LOS ANGELES, Aug. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Viewers of Public Television can prepare for a captivating journey that explores what it means to live a life of purpose and belonging, as the acclaimed program “Empowered with Meg Ryan” partners with ACCESS®. This upcoming segment will illuminate the urgent need for lifelong support systems for neurodiverse individuals and reveal a groundbreaking approach to turning potential into purpose.
The program, set to film later this year in Little Rock, Arkansas, will explore ACCESS’s commitment to creating a seamless continuum of support for people with special needs. This poignant story will follow the paths of individuals who, after benefiting from early intervention, therapy, and educational services, are now navigating the pivotal transition to adulthood. As the traditional support systems of childhood fade, the program will showcase ACCESS’s innovative vocational trainings and community integration programs, which are designed to bridge this crucial gap. The narrative will move from the early triumphs of childhood to the challenges of adulthood, where a new set of skills is required to achieve independence. It is a story that illustrates how the potential nurtured in childhood does not disappear with age—it simply needs a continued path to grow and flourish.
“At ACCESS, we believe that every individual deserves the chance to discover their purpose and live a life of dignity, independence, and joy. For more than 30 years, we have walked alongside families through each stage of life—from early intervention in childhood to vocational training and community integration in adulthood,” explains Tammy Simmons, ACCESS Executive Director and Co-Founder. “This project with Empowered with Meg Ryan allows us to shine a light on what’s possible when a community invests in lifelong opportunities and refuses to let potential be lost at the transition to adulthood. It’s about creating a future where every person belongs, contributes, and thrives.”
This collaboration will provide an insightful glimpse into ACCESS’s “one-stop shop” model, where a unified team of professionals works together to address the needs of the whole person. The program will highlight how educators, therapists, and community partners collaborate in unison to support the unique and evolving needs of individuals from infancy through adulthood. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s person-centered model and its ability to foster confidence and self-advocacy through real-world opportunities. The segment will demonstrate how adult clients contribute meaningfully to their community, such as through valuable work in the ACCESS Group greenhouse, taking on a variety of roles throughout the growing process, and even earning a paycheck. This inspiring story is a testament to the fact that when we invest in lifelong opportunities and address the “services cliff,” we empower individuals to live full, purposeful lives. Ultimately, this collaboration aims to inspire communities and business leaders alike to champion a more inclusive world where every person can find their place to thrive, enriching the broader community with their unique skills and perspectives.
About “Empowered with Meg Ryan“: “Empowered with Meg Ryan” is a Public Television program that offers viewers valuable insights and educational content, inspiring them to take informed action in their lives and communities. The program highlights organizations that are making a positive impact and providing pathways to greater well-being. Learn more at: www.empoweredprogram.com
About ACCESS®: ACCESS Group, Inc. (ACCESS) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals with special needs from infancy through adulthood. Through a collaborative, person-centered approach, ACCESS provides a comprehensive range of services, including evaluations, mental health, therapy, early intervention, educational support, vocational training, and community integration, to fulfill its mission of Expanding Individual Potential Through Innovative Instruction. Learn more at: accessgroupinc.com
SOURCE Empowered with Meg Ryan
