First Step
First Step was established in 1958 to serve special needs children in the Hot Springs area. Today, it has seven different facilities, located throughout the southern part of the state, that serve approximately 1,800 consumers from 27 Arkansas counties.
Only a few decades ago, individuals with disabilities were isolated from society in institutions or in their own homes. There were few places to house them, few people to work with them, and little understanding of their plight or their potential. Until the late 1950s, parents from Garland and surrounding counties were forced to take their special needs children to Little Rock for services. Daily trips were impossible for many families.
In 1958, a group of parents, physicians and concerned citizens, realizing the importance of providing services locally for these children, formed an organization known as the Garland County Association for Retarded Children. That same year, space was provided in the Jones School building and a teacher was employed. Seven children made up the first class.
Several locations were used through the years, until finally in the 1980s the Jaycees donated the old Boys Club building on Carson and the group found a permanent home. At the same time, the GCARC decided it was time for a name change to symbolize the mission of the organization and its wide scope of services. The name First Step was chosen to represent a child’s first step into the world of education and an adult’s first step after education and training into a world of employment and independence.
“Today, First Step provides services and programs for children and adults with a variety of developmental delays and disabilities. From Early Intervention for the youngest children to Supported Employment for adults, and a variety of services in between, we work to accomplish our mission of integrating individuals with disabilities into society,” said Nancy Baxter, First Step director of development.
With about 1,800 consumers and a staff of approximately 1,000 full- and part- time employees, First Step is one of the largest organizations in Arkansas serving individuals with developmental delays and disabilities, and First Step is one of the largest employers in Garland County. Its seven service facilities are located in Hot Springs, Malvern, Glenwood, Fordyce, Sparkman, Mount Ida and Hamburg, and serve a 27- county area. First Step vans travel thousands of miles each year, transporting consumers to one of the service centers.
“We are considered a pioneer in the field and were among the first in Arkansas to provide early intervention services for young children. Today, this program is offered nationwide,” Baxter said.
The administrative offices are located at 407 Carson in a beautiful building, custom built for First Step. The organization still owns the former Boys Club building and several other buildings and converted houses in the area. “The First Step organization is a success story for the entire state of Arkansas. Our mission is to promote integration and independence of all people with disabilities,” Baxter said.
First Step offers a wide range of programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. On recommendation from a physician, the staff will evaluate and advise a course of action to help achieve the best possible results.
Our programs include the following:
• Early Intervention — Some children face obstacles in the first few years of life. The staff can assess the needs of the child and family and develop the best means to reach the desired outcome. Services are provided at no cost to the family in their home or the center.
• School Services — The program helps families find the right answers for their children. First Step will help identify goals and needs for each child and then chart a course to best achieve those goals.
• Developmental Treatment Services — If detected early, many problems can be corrected. The certified Early Childhood Special Education teachers can provide training in all areas of development in a way that is fun and exciting. The Developmental Treatment Services is the largest program with the goal of getting boys and girls ready for public school.
• School Age — For those children, who because of their disability are not able to attend public school, we teach all the independent skills that enable children to function to the best of their abilities. Certified teachers work with every child to bring about the highest levels of independence.
• Therapy Services — Licensed therapists evaluate and design programs to meet each specific need. All therapy at First Step is play- based and fun. The therapists use various toys, materials and settings to assist children to achieve greater function in their environments.
• Physical Therapy — Help for those who have difficulty with gross motor skills ( sitting, standing, walking, climbing, etc.) Any needed orthotic devices can be fitted on site.
• Occupational Therapy — For those who need help with fine motor skills and visual motor tasks.
• Speech- Language Therapy — Provides help with language, articulation, hearing, voice and feeding skills. The audiologists can assist in the fitting of equipment and devices needed to enhance hearing.
• Personal Care — This service is available in the home to assist consumers with personal grooming and basic living needs.
• Integrated Supports — First Step provides help in the home for children or adults who might otherwise have to seek services in an institution. Services are designed to fit the individual need.
• Adult Day Program — First Step helps adults with developmental disabilities learn to live as independently as possible. Physical fitness, cooking, personal grooming, basic housekeeping, personal finance, computer classes, art, and music are among the activities offered to the adults in the Day Program.
• On Our Own — For those eligible, group homes and individual apartment living give a true sense of accomplishment and independence.
• Supported Employment — First Step finds jobs for adult consumers and provides training to help them learn good work habits and job skills. Continuous followup is provided to ensure satisfaction for both employer and employee.
First Step is a private, nonprofit organization. The First Step Foundation was created in 2005 as the fundraising arm of the First Step organization. Gifts are accepted through estate plans, one- time major gifts, individual or corporate donations, special event sponsorships, grants to fund special projects, donations of stock and property ( based on approval by our board of directors) established recurring gifts, and matching gifts. Donations may be made through the First Step Foundation. Donations to First Step are tax- deductible to the full extent of the law.
For more information about First Step, its programs, to find the location nearest you, or the First Step Foundation, please call 501624- 6468.