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Call for Proposals: Research Grant on Disability Justice and Service Innovation at Arkansas Support Network

 

SPRINGDALE, Ark.Arkansas Support Network (ASN), a leader in home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is pleased to announce a request for proposals for a one-year, $10,000 research grant. This opportunity is open to graduate students dedicated to advancing disability justice and exploring innovative services and supports. The selected researcher will collaborate with ASN to design, investigate, document, and publish findings on the organization's pioneering service innovations and the conceptual framework that underpins its commitment to fully valuing and empowering people with disabilities.

 

This grant seeks to foster a partnership between a promising researcher and ASN to produce scholarly work of publishable quality that will contribute to the broader understanding and implementation of progressive disability services.

 

Background

 

For over three decades, Arkansas Support Network has been at the forefront of providing person-centered, home and community-based services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Home and community-based supports are services that provide support to eligible individuals to live in their homes and communities and avoid segregated, restrictive living environments, such as nursing homes, hospitals, and institutions. ASN’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that all individuals have the right to a self-determined life within a welcoming and inclusive community. This "radical approach" is guided by established and emerging conceptual frameworks, including Charting the LifeCourse’s lifeplanning framework and the "10 Principles of Disability Justice" by Sins Invalid. ASN's services, which include supported living services, vocational services, wellness supports, behavioral health services, and social-recreational programs, are designed to be flexible, responsive, and centered on the choices and aspirations of the individuals served.

 

Research Focus

 

The project will focus on qualitative or mixed-methods research projects that examine both of the following key areas:

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1. Home and Community-Based Service Innovations: An in-depth

analysis of ASN's innovative service delivery models, including but not

limited to: enabling technology supports, Visioning an Empowered Life (VEL)

AI-powered Support Planning, Supported Decision Making, and “leadership

of the most impacted” initiatives.

2. Conceptual Framework in Practice: An exploration of how ASN's

guiding principles, particularly those of disability justice and self-

determination, are translated into organizational culture, policies, and the

daily experiences of individuals receiving services.

 

The research will aim to produce high-quality manuscripts suitable for submission to peer-reviewed academic journals in fields such as Disability Studies, Social Work, Public Administration, and/or a related discipline.

 

Proposal Requirements

 

Interested graduate students are invited to submit a comprehensive proposal that includes the following:

 

  • Researcher's Interest and Experience in Research Design: A detailed narrative outlining the applicant's interests and/or experience and expertise in designing and conducting qualitative or mixed-methods research. This section should include specific examples of past research projects, if applicable, methodological skills, and familiarity with ethical research practices. Candidates who lack direct experience but can articulate a comprehensive understanding of research practices and are highly motivated to gain experience will be considered.

  • Publication and Writing Capabilities: Evidence of strong writing and analytical skills. Applicants should provide a writing sample, such as a course paper, conference presentation, or a previously published article, that demonstrates their ability to produce scholarly work. A list of any publications or presentations should also be included.

  • Background in Disability Justice: A statement articulating the applicant's understanding of and engagement with disability justice conceptualization and theory. This should include familiarity with key literature, theorists, and the historical context of the disability rights and disability justice movements.

    • Project Timeline: A general schedule outlining the applicant’s time commitment to the project, including exploration/investigation, collaboration, research design, data collection, and writing.

Eligibility and Funding

 

This grant is open to graduate students (Master's and Doctoral level) in Social Work, Rehabilitation, Disability Studies, Public Administration, Psychology, Sociology, and other related fields. The selected researcher will receive stipends totaling $10,000 based on achieved milestones throughout the year to support their work over the duration of the project. Funding may be extended to a multi-year project.

 

Submission and Deadline

 

Proposals should be submitted electronically in a single PDF document to sevans@supports.org by September 1, 2025.

 

Grant Distribution

Grant funds will be distributed based on the following milestone schedule:

  • $2,000 payment upon signing and completion of formal contract agreement

  • $1,875 payment upon completion of each quarterly progress review

  • $500 payment upon project closure debriefing

 

Contact

 

For any inquiries regarding this request for proposals, please contact:

 

Syard Evans, PhD, CEO

sevans@supports.org

479-841-9038

 

Arkansas Support Network looks forward to receiving insightful and compelling proposals that will contribute to the ongoing effort to create more just and inclusive communities for all.

“We recognize and support every person’s right to be included in the life of the community.”

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Funk Festival 2024

The 2024 Funk Festival took place on Sunday, September 22, 2024, 3:00pm to 8:00pm  at George’s Majestic Lounge, the historic venue located at 519 W. Dickson St., in Fayetteville. The festival featured an electrifying lineup of Arkansas’ finest funk artists, including the Rodney Block Collective, The Funk Factory, The Funkanites, and Tim Anthony & Friends. Attendees were treated to a dynamic mix of live performances, a silent auction with exclusive items, delicious local food trucks, and unique band and event merchandise.

2025 ASN HONORS
AWARD NOMINATIONS

 The ASN Honors Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to create and sustain inclusive spaces for people with disabilities and their families. Each award recipient is selected based solely on the insight and nominations provided by members of the ASN community.

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Discussing Disability Podcast.png

Discussing Disability is a podcast by Arkansas Support Network that focuses on familiarizing the public with the daily lives of people with disabilities, including the successes and obstacles they face. Along with advocates, interviews also feature ASN employees and other professionals devoted to disability inclusion.

PODCAST

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