Business Details
32 Years
experience
Special Needs Education & Therapy Services in Arkansas
ACCESS Group is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding individual potential through innovative instruction. Since 1994, we have provided evaluation services, therapy services, mental health services, full-time education, vocational training, and community integration for individuals with language and learning disorders and developmental disabilities. Our team approach ensures person-centered care for every client, combining expertise in early intervention, academic therapy, and behavioral health. With over 30 years of experience, we serve more than 870 families across Arkansas and surrounding states through two main campuses and seven host sites.Our programs emphasize literacy-based curricula, internationally acclaimed multi-sensory learning, and state-of-the-art therapy facilities. We are committed to building brighter futures by fostering independence, purpose, and community inclusion for individuals of all abilities. Our CARF-accredited mental health programs and Cognia-accredited school reflect our dedication to quality and accountability. Through partnerships like Project SEARCH and the CES Medicaid Waiver, we empower clients to achieve their full potential from early childhood through adulthood.
Services
Evaluations
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Mental Health Services
Vocational Training
CES Medicaid Waiver
Early Childhood Programs
Academic Therapy
Physical Therapy
Community Integration
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience in special needs services
- CARF-accredited mental health and behavioral programs
- Cognia-accredited school with multi-sensory curriculum
- Integrated team approach with onsite therapists and evaluators
- Community-based vocational training and adult programs
Associations and certifications
- CARF
- Cognia
What people say
Life-changing therapies
Dedicated, compassionate staff
Effective vocational programs
Transformative educational approach
Strong community impact
Services
Evaluations
ACCESS provides comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations to identify learning disabilities, developmental delays, and mental health needs. Our experts use evidence-based tools to create personalized intervention plans. Services include IQ testing, academic assessments, and mental health evaluations for children and young adults.
Speech Therapy
Our speech-language pathologists address communication disorders through individualized treatment plans. Services focus on improving speech production, language comprehension, and social communication skills for children with developmental disabilities and learning disorders.
Vocational Training
ACCESS offers vocational programs preparing adults with developmental disabilities for competitive employment. Project SEARCH provides workplace internships while ACCESS Life focuses on community integration and independent living skills development.
Mental Health Services
We provide evidence-based mental health treatment including TF-CBT, EMDR, and play therapy for children and adolescents. Our CARF-accredited programs address anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders with family-centered care approaches.
Special Education
ACCESS Academy delivers specialized education for K-12 students with developmental disabilities. Our Cognia-accredited curriculum combines academic instruction with therapeutic support in a low student-teacher ratio environment promoting both educational and personal growth.
People
Tammy Simmons
Executive Director, Co-Founder
With over 30 years in special education, Tammy Simmons leads ACCESS as Executive Director. She co-founded the organization in 1994 and has driven its expansion from a small therapy clinic to a comprehensive service provider serving 870+ families across Arkansas.
Monika Garner-Smith
Director of Early Childhood, Co-Founder
Monika Garner-Smith co-founded ACCESS in 1994 and currently directs early childhood programs. She has developed innovative early intervention strategies that combine therapeutic approaches with educational foundations for children aged 0-5 with developmental disabilities.
Cheri Stevenson
Director of Academy
Cheri Stevenson oversees ACCESS Academy's educational programs. With expertise in special education curriculum development, she ensures implementation of evidence-based teaching methods that accommodate diverse learning needs while maintaining academic excellence standards.
Questions
What age groups does ACCESS serve?
We serve individuals from birth through adulthood, with programs for early childhood, K-12 education, and adult vocational training.
Are your programs accredited?
Yes, our mental health programs are CARF-accredited and our school program is accredited through Cognia.
Do you accept Medicaid?
We accept AR Kids/Medicaid for qualifying clients and offer CES Medicaid Waiver services for eligible participants.
What therapies are available?
We provide speech, occupational, physical, feeding, and mental health therapies with specialized evaluations and treatment plans.
How do I apply for services?
Complete an online inquiry or contact our admissions team to begin the application process and discuss availability.
What makes ACCESS unique?
Our integrated team approach combines education, therapy, and community programs with personalized care for each individual's needs.