Education and training have long been an integral part of the Arkansas Governor's Developmental Disabilities Council's activities since its inception in 1971. Council-funded and/or conducted education and training programs are designed to:

• Increase educational, employment and social opportunities for people with disabilities, and
• Educate people with disabilities and their families in the art of advocating for themselves

A major component in the Council's training activities is the Family Leadership Project. Conducted annually since 1990, the Project's primary objective is to assist its graduates in effectively participating in the development of policies, programs and services that directly impact their lives and the lives of family members with disabilities. The project's fundamental goals include providing participants with increased information about services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities; assisting participants in understand the strategies needed to affect systemic change, and techniques on how participants to work more effectively with state and local service agencies.

For additional information on the Family Leadership Project, contact Council Coordinator Mary L. Edwards at mary.edwards@arkansas.gov.