About First Step

Here to Help

All of our lives are affected to some degree by loved ones who have disabilities or have some form of mental illness. First Step is here to help improve the quality of life in the community by helping those with developmental disabilities become more independent.

From early detection in children to residential programs for adults, our mission is to provide treatment services, training and innovative solutions to enrich the lives of those at every age and every level of developmental disabilities and delays.

What challenges do you face? Take the first step toward equipping and empowering yourself and others in your family to make good decisions while navigating your way through the challenges that have come your way.

We would love to talk with you in person…to assess your needs, help you explore your options, and offer you one-on-one professional guidance.

Together, we can map out a strategy to help your child or loved one with developmental disabilities live a meaningful, high-quality life.

Compassionate People

The professional staff of First Step includes compassionate people with a number of talents and abilities and a variety of educational backgrounds. We are dedicated to join forces with you and your physician to design a personalized, effective plan of action that will be the best fit for your child or loved one who has developmental disabilities.

All of our therapists maintain current Arkansas licensing in his or her particular discipline. Developmental treatment services for children are overseen by certified teachers working as development treatment coordinators. Many of our instructors (paraprofessionals) have their CDA (Child Development Associate) degree, and all are encouraged to obtain it.

We also have on staff registered nurses and master’s-level counselors. Our support personnel—including van drivers, escorts, etc.—are trained to the highest level necessary to perform their particular jobs with excellence.

We encourage all employees to continue their education in their field of service. Each staff member is required to be certified in first aid and CPR.

Brett Chancellor has served as our executive director since 2014. Many of the First Step staff have been with the organization 20 years or more. First Step centers in Hot Springs, Malvern, Fordyce, Glenwood, Sparkman, and Hamburg serve 27 Arkansas counties. Transportation is provided to those who need it.

Hot Springs, AR 1958

First Step began in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1958 with a group of parents, civic leaders, and health professionals who recognized the need for services within the local community for individuals with special needs. Their passion and dedication first brought help to children with developmental disabilities. Beginning with only 7 students, the services soon reached beyond the borders of Hot Springs and eventually expanded to include services for adults as well as children.

Today, First Step aims to reach children and adults with developmental delays and disabilities by offering treatment, therapies, and services to help each individual reach his or her full potential.

In 1980 First Step was one of the first providers in Arkansas to offer early intervention for infants through a special grant program. When Pam Bland came on board as executive director in 1981, she made it a permanent service offered by First Step. Today, this program is offered nationwide.

Today, First Step serves approximately 1900 consumers in 27 Arkansas counties.

First Step Board of Directors

Donna Merriweather, President

Courtney Eubanks, Vice President

Richard Holden, Treasurer/Secretary

Robbie Cox

Lance La Fevers

Tom French

Travis Morrissey

Wayne Reynolds

Anna Sue McCoy

Mike Long

Tyrone Flowers

First Step Foundation Board

Tom French, President

Lance LaFevers, Vice President

Richard Holden

Adam Williams