- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to Host Nerd Night to Highlight Donaghey College of STEM

John Hill — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 15:40:06 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host Nerd Night Oct. 19 to highlight the exciting opportunities, research, and activities taking place in the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Nerd Night will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Engineering and Information Technology Building and the Engineering Technology and Applied Sciences Building at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. The free event is open to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community and members of the public. Any prospective student who is interested in a Donaghey College of STEM program and their families are especially encouraged to attend to see all the college has to offer. “Nerds have fun too! I am excited for us to display how nerds have fun,” Dean Lawrence Whitman said. “This will be a great night to see lots of different fun things and maybe learn a little along the way. Nerds make the world go around and have fun doing it. We hope this is a long tradition on our campus.” Current and prospective DCSTEM students can learn about opportunities in the college including research opportunities, leadership programs, honors societies, careers, and student organizations. Exhibitors will showcase their opportunities with demonstrations and hands-on activities. Some of the exhibitors that will be on hand for public demonstrations include:

Internet of Science of Things Lab with Raspberry Pi demonstrations and more
Emerging Analytics Center with a Trojan Man augmented reality demo
National Society of Black Engineers with ghost rocket demonstrations
Arkansas Department of Education and Easterseals Arkansas with assistive technology gaming system demo

ACCE Graduate Mason Gillespie Finds Success Through ��Vlog��ý Little Rock/Easterseals Arkansas Career Preparation Program

John Hill — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 14:26:46 +0000

Since 2017, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and Easterseals Arkansas have partnered to provide the (ACCE) Program to help prepare students with disabilities for the workforce. Mason Gillespie, a May 2021 graduate of the ACCE program, has made some major life changes since starting the program in August 2020. He started a full-time job at Dillard’s Fulfillment Center in March. His gainful employment allowed him to purchase his first car, a 2014 Dodge Charger that he loves. “I liked making new friends and getting a Dodge Charger,” Gillespie said. “I also liked getting a job.” The two-semester ACCE program on ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s campus is an opportunity for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have a college experience and prepare for competitive employment. ��Vlog��ý, social support, work exploration, and job placement are key components of the program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 31.5 percent of working-age people with disabilities were employed during summer 2021. Studies have shown that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in post-secondary education have better jobs and receive higher earnings. “There were 12 students in Mason’s class,” said Kaylan Norton, ACCE coordinator and employment specialist for Easterseals Arkansas. “Students learn about the importance of being in a classroom setting with the outcome to gain employment. That’s part of the experience of being an independent adult and college student on campus. The students try different work experiences and hear from guest speakers about available job opportunities. Some of the graduates decide to go on to a vocational or trade school or try college or an apprenticeship.” Gillespie was also the first ACCE participant to earn his driver’s license during the program and the first to obtain a job in his class. “Mason has been saving and budgeting for a goal like this even before he started the ACCE program,” Norton said. “He spoke about getting a car in his interview for the ACCE program as a long-term goal to achieve. He was also my first student that passed his driver license’s test during the program. That is the first time we’ve offered the training during the program. His work ethic and attitude during the program showed how determined he was to succeed and accept any challenge. I really enjoyed working with him and his family to reach the goals he had set for himself. I know this is just the beginning of many more accomplishments.” Mason’s mother, Dawn Gillespie, said that she and her husband are very proud of his achievements. “Mason enjoys his freedom of being able to drive,” she said. “He’s making more money than I did when I got out of college. We are very proud of him. He keeps up with one of his friends from the class. He’s gotten a lifelong friend from this experience along with job training and job placement education.” Now that he’s in the workforce, Gillespie said he feels more confident in himself and his abilities. “Working makes me feel important and proud,” he said. “I got hired on the first day I had the job interview.” Outside of work, Gillespie enjoys paintball, hog hunting, gaming, and fixing his RC car. He said his future goals are to buy a truck and then a house. He was featured on the national Easterseals website and Facebook page in October to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month. “Mason is a big example of what the ACCE program offers to students with special needs,” Norton said. “Their special needs do not have a limitation of what they can achieve and be successful. Mason is making more money than a lot of people coming out of college with a degree.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Grad Starts Nonprofit to Encourage People to Fight Limitations

John Hill — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 14:27:40 +0000

Freddie Epperson, a native of North Little Rock, was born with cerebral palsy, but he’s never let that limitation keep him from living his life to the fullest and getting the education he wanted. Now Epperson has started a nonprofit organization, Beyond Our Limitations, to help people with limitations find education and employment opportunities. “I’m trying to inspire and encourage other people with limitations to achieve the most they can with their lives,” Epperson said. “It can be autism, blindness, any type of limitation whether it’s mental, physical, or whatever. You are welcome to be a part of this.” His first fight for an education came when he was just seven years old. Epperson had been placed in a special education program for kindergarten and first grade. Epperson asked his mother if he could be tested for regular classroom placement the summer before second grade. “A lot of people assume just because you have physical limitations that you also have mental limitations,” he said. “I had to fight for my education at an early age. I begged my mom to get tested, and I was able to advance out of special education.” Epperson said that his mother and her support are responsible for determining the man he is today. “My mom is like my source of motivation for everything I want to do,” he said. “Whenever I was unencouraged about something, I always talked to my mom and she gave me the push to keep going. My mom told me that she would support me in anything I wanted to do as long as I was serious about it. She is always there for anything I wanted to do.” Epperson joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2011 after some encouragement from a friend. “I got into ��Vlog��ý Little Rock on a dare because my best friend didn’t think I would get in,” Epperson said. “We both applied to Pulaski Tech and we got in. I told him I wanted to try the traditional way, and it happened to work out for me. I started here in 2011, and I did 16-18 hours every semester to get done in four years. I wanted to finish.” During his time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Epperson was a member of the Student Government Association for one year and found mentors in professors David Briscoe and David Montague. “When I have my mind set on something, I have tunnel vision,” Epperson said. “It was very compact and it was very different. I didn’t see many people in my courses that looked like me. It made me work hard. I felt like I had to prove myself to everyone. It was very rewarding. It was a lot of hard work, but I was able to push through, and it paid off for me.” After graduating from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Epperson earned his Master of Public Administration from Webster University in 2017. As part of his graduate program, he began making plans for his nonprofit organization. “Even with my extensive education, I have been on several job interviews under my fields of study, and I have been turned down for employment I believe because of my physical stature or preconceived notion of my disability,” Epperson said. “All of which brings me to the purpose of Beyond our Limitations, which is my passion to create a safe place for disabled persons so that they may come to deliver and share their unique stories, network, and motivate one another to achieve their goals.” Epperson recently shared his story as the commencement speaker for the ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development, and Employment (ACCE) commencement program in May. The ACCE program, a post-secondary education and training program between Easterseals Arkansas and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, provides students between ages 18 and 30 with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to have a college and work experience that prepares them for employment. “No matter your ability, you can do whatever you want to do as long as you are willing to do the work,” Epperson said. “I would tell students to take their time and never take no for an answer. When someone says you shouldn’t do something, it’s up to you.”

Easterseals ACCE student recognized for achievements

Ajani Oyindamola — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 13:25:36 +0000

An Easterseals Arkansas student who is participating in the ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development, and Employment (ACCE) program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has been recognized for her exceptional achievements in the community.�� Allyson Cameron received the Student Achievement Award at the Council for Exceptional Children banquet Oct. 24.�� For 37 years, the Council for Exceptional Children has recognized children and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated their determination and achievements in multiple ways. The Yes I Can Program has continued to grow and change since its inception in 1982, with more than 40,000 children and young adults recognized at the national, state, and/or provincial level.�� “Allyson is an outstanding student in the ACCE program because she is not only eager to learn, but she also is excited about the new skills she is developing to help her in life and in a career,” said ACCE Coordinator Kristina Jones.�� The ACCE program, a post-secondary education and training program between Easterseals Arkansas and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, is currently in its fourth year. The two-semester program provides students between ages 18 and 30 with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to have a college and work experience that prepares them for employment.�� “My class of 13 students is participating part-time in class to obtain job skills and soft skills,” Jones said. “The internships are allowing them to have some hands-on experience. The goal of the program is for all of the students to find competitive community employment.”�� Cameron currently interns part time in the Department of Human Resources at CHI St. Vincent. She is also attending the ACCE class daily at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.�� “She is helpful to other students in the class that need more time to process or assistance with the computer lab,” Jones said. “She assists a fellow student in a wheelchair so that he can get to inaccessible areas in public. She is caring and enjoys volunteering to help people in the community. She sets an example for other students in her ability to manage her time and be organized. Allyson is an outstanding student of ACCE and she exemplifies the perseverance to pursue her dreams.”

Easterseals Arkansas honors graduating student as Volunteer of the Year

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 14:05:56 +0000

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock student who is graduating this month has been recognized for his outstanding volunteer service with children in the community.�� Derrick Alexander, a 36-year-old senior��from Little Rock, was recently honored by as a Volunteer of the Year for the Academy. He will graduate from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock on Dec. 15 with a bachelor’s degree in��health education and promotion. Alexander is an intern for Easterseals Academy at Riverdale, a school for children with developmental disabilities. Alexander jokes that he was selected as a Volunteer of the Year “because I’m awesome.” “The kids love me. The staff loves me,” he said. “I am there every day except Wednesday when I am here at class. I participate in all the activities. I’m just really involved. There are 35 kids in the academy, and I know everyone of them by name.” He call himself a “jack of all trades” who has done everything from working with the students, answering phones, assisting with lessons, and supervising recess, to installing security cameras in the classroom and organizing books in the library. His favorite activity was volunteering during the Special Olympics earlier this semester. “Working the Special Olympics was very fun,” he said. “I got to see the excitement on the kids’ faces when they bowled a strike, picked up a spare, and were just having fun. Whenever they won a medal, there were a lot of laughs and a lot of fun.” Dr. Janea Snyder, assistant professor of health education and promotion and Alexander’s internship supervisor, said it was a joy to witness how much the students and staff at Easterseals adored Alexander during internship site visits. “Health education and promotion majors often have a passion to serve, and this is true for Derrick as he has also served our country,” Snyder said. “While completing his 200-hour health education internship at Easterseals, his heart for serving others and going above and beyond was recognized in him being awarded their Volunteer of the Year Award for the Academy for 2018. He is respectful, generous, and overall just a great guy.” Alexander is a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served a tour in Afghanistan as well as relief duty during Hurricane Katrina. He started at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2016 after attending University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College. He remembers visiting ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as a sixth-grader at Franklin Elementary to visit Derek Fisher, former NBA player and coach, who played for the Trojans at the time. �� Alexander, a father of a son and two daughters, said his own kids made him want to major in health education and promotion. “One day, I know they will go off to college, so whatever knowledge I have can help them,” he said. In the end, Alexander’s time at Easterseals has left an impression. After graduating in December, he is considering attending graduate school to study special education, a decision he says was influenced by his time at Easterseals. “Everything about the kids and their progress makes me want to work in special education,” Alexander said. “They are all very amazing, the kids and their progress. There are a lot of things about them that are amazing.” In the upper right photo,��Vlog��ý Little Rock student Derrick Alexander has been recognized by Easterseals Arkansas as Volunteer of the Year for the Academy. Photo by Ben Krain.��

Second ACCE cohort graduates from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 24 May 2018 16:39:45 +0000

Kari Lott has a dream to one day save up enough money to open and run her own restaurant, a dream she is determined to make come true through her hard work and inspiring attitude.�� She is one of 12 students who celebrated their graduation from the ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development and Employment (ACCE) Program May 21 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The joint program between ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and gives students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a college experience and prepare them for competitive employment. “When I first got into the ACCE program, I was a little scared not knowing if I could do the work,” said Lott, who now has a full-time job at the Movie Tavern and was selected to speak at the graduation ceremony. “The program was built to help us all. All of our teachers helped out a lot. I worked hard at my internships to do what I needed to learn on the job.” Given her desire to open a restaurant, it should come as no surprise that Lott’s favorite internship was building her culinary skills at Sodexo. “My favorite internship was Sodexo, because I got to work in the kitchen,” Lott said. “I got to chop. I got to prepare the food and make sure it got on the line. Boy, let me tell you, it wasn’t always easy. With the help and love of our teachers, family, and parents, I made it through it, and I am proud to say I really enjoyed it.” The program was established in 2017 with the knowledge that only 32 percent of working-age people with disabilities were employed from 2010 to 2012, according to the Department of Labor. Studies show that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in post-secondary education have better jobs and receive higher earnings. “We are excited to continue our partnership with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to offer this important program and proud of our 2018 graduates,” said Easterseals Arkansas President and CEO Elaine Eubank. The 12 members of the second cohort of the ACCE program were surrounded by teary eyed family members, friends, teachers, mentors, and co-workers who loudly cheered as each member crossed the stage to receive a certificate for the post-secondary education program during a special ceremony in the Engineering and Information Technology Building auditorium. The graduates include Nicholas Austin of Alexander; Joshua Fletcher of North Little Rock; Davion Green, Breah Hampton, and Curtina Jackson, all of Little Rock; Kari Lott and Chasity Mathis, both of Sherwood; Ford McGahee, John Rockefeller, Juan Rodriquez Jr., and Aaron Sullivan, all of Little Rock; and Jonmichal Walker of North Little Rock. While addressing the graduates, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson emphasized the importance of higher education, employment, and living independently for success. “No matter what the situation, higher education levels the playing field and must be available and accessible for all,” Rogerson said. “If so, it will change your life for the better. This is a proud moment Class of 2018. You have worked hard and have earned a certificate of completion, an important qualification that shows you have completed a specialized training program and pathway to your future employment.” Fletcher, a 2017 graduate of North Little Rock Premier High School, was recognized as the 2018 Associate of the Year for his exemplary work during his time in the ACCE program. He has interned with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Ground Services and The Showroom to build custom frames and will be joining the workforce working full-time with Dillard’s Fulfillment Center as well as intermediate work continuing at The Showroom. This year’s class has completed on-the-job training at various departments and��organizations on and off campus, including Ottenheimer Library, Sodexo, Fitness Center, Grounds Services, Custodial Services, Athletic Department, Department of Nursing, Sequoyah National Research Center, Jodie Mahoney Center for Gifted Education, ��Vlog��ýMS/��Vlog��ý Little Rock Speech and Hearing Clinic, Information Technology Program, MidSOUTH, School of Social Work, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Children’s Learning Center, The Showroom, and Easterseals Developmental Preschool. ACCE students also enjoyed student activities by attending Trojan games, Homecoming activities, and being active participants in the college experience. The students increased ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s initiative to engage in more community outreach, enhance learning opportunities outside the classroom and diversity and as part of their outlined strategic plan. ACCE also has a collaborative partnership with the College of Education and Health Professionals, where ACCE class instruction is held, for students to volunteer within the ACCE classroom. Additionally, ACCE students lead discussions in classrooms to share their experiences in the secondary special education system. All of the graduates were awarded a free membership to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association and a gift bag. The program is continuing to grow as the third cohort of ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development and Employment Program participants will begin taking classes at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock this fall with 16 students. The ceremony’s commencement speaker, Alan McClain, commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, thanked the graduates for being an inspiration to those around them and strong addition to Arkansas’s workforce. “In addition to my congratulations, my message to you is also to say thank you,” McClain said. “Thank you for inspiring us with your dedication and perseverance for coming out here everyday and completing the requirements for ACCE. Please know that your involvement with ACCE has made a huge impact on the world around you.” In the upper right photo, the 2018 graduates of the ACCE program include (L to R): Back row: John Steele, ACCE instructor, and graduates John Rockefeller and Breah Hampton. Middle row: Graduates Ford McGahee, Jonmichal Walker, Joshua Fletcher, Davion Green, Juan Rodriguez, and ACCE Instructor Leslie Harms. Front row: Kari Lott, Curtina Jackson, Chasity Mathis, Nicholas Austin, and Aaron Sullivan.

2018 Taste of Little Rock raises $138k for student scholarships

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 02 May 2018 19:58:59 +0000

The 2018 Taste of Little Rock event raised more than $138,000 for student scholarships at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the most ever raised in the event’s 15-year history.�� More than 700 people attended Taste of Little Rock, presented by, April 26 at Jack Stephens Center. The event has continued to grow in size and popularity, with patrons enjoying the culinary specialties of 42 central Arkansas restaurants. Thanks to this year’s Taste of Little Rock — ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s largest annual scholarship fundraiser — the $138,125 raised will fund 15 additional scholarships for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students. The event celebrated Alfred Williams, senior vice president and risk consultant for BXS Insurance, and Elaine Eubank, president and chief executive officer of Easterseals Arkansas, for their lifelong commitment to their alma mater through service, engagement, and philanthropy. “I was approached by a young woman at the event that wanted to thank me,” Williams said. “She said that she was the recipient of one of our scholarships that allowed her to complete her studies and stay in school. She graduates this spring and has been accepted to law school. What more can I say? This is what alumni scholarships are all about.”

Guests enjoy the 2018 Taste of Little Rock event on April 26 at the Jack Stephens Center. Photo by Ben Krain.

A new feature of this year’s Taste of Little Rock was the Best of Taste competition, in which guests voted for their favorite restaurant of the evening. Patrons selected Samantha’s Taproom and Wood Fire Grill of Little Rock as the winner of the first Best of Taste Award. A ��Vlog��ý Little Rock scholarship will be named in honor of Samantha’s. Additionally, the restaurant has an automatic spot in the 2019 Taste of Little Rock in order to defend its title.�� “It’s always a great honor to be recognized for your hard work and inspiration,” Smith said. “It always puts a smile on my face. No matter how long you are a chef, you always enjoy these recognitions.” In the upper right photo,��Taste of Little Rock honoree Alfred Williams, right, and staff members from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Office of Alumni and Development Sarah Hamilton, center left, and Danielle Hendrix, center, present the first Best of Taste Award to Samantha’s Chef Marshall Smith, left, and owner Chris Tanner, center right. Photo by Ben Krain.��

Taste of Little Rock to honor Alfred Williams and Elaine Eubank

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 16:02:10 +0000

The 15th annual Taste of Little Rock will honor Alfred Williams and Elaine Eubank for their lifetime of support to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.�� Set for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 26, 2018, at the Jack Stephens Center on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus, Taste of Little Rock raises funds for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association Scholarship Fund while introducing guests to some of the best food in the city from the finest restaurants in Little Rock. “We are thrilled to honor Alfred and Elaine for their dedication, passion, and support of students at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Andrea Angel, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “They have a legacy of giving within their family that has positively impacted hundreds of students at our university. The Alumni Association would not be as strong as it is today without the work of these two devoted alumni.” During their more than 30 years of marriage, the couple has made an incredible impact on the university through their generosity of their time, support, and financial gifts. “I’m most proud of growing scholarships and creating scholarships for students at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” Williams said. “You can’t improve as a city without higher education.” Eubank graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, and Williams in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. While Eubank serves as the president and chief executive officer of , a nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with disabilities, Williams serves as senior vice president and risk consultant for . Williams continues to follow in the footsteps of his father, Grainger Williams, who was devoted to supporting Little Rock Junior College, Little Rock University, and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Williams, former chair of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board, was honored as the 2013 President’s Award honoree, while Eubank received the university’s 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award. As lifetime members of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, Williams and Eubank understand that their contributions in support of higher education are for the greater good of the university and the community. They have recently named the university the beneficiary of their life insurance policy, making them members of the Heritage Society. Because Williams was taught that giving was the right thing to do, he endowed two scholarships, the E. Grainger and Francis Williams scholarship and the Elaine Eubank scholarship, as gifts to honor his parents and his wife. Following suit, Eubank surprised Williams by establishing an endowed scholarship in his name, the Alfred Williams scholarship. Williams’ sister, June, a former second-grade teacher, recently followed in her family’s footsteps to create a scholarship for future teachers. As the first person in her family to graduate from college, Eubank understands the importance of helping students earn a college degree. “Alfred had a traditional college experience, and I was more like one of the families that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock works so hard to help,” Eubank said. “It was more of a stretch for my family to send me to college. I appreciate ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s efforts to make college more accessible for students who otherwise would not be able to attend.” Individual tickets are on sale for $75. Sponsorships are available by contacting Danielle Hendrix at 501-683-7502 or dnhendrix@ualr.edu. “I love Taste of Little Rock. It’s a great way to see a lot of people in a relaxed atmosphere,” Eubank said. “There’s no program. There are hundreds of people to talk to, and you can sample food from so many great restaurants in Little Rock.” To order tickets, contact the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni office at 501-683-7208, email alumni@ualr.edu, or visit the Taste of Little Rock website.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock/Easterseals partnership a recipe for success

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 15:31:44 +0000

The first participants of an educational program that helps students with intellectual and developmental disabilities prepare for competitive employment graduated from the program during a special ceremony Aug. 7 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.�� Vlog��ý Little Rock partnered with to create the ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development and Employment Program (ACCE). Students started taking classes at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in January to learn independent living skills and employment skills, and to explore careers throughinternships. The seven graduates include Charlee Brosh of Little Rock, Reshad Brown of Maumelle, David Dallas of Sherwood, Essense Hayes of Maumelle, Todd Hewitt of Little Rock, LaQuan Jones of Little Rock, and Shawn Morehart of Mabelvale. Three of the graduates have already found permanent employment. Brosh will work at the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock/University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Speech and Hearing Clinic, while Dallas is working at McDonalds in Sherwood. Jones, who found a job at the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Fitness Center, said he gained the most experience working in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Education. “People would come into the office to learn how they could go to school,” Jones said. “It was the greatest learning experience. We did our best to research the type of job we wanted. We had mentors help us with interviewing skills. It was a great privilege to learn and study new things.” While addressing the graduates, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson emphasized the importance of higher education, employment, and living independently for success. “Higher education must be available and accessible for all,” Rogerson said. “Higher education enriches one’s life and allows each one of you to reach your full potential. This is a proud moment for the Class of 2017.” Keynote Speaker Rick Fleetwood, CEO of Snell Prosthetics and Orthotics and Easterseals Arkansas board member who also serves on the national Easterseals board of directors, praised the graduates for being the first people to complete a program that has the potential to help many others. “It’s always important to be the first,” Fleetwood said. “You are setting a new trail and raising the bar. Education is an equalizer. I am so glad we have this program that will help make things easier for you and those who follow your path.” All of the graduates were awarded a free membership to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. The second cohort of ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development and Employment Program participants will begin taking classes at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock this fall with 12 students.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Easterseals Arkansas celebrate first ACCE graduating class

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 14:38:03 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and will commemorate the first graduating class of a post-secondary education program that allows students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have a college experience and prepare for competitive employment.�� The first seven graduates of the ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development and Employment Program (ACCE) will be celebrated in a special ceremony at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, in Dickinson Hall Auditorium on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus. Important components of the two-semester program that began Jan. 30 include academics, social support, work exploration and job placement. Students learned independent living skills, while working at internships that provide on-the-job experience, career exploration and core employment skills. The program was established with the knowledge that only 32 percent of working-age people with disabilities were employed from 2010 to 2012, . Studies show that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in post-secondary education have better jobs and receive higher earnings. “We are excited to partner with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to offer this important program,” said Easterseals Arkansas President and CEO Elaine Eubank. “ACCE opens doors to opportunity and helps graduates live more independently.” The positive impact of ACCE already can be seen. Student Charlee Brosh is the first student from the program to be offered a permanent job. Regarding her internship leading up to her job placement in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic, she said she learned that “work could be fun.” “I learned job duties can be big or small like shampooing a carpet,” Brosh said. “I learned to use Excel. I thought it was hard at first, but it is not. I had to run the office while staff were in meetings.” Of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock college experience, Charlee said she enjoyed meeting lots of people and seeing people she knows on campus. For more than 70 years, Easterseals Arkansas has been a resource for people with disabilities and their families. Its mission is to provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. In the upper right photo,��Charlee Brosh, a student in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock/Easterseals Arkansas ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development, and Employment Program, signs an offer letter to work as a clinical technician in the ��Vlog��ýMS Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic. Photo by Lonnie Timmons III/��Vlog��ý Little Rock Communications.��

- University News Archive - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to Host Nerd Night to Highlight Donaghey College of STEM

ACCE Graduate Mason Gillespie Finds Success Through ����Vlog��ý Little Rock/Easterseals Arkansas Career Preparation Program

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Grad Starts Nonprofit to Encourage People to Fight Limitations