 # of iPads used to help implement therapy, learning, and...

Technology Gets Smart to Expand Individual Potential

Sure, technology is important to all of us—it’s difficult to envision life without our smart phones, tablets, and numerous other gadgets. But for ACCESS staff and students, technology is less about making life easier and more about making learning possible. Who better to attest to this...

A Multi-Sensory Experience at Moss Mountain Farm

Each year a group of ACCESS students venture to Moss Mountain Farm for a day of fun and adventure.  This year was no exception.  Ms. Leslie and Ms. Mary Stuart’s classrooms thoroughly enjoyed their trip to the farm on Tuesday, March 15. The students loved getting to pick daffodils and...

A Very Special Thank YOU!

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Oberste family for their leadership with the 18th annual Starry Starry Night. We hope you enjoy this video, which touched so many hearts at the event.  It is a true inspiration of the impact that the mission and services of ACCESS have on...

ACCESS Gets a New Playground

The ACCESS playgrounds are much more than play spaces, they are used as outdoor therapeutic spaces. On December 03,2015, 200 community volunteers came to our campus to help improve our outdoor play spaces. Approximately 200 volunteers came out to paint and construct the playgrounds new...