Seamless Transition for ARkansas

06/24/2026

Seamless Transition in ARkansas is a comprehensive, collaborative initiative that aims to address the underemployment of youth with disabilities and enhance their opportunities for competitive integrated employment.

06/22/2026

Drs. Williams and Oswalt traveled to Washington DC to attend the Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) Project Director’s meeting. We spent the afternoon touring the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture before spending the next 2 1/2 days in meetings. If you haven’t visited this museum we highly recommend it!

06/19/2026

What an incredible two days at the Off-Campus Work Innovation Conference!
We loved seeing educators, partners, and employers collaborate, share ideas, and create new opportunities for students with disabilities across Arkansas. From inspiring sessions to hands-on team planning, the energy and commitment in the room were amazing. We even survived a late night/early morning fire drill!
Thank you to everyone who attended and presented-we can’t wait to see the partnerships and opportunities that come from this work!

05/11/2026

✨Grant Partner Spotlight: Arkansas Rehabilitation Services✨

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce that provides vocational rehabilitation services to Arkansans with disabilities. ARS supports individuals in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining employment through career counseling, training services, work-based learning support, and individualized employment planning.

Through partnership and alignment with ARS priorities, STAR-supported initiatives are positioned within broader statewide efforts related to:

• Vocational rehabilitation and employment services
• Career counseling and individualized planning
• Work-based learning and job training supports
• Competitive integrated employment outcomes

Collaboration with ARS helps ensure that transition-focused efforts are coordinated between schools and vocational rehabilitation services, supporting continuity from secondary education into the workforce.

05/08/2026

Have you heard of Smart 911? Smart 911 allows you to create profiles for people in your household and provides 911 operators and first responders with important information about those living in your home. Check them out!

This service helps 9-1-1 protect your family by providing more information to first responders. You should sign up too, it is free!

05/07/2026

If you are a driver in Arkansas and have a disability that impedes your ability to communicate, you can apply for a Communication Impediment Decal to be displayed on your vehicle. This can improve the way a driver with communication differences interacts with law enforcement officials. Click the link below to review the form.

05/06/2026

Are you a driver in Arkansas who has Autism or a mental illness? If so, then you should check out the Blue Envelope or Green Envelope program. The Blue Envelope program is designed to improve interactions between people with Autism and law enforcement during vehicle-related interactions. The Green Envelope program is designed to improve interactions between people with mental illnesses and law enforcement during vehicle-related interactions. Both of these programs are FREE! You can click the link below to learn more information or request your envelope. You can also obtain your envelope from your local DMV office.

04/30/2026

🎉 You’re Invited! 🎉
Pine Bluff Career Council Transition Fair
Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Join us for a fun and informative evening designed to connect students, parents, and families with valuable resources in our community!

📅 Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative

✨ What to Expect:

Meet local organizations that provide support for families and youth

Access resources for education, employment, healthcare, and daily living

Learn about services for students with disabilities and transition support

Discover programs for housing, food assistance, transportation, and more

Enjoy a festive Cinco de Mayo-themed atmosphere with refreshments and door prizes!

🎯 Who Should Attend?

Students (all grade levels)

Parents and guardians

Families looking for community support and resources

04/30/2026

Mena High School students are having a blast at Film Camp!

04/28/2026

✨Grant Partner Spotlight: Arkansas Transition Services✨

Arkansas Transition Services supports schools and educators in strengthening transition planning for students with disabilities. ATS focuses on improving systems, practices, and collaboration that prepare students for life after high school and to reach their goals.

Through partnership and alignment with statewide transition priorities, STAR-supported initiatives connect with broader efforts related to:

• Individualized transition planning
• Postsecondary readiness
• Work-based learning access
• Interagency collaboration

Regular coordination with transition-focused initiatives helps ensure that students are able to participate in consistent planning, receive structured supports, and build clear pathways from secondary education into postsecondary education, training, employment and community participation.