30 Sep 2025 On the bright side
By Mark Oliver
Since 1959, Conway Human Development Center (CHDC) has been a cornerstone of care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in the 501.
While CHDC exists to serve those in need, its success depends just as deeply on the professionals who make that care possible each day. That belief shaped the Center’s 23rd annual “Beyond the Borders” conference with a clear and uplifting message: When we focus on strengths instead of shortcomings, we unlock extraordinary potential in our residents, in our staff and in ourselves.
“Our theme this year was ‘On the Bright Side,’” Director Sarah Murphy said. “We wanted to inspire our staff to tackle problems in a positive way by identifying a person’s strengths and understanding the best way to utilize them.”
The result was a resounding success, both in attendance and impact. More than 500 participants from the region attended the two-day event, including CHDC staff, other human development centers, community providers, educators, psychologists, social workers and more. In addition to professional development opportunities, CHDC also offered 11 hours of continuing education credits across multiple disciplines.
“When we put together a conference, we take pride in including something for everyone,” Murphy said. “From crafting to massages, our goal was to inspire our staff to think and act differently. In the last few years, we have learned that if we really want to improve the care for our residents, then we have to do the best job we can to support our staff.”
Attendees of the conference are still talking about the entertainment. Award-winning magician Dr. Kevin Spencer wowed the crowd with a captivating theatrical illusion performance.
“Dr. Spencer’s ability to use magic to enhance individual lives was amazing,” Murphy said. “Watching him engage with individuals who typically resist therapy or exercise and seeing them suddenly participate was inspiring. He showcased the power of what a simple magic trick can cause in the interaction between two people. All attendees received a magic kit so they could perform tricks by themselves afterward and it has been a huge hit on our campus.”
Behind the scenes of a well-run event is CHDC’s Volunteer Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit composed of community members, parents and staff who support the center through fundraising, volunteering and sponsoring outings like trips to the zoo, local farms and museums.
“Our volunteer council is simply amazing,” Murphy said.
“Over the years, they have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars while helping build various structures on our campus, such as our visitation complex where parents can stay free of charge, the pavilion across from our snack shack and our indoor swimming pool, which our residents enjoy year-round for both recreation and therapy. They have also paid for covered walkways and the creation of a mural over our snack shack area and are always hard at work imagining what’s next for our campus.”
The conference is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fun events at CHDC.
“One of our most cherished moments each year is our annual Polar Express train ride,” Murphy said. “We have a 1960s model operating train with a working track. It’s a rare and special experience few other facilities can offer. It’s a wonderful Christmas event open to our residents, staff and the community at no charge in the first week of December each year. We also host Halloween-themed golf cart parades, a prom and a fall fishing derby in addition to many other events throughout the year.”
In October, CHDC will also host the 43rd annual Duck Dash 5K walk/run, inspiring the community to get outdoors for a good cause.
“The Duck Dash will be a day of fun and exercise at our CHDC park with rubber ducks all along the way,” Murphy said. “We are working to raise money to build more covered walkways for our campus with all money coming back to be used to benefit our residents.”
The center employs nearly 1,000 employees to care for its 450 residents. In addition to around-the-clock medical care from doctors, nurse practitioners and an array of medical consultants and other professionals, the center also offers its own dentist, infirmary, pharmacy and school, among other amenities.
“We have some of the most committed, experienced and caring staff in the world,” Murphy said. “To them, this is more than just their career, it’s their mission. More than 30 percent of our staff have worked here at least 10 years, with many surpassing 40 years. Their commitment to our residents is inspiring.”
To further elevate its quality of care, CHDC launched its own Certified Nursing Assistant program four years ago. The center pays staff as they train, and upon completion, participants earn a state-recognized certification. In its Occupational Therapy department, CHDC has also partnered with the University of Central Arkansas to create a sensory room for residents with autism and a wellness space for staff.
“Our mission is for our residents and staff to be better tomorrow than we were today,” Murphy said.
CHDC is the largest of Arkansas’s five residential facilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and is the only facility that serves both adults and children. Residents live across 32 houses on campus, while receiving accredited education, career skills and medical care.
“The Conway community is so welcoming to us and is so kind to our residents,” Murphy said. “Our residents frequent the new community recreation center and we’re always at the Faulkner County Fair each year. We are thankful to be in Conway and to have such a great support system.”
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