History
Founded in May 1988 as Family Support Services, Inc., Arkansas Support Network began when a small group of parents and volunteers came together to support local families raising children with disabilities.
From day one, our work has been guided by a single foundational principle: individuals with disabilities and their families must be in control of their own lives and services. Our role is to assist, not to direct.
As our organization has grown to offer comprehensive programs across the state, this commitment to self-determination remains unchanged. We believe every person has the fundamental right to live, belong, and thrive as an active, accepted member of their home and community.
Who We Are
Chief Officers
Syard Evans
Chief Executive Officer
sevans@supports.org
Director Team
Rasheda Morris
Director of Human Resources
rmorris@supports.org
Cynthia Pegues
Director of Compliance & Regulations
cpegues@supports.org
Councils and Committees
The DSP Council is made of Direct Supports Professionals currently employed by Arkansas Support Network. They serve for one year and can apply for more terms. Direct Support Professionals can contribute to organizational changes. The council helps create policies and procedures that impact DSPs, offer training and resources to DSPs, and push for fair pay and benefits from elected officials.
The Advocate Advisory Council consists of individuals receiving supports from Arkansas Support Network. Those selected serve one-year terms and can reapply for additional terms. The Advocate Advisory Council was created to make sure that the opinions of the individuals supported by ASN have a strong impact on the agency's choices and activities. This covers hiring procedures, how they are treated by management and staff, recreational choices, and other matters. Moreover, the council is presented with chances to join regional, state, and national advocacy groups to inspire them to voice their thoughts in their everyday lives.
The Human Rights Committee (HRC) consists of seven volunteers, which can include individuals receiving services, their family members, board members, advocates, community members, and employees. Only up to one-third of the members have a direct affiliation with the agency. The main goal of the HRC is to protect the rights of individuals who are receiving services at Arkansas Support Network. Its purpose is to ensure the human rights of those receiving developmental disability services from Arkansas Support Network. The HRC oversees policy and procedure updates, rights restrictions, due process for rights restriction, and the use of restrictive or intrusive interventions in behavior support plans.