Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled, Inc. (AEDD) is a charitable organization established in 1971 for the sole purpose of providing services to the developmentally disabled in Arkansas. AEDD provides pre-employment training, real work opportunities, recreational and leisure time activities, development of daily living skills, physical, occupational, speech therapy, and mental health services to adults with developmental disabilities (DD). Work services offered at an adult skills training center in Little Rock provides cost saving opportunities for businesses, while giving work opportunities and skill development to DD individuals served by AEDD. In 2002, AEDD established a Children's Learning Center that serves disabled and non-disabled children from ages birth to five. These children receive individualized services, along with a preschool curriculum. Services offered include: child care, early intervention, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nutrition services, and transportation. AEDD is funded by Medicaid, Developmental Disabilities Services, Special Nutrition Program, private insurance, private contributions, private pay, the United Way, and VI-B Funds.
MISSION STATEMENT: “AEDD empowers children and adults with disabilities to improve their quality of life by providing community-based services that maximize individual choices, personal development, community inclusion, independence and their contribution to society.”