Programs

Conference and Training Opportunities
At Arkansas Support Network, we provide opportunities for training and skill development for our own staff as well as for individuals with disabilities and their families, and for staff from other agencies in the state. These opportunities are made available in the following ways:

• The Learning Market: A series of quarterly training sessions planned and presented by and for ASN staff. The Learning Market is generally composed of three concurrent tracks, some of which include required training. The remaining sessions are elective in nature and focus on subjects identified by staff as areas of interest. Although the Learning Market is designed primarily for our own staff, others are invited to attend particular sessions of interest for a small fee. Our Learning Markets are held at the Jones Center for Families in Springdale. For dates and schedules, contact Syard Evans.

• Training Conferences and Seminars: Regular training conferences sponsored by ASN and open to the general public. These conferences offer first rate speakers and trainers from across the nation, and are generally designed around a specific subject. Some of our recent conferences featured experts on Supported Employment and Facilitated Communication. For more information, contact Syard Evans.

• Parent Training and Information: One-to-one or small group training for parents of children with disabilities concerning rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and other issues of interest. Our Family Support Coordinators provide direct assistance and support to families in locating the specific training they need. For more information, contact Lynn Donald.

• Nonprofit Administration and Management Training: Includes on-site training and technical assistance for nonprofit organizations in the areas of board development, fund- raising, fund accounting, and staff management. These sessions may be provided specifically for your organization or in larger groups. For more information, contact Syard Evans.

Some of our training staff at work: from left, CEO Keith Vire, Director of Case Management Services Hershel West, Director of Special Projects Jim Mather, Supported Living Services Program Manager Linda Andrews, Family Support Coordinator Irene Clark

Our staff is available to work with organizations and individuals in a variety of ways. We provide on-going technical assistance as well as one-time training conferences. If you have a need or would like to discuss our training capabilities further, please give us a call.