Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education And Adult Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Arkansas Task Force on Autism hears university, vocational and community program briefings
Summary
The Arkansas Legislative Task Force on Autism on April 1 heard presentations from the University of Arkansas on its EMPOWER and Autism Support Programs, a Pulaski Technical College 3D culinary vocational program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the SLS Community’s Cato Springs Village and Program Forge supports for neurodivergent adults.
Representative Denise Jones Ennett, Co‑Chair of the Arkansas Legislative Task Force on Autism, opened the meeting in Little Rock on April 1 and recognized the first day of Autism Awareness Month before the Task Force heard three program briefings.
The Task Force first heard from Dr. Kate Mamiseishvili, Dean of the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas, and Dr. Suzanne Kucharczyk, Department Head of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Arkansas. They outlined the university’s EMPOWER and Autism Support Programs, describing services and supports the university provides to students with autism and other disabilities.
Next, Dr. Mary Catherine Miller, 3D Program Director at the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College, and Jan Lewandowski, Executive Director of Culinary Arts and Hospitality at Pulaski Technical College, described the 3D culinary program. They said the program offers culinary and hospitality training tailored for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities with the goal of preparing participants for employment in food service and hospitality roles.
Finally, Ashton McCombs, Executive Director of the SLS Community, joined by Mary Ann McIntyre, Director of Clinical Services, Betts McCombs, Board Member and Co‑Founder, and Ron Cook, Board Member, presented an overview of SLS Community services. They explained the Cato Springs Village development project, a housing-focused initiative for neurodivergent adults, and described Program Forge, which the presenters said provides additional supports for adults with neurodivergence.
On procedural business the Task Force approved the minutes from its January 13, 2026 meeting after Senator Justin Boyd moved to adopt the minutes and Jennifer Brezee seconded; the motion carried. With no further business recorded, the Task Force adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
The meeting record references Exhibits C, D, E and F for the minutes and presentations; the exhibits were cited in the minutes but their content is not included in the provided transcript.
