I need to try or borrow assistive technology
Best first route: iCAN, Arkansas's statewide Assistive Technology program. ANCHOR's role is sensory/communication access deployment and navigation—not duplicating a broad statewide AT system.
ANCHOR Access / Service Router
No-wrong-door service network
Start with the problem, not the provider.
Choose what you are trying to accomplish. ANCHOR explains the best starting route, why it fits, and when an existing Arkansas or federal system is better positioned to provide the service.
SERVICE RULENEED → FIT → HANDOFFA useful referral includes why the route fits, what to expect and what to do if the handoff fails.
READ THIS PAGE
Start here. Read straight down.
Use this page when you know the problem but not which program or agency should handle it.
Important information is visible on the page. Nothing essential is hidden in accordions or pop-ups.
THE SIMPLE PATH
- Pick the statement closest to the person’s goal.
- Read why the route fits and what ANCHOR should do in the handoff.
- A referral is not complete until the person can actually continue the process.
I need help getting or keeping a job
Start with: Arkansas Rehabilitation Services for vocational-rehabilitation pathways; use JAN/ODEP for workplace accommodation guidance. ANCHOR adds environment, communication and neuroinclusive-workplace information.
I think disability rights or access law may be involved
Start with: Disability Rights Arkansas for protection/advocacy, and ADA.gov for federal technical information. ANCHOR should document and route—not pretend to replace legal advice or enforcement.
I need independent-living information or peer-directed support
Start with: Arkansas State Independent Living Council and Centers for Independent Living. These systems are built around disability self-determination and community living.
I need housing, food, utility, caregiving or community-resource navigation
Start with: Arkansas 211 for broad local resource navigation. ANCHOR can remain involved when sensory, communication or neurodivergent access is the barrier to using the referred service.
I need school or family education-system support
Start with: Arkansas DESE special-education parent/family resources for state education pathways. ANCHOR can add communication access, sensory/environment planning, Academy training and field tools.
I need developmental/autism evaluation or clinical services
Start with: the relevant clinical/state pathway such as UAMS Developmental Pediatrics or Arkansas DHS autism services. The Access Network does not diagnose and ordinary public access should not depend on diagnosis.
I am preparing for airport security or travel
Start with: TSA Cares for screening assistance and the airport's own accessibility information. ANCHOR profiles can make local arrival, screening and communication conditions easier to preview.
I run a business, agency or public place and need to improve access
Start with: ANCHOR's Site Snapshot and improvement ladder; then route technical questions to ADA/Access Board/W3C/NIOSH/CDC/CPSC as the issue requires.
Handoff quality
A referral is not complete because a link was provided.
NEEDWhat is the person trying to do?
FITWhy does this provider/system fit?
ACCESSWhat communication or sensory barrier could block the handoff?
FIRST STEPWhat should happen next?
BACKUPWhat if the person is ineligible or cannot use the contact method?
CLOSE LOOPRecord failed handoffs so the network can improve.