2025 - 2026 Impact Report

Year in Review, Fiscal Year 2025-2026

A Victory for Arkansas's Disability Community

Fiscal Year 2025-26 marked one of the most significant public policy victories in Easterseals Arkansas history. After more than a decade without a meaningful increase in Home and Community-Based Services funding, a collaborative advocacy effort led by Easterseals Arkansas helped achieve a breakthrough that will strengthen disability services across the state for years to come.

The passage of Act 1023 of 2025 and the subsequent implementation of its recommendations represent a turning point for Arkansas providers and the people they serve. The resulting rate study recommended substantial increases across key services, helping address years of workforce challenges, rising operational costs, and growing pressure on community-based disability programs.

While Easterseals Arkansas played a leadership role in this effort, the victory belongs to an entire network of providers, advocates, families, the Governor's Office and state officials who ultimately became convinced as to the importance of this funding. Most importantly, it is a win for people with disabilities. These changes will help preserve access to essential supports, strengthen the direct support workforce, and expand opportunities for individuals to live, work, learn, and thrive in their communities.

This achievement reflects who we are as an organization. We are committed not only to delivering exceptional services, but also to advancing solutions that create lasting, system-wide change. As we look back on FY 2025-26, this accomplishment stands as a powerful example of what can happen when persistence, collaboration, and purpose come together in service of a stronger future for all Arkansans.

As part of a larger capital campaign investment in the future of disability services, Easterseals Arkansas is developing an innovative Roommate Housing Model Home on our main campus. Designed to serve four individuals, the home will provide much more than housing. It will demonstrate what is possible when independence, accessibility, technology, and community inclusion come together in a thoughtfully designed living environment. The residence will serve as a state-of-the-art model for the future of supportive housing, showcasing how people with disabilities can live as active, engaged, and valued members of their communities while maintaining choice, independence, and meaningful connections. Beyond the individuals who will call it home, the project is intended to inspire families, providers, policymakers, and community leaders by illustrating a modern vision for inclusive living and expanding opportunities for greater independence across Arkansas.

A Promising Beginning for The Academy

FY 2025-26 marked the completion of the first school year for The Academy, an exciting milestone filled with both growth opportunities and meaningful successes. Like any new endeavor, the year brought its share of lessons and growing pains, but it also demonstrated the tremendous potential of a school designed to help students with disabilities thrive. Enrollment increased throughout the year, reinforcing the need for educational options that meet students where they are and support their individual paths to success. Looking ahead, the introduction of the ACE Scholarship creates an exciting opportunity for community members to invest directly in student success by helping expand access to educational opportunities for children with disabilities. As enrollment continues to grow and support from the community increases, we are excited about what lies ahead and the impact The Academy will have on students and families for years to come.

Celebrating Growth While Expanding Our Reach

The Little Rock Developmental Preschool reached a historic milestone during FY 2025-26, celebrating the largest graduating class in its history with 26 graduates. This achievement reflects the meaningful impact of early childhood education and intervention, helping children build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. While this record-setting class is certainly a reason to celebrate, it also highlights an important opportunity for growth. As more children successfully transition from our program, we must continue strengthening awareness of the preschool as an inclusive learning environment that welcomes and serves children of all abilities. Looking ahead to 2027, our focus will be on increasing enrollment, expanding community awareness, and ensuring that every child receives the individualized support they need by meeting them where they are and helping them reach their fullest potential.

Expanding Opportunities Through Phase 2

This year also marked an exciting expansion of our Phase 2 program, which now serves participants in two dedicated classrooms designed to provide a supportive, small-group learning environment for young adults. Through a combination of classroom instruction, skill-building activities, and community-based experiences, participants are developing greater independence, confidence, and connections to the world around them. Throughout the year, individuals explored museums, restaurants, cultural attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities, and other destinations across the community, turning everyday experiences into meaningful learning opportunities. As the program continues to grow, Phase 2 is helping young adults build the skills, relationships, and experiences needed to live active, engaged, and fulfilling lives as members of their communities.

Fundraising Highlights