Welcome

Mainstream is a non-profit, non-residential, consumer-driven Independent Living Resource Center for people with disabilities in central Arkansas. Consumers of Mainstream set their own goals and take the lead in developing plans to meet those goals and objectives. Mainstream, which has been in existence since the summer of 1987, offers services to consumers and other stakeholders free of charge.

Mainstream operates with the conviction that those of us with disabilities have the right and the responsibility to make choices, to control our lives, and to participate fully and equally in our community.

Mission Statement

The mission of Mainstream is to provide advocacy, peer support, and other services which will enable people with significant disabilities to live independently in the community. The Organization works to achieve the integration of people with disabilities into the mainstream of society.

Mainstream is dedicated to the concept of consumer directed service delivery: Each consumer has control of his or her life, and the services, support, and advocacy offered to or conducted on behalf of a consumer are conducted within the framework of a written individual Independent Living Plan. The consumer develops his or her own plan with assistance from a qualified Mainstream staff member.

The organization is dedicated to the following principles of operation:
Assisting each consumer with consideration and concern;

Working closely and cooperatively with other organizations and community stakeholders to make available comprehensive community supports for persons with significant disabilities by strengthening existing service and support systems, developing new systems, and avoiding duplication of services.

Promoting the concepts of equality and justice which will further the cause of integrating persons with disabilities into the mainstream of society.

Increasing persons with disabilities’ awareness and knowledge of the importance of his or her own personal power to direct the course of their own lives and independence.