At Easterseals Arkansas, we’re proud to shine a light on the exceptional professionals who dedicate their lives to empowering people with disabilities. This month, we’re spotlighting Ashley Jenson, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist whose work in the Center for Training & Wellness (CTW) is giving adults with communication challenges the tools—and confidence—to express themselves more fully.
Ashley brings a unique blend of clinical skill, empathy, and creativity to her work, helping adults reclaim their voices, develop independence, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. Her story is one of purpose, passion, and a deep belief in the potential of every person.
Discovering Her Purpose: Ashley’s Journey to Easterseals
Ashley’s connection to Easterseals Arkansas began during her graduate studies, when she was placed at the Center for Training & Wellness as part of her clinical training. That experience made a lasting impression.
“Easterseals CTW was one of my student placements, and during my time here, I fell in love with both the individuals I worked with and the staff,” Ashley shares. “I truly enjoyed supporting a population that is often overlooked and finding ways to help them shine in their independence.”
She quickly realized that services for individuals with disabilities often decline dramatically after they age out of the school system. This shift leaves many adults without the ongoing support they need to thrive. For Ashley, this gap in care was unacceptable—and she knew she wanted to be part of the solution.
“I came to understand how services tend to decline once individuals with disabilities reach adulthood, and I felt a strong desire to help bridge that gap.”
After completing her Master’s in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Central Arkansas, Ashley earned her ASHA Clinical Certificate of Competence and became a licensed SLP in 2022. Her goal? To ensure that adults with communication needs continue to receive high-quality, person-centered support long after their school years.
The Power of Communication: Ashley’s Role at the Center for Training & Wellness
Ashley now serves as a Speech Language Pathologist in the Center for Training & Wellness, one of Easterseals Arkansas’s adult day programs. Her work centers on helping adults with disabilities improve their communication skills, particularly through the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.
“I’m especially interested in AAC, though I’m still fairly new to the field and continuing to learn,” she says. “AAC is another area where support often declines in adulthood, leading to a high rate of device abandonment.”
Ashley is passionate about reintroducing AAC devices to individuals who may have lost confidence in using them—or who never had the opportunity to learn in the first place. Her work empowers clients to express themselves, advocate for their needs, and interact more fully with their communities.
“People are often amazed at how much these individuals can express once they feel confident using their device again,” Ashley notes. “It’s about unlocking a part of them that’s always been there—but that hasn’t always had a platform.”
She also works closely with clients to reduce “prompt dependence,” a common issue in which individuals wait for cues from others before responding or making decisions. Ashley’s focus is on building independence and self-confidence.
“Many of the adults we serve are used to others speaking for them or making decisions on their behalf,” she says. “I focus on building their confidence and reducing prompt dependence so they can become more independent communicators.”
The Easterseals Mission in Action
Founded in 1944, Easterseals Arkansas is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering children and adults with disabilities to live their best lives. From inclusive education and early intervention to job training and wellness programs, Easterseals provides a comprehensive range of services that adapt to an individual’s needs throughout their lifespan.
The Center for Training & Wellness exemplifies this mission by offering a supportive environment where adults with disabilities can develop life skills, explore vocational interests, and connect with peers. Programs include art therapy, community outings, job readiness workshops, and, of course, clinical support like speech therapy.
Ashley’s role in this program is vital. Her dedication to enhancing communication abilities helps participants feel seen, heard, and valued—both within the program and out in the world.
“Every person—regardless of their disability or support needs—is capable of more than people often assume,” Ashley emphasizes. “They just need encouragement, support, and the chance to step outside their comfort zone.”
The Simple Joys That Fuel Her Passion
Outside of work, Ashley is deeply rooted in what she calls “the simple moments.” Whether it’s spending quality time with her wife or observing backyard squirrels at their tiny picnic table, she finds meaning in life’s quieter rhythms.
“I’m passionate about spending quality time with my family, especially my wife. These relationships inspire me to slow down, be present, and not get too caught up in the stressful parts of life.”
Ashley also enjoys a variety of creative outlets, including drawing, painting, photography, and crocheting tiny stuffed animals—one of her more whimsical hobbies. Her creations have included characters like Ursula from The Little Mermaid, a clown from IT, and even a spaceship abducting a cow!
“It’s a fun way to stay creative and recharge,” she says. “Depending on what inspires me, I like to rotate through different forms of expression.”
Reading is another passion—especially fantasy and historical fiction, genres that allow her to explore worlds and perspectives far removed from everyday life.
A Legacy Rooted in Kindness
Ashley hopes to be remembered not just for her professional skills, but for the compassion and joy she brings into the lives of others.
“I would like to be remembered as someone who finds joy in the small things in life—the quiet moments, the simple acts of kindness, and the little pleasures that others might overlook,” she reflects.
Looking ahead, she aspires to become more involved in advocacy around AAC accessibility, particularly the need for more funding and resources for adults who use communication devices.
“I’m passionate about raising awareness of device abandonment in adulthood and the lack of funding available for adults to access AAC,” she says. “I want to make sure no one loses their voice simply because they’ve aged out of a system that once supported them.”
And while she’d have a hard time parting with her books or creative hobbies, one thing stands above all else:
“The one thing that would truly be impossible to give up is my family. They’re the foundation of everything for me—my support system, my sense of home, and my greatest source of joy.”
🙌 Thank You, Ashley — Join Our Mission!
We’re incredibly proud to have professionals like Ashley Jenson on the team at Easterseals Arkansas. Her commitment to restoring communication, building confidence, and making life richer for the people we serve is a shining example of our mission in action.
“I believe everyone deserves the chance to express themselves, make choices, and live with dignity,” Ashley says. “I’m honored to be part of that journey.”
If you feel inspired by Ashley’s story and want to make a meaningful difference, consider joining the team at Easterseals Arkansas. Whether you’re a therapist, educator, support staff, or aspiring advocate, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Explore current opportunities and apply here:
https://eastersealsar.com/get-involved/careers
Together, we can create a world of possibilities—one voice, one breakthrough, one person at a time.
