HANDS in Autism Local Community Cadres

08/11/2026

🌟 Meet Our Featured Speaker for Thursday's LET'S TALK LCC Series! 🌟

We're excited to welcome Heather Wildrick-Holman, Assistant Director at Community Partners for Child Safety, a prevention program of Children & Family Alliance, as this month's featured speaker!

Heather has dedicated her career to strengthening families and communities through prevention-focused strategies. Inspired by the Parable of the River, she believes in going "upstream"—addressing challenges before they become crises by collaborating on innovative, community-driven solutions.

With experience spanning work with incarcerated youth, county-wide victim advocacy, and decades of leadership in child abuse prevention and awareness, Heather brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for supporting children and families impacted by trauma.

✨ Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow!

🗓 Topic: Access to Social Services Across the Lifespan
📅 Thursday, August 13, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:30 PM EST

Whether you're a family member, self-advocate, educator, provider, or community partner, this conversation will provide valuable insights into navigating and accessing social services at every stage of life.

📲 Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer below or using the registration link https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg.
We can't wait to see you there!

Hands in Autism Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Indiana Resource Center for Autism - Indiana University Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services Self-Advocates of Indiana

07/28/2026

✍ Navigating Transition to Adulthood: Building Pathways to Successful Adult Outcomes

Transitioning from school to adulthood is a significant milestone for individuals with autism and other disabilities, requiring thoughtful planning, collaboration, and access to the right supports. During our July Let's Talk Local Community Cadres (LCC) session, participants explored practical strategies for creating seamless transitions from secondary education to adult life.

We were honored to welcome Mary Pearson, Ph.D., Assistant Research Scientist with the Center on Community Living and Careers (CCLC) at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. Dr. Pearson shared evidence-based strategies for promoting successful transitions from school to work and adult life.

The discussion highlighted the differences between secondary transition planning and post-transition planning, emphasizing that while schools play a critical role in preparing students for adulthood through the Individualized Education Program (IEP), successful long-term outcomes require continued planning and coordination after graduation.

Participants also learned about:
· The importance of interagency teams in helping students and families develop a shared vision for the future.
· How Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) can work together to support employment goals.
· The differences between supported employment and customized employment, helping individuals identify employment opportunities that align with their strengths, interests, and support needs.
· Resources available through Indiana's transition network to assist families, educators, and professionals in navigating the transition process.

The session reinforced that successful transitions are built through early planning, collaboration across agencies, person-centered supports, and meaningful partnerships with individuals and families.

We also invite you to join us in August for our next Let's Talk LCC Series meeting:
📅 August 13, 2026.

⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EST
Topic: Access to Services Across the Lifespan

Speaker: Heather Wildrick-Holman, Assistant Director of Community Partners, Firefly Children & Family Alliance

💻 Virtual meeting via Zoom
Register here: https://lnkd.in/gW2s6aUY

Hands in Autism Indiana Resource Center for Autism - Indiana University Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services Self-Advocates of Indiana

07/13/2026

📢 Have You Registered Yet?

Join us for the next Let's Talk Local Community Cadres (LCC) Series as we explore "Navigating Transition to Adulthood."

Transitioning to adulthood can be both exciting and challenging for individuals with autism and their families. This session will provide valuable information, resources, and practical strategies to help navigate this important life stage.

🎤 Featured Speaker:
Mary Pearson, Ph.D.
Assistant Research Scientist
Center on Community Living and Careers (CCLC)

📅 Date: July 16, 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00–1:30 PM EST

Whether you're a family member, self-advocate, educator, service provider, or community partner, this conversation is for you!

📲 Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or click the link below: https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and engage with others in our community.

For questions, please contact [email protected].



Hands in Autism Indiana Resource Center for Autism - Indiana University Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services Self-Advocates of Indiana

🌟 What's Next? Navigating the Transition to Adulthood 🌟

The journey to adulthood is filled with new opportunities, challenges, and important decisions. For individuals with autism and their families, having the right information and support can make all the difference.

Join us for our next Let's Talk LCC Series as we discuss Navigating the Transition to Adulthood with Mary Pearson, Ph.D., Assistant Research Scientist at the Center on Community Living and Careers (CCLC).

This free virtual session will explore transition planning, available resources, and strategies to help individuals with autism build independence, pursue meaningful goals, and thrive in their communities.

📅 July 16, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EST

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, professional, self-advocate, or community member, this conversation is for you!

🔗 Register today: https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Hands in Autism Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Indiana Resource Center for Autism - Indiana University Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services

07/08/2026

🎓 Beyond Graduation: Building a Path to Adulthood

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating—but for many individuals with autism and their families, it's also the beginning of a new journey filled with important questions.

💭 What's next?
💼 How do we prepare for employment?
🏠 What supports are available for independent living?
🤝 How can we build meaningful community connections?

The transition to adulthood can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

Join the Let's Talk LCC Series on July 16 for an engaging conversation with Mary Pearson, Ph.D., Assistant Research Scientist at the Center on Community Living and Careers (CCLC). Together, we'll explore practical strategies, available resources, and ways to support successful transitions into adulthood.

Research shows that many autistic young adults experience social isolation after high school, making early planning, strong support systems, and community connections more important than ever.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, self-advocate, service provider, or community member, this free session will provide valuable insights and practical tools to help prepare for the next chapter.

📅 July 16, 2026
🕛 12:00–1:30 PM EST

🔗 Register here: https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Hands in Autism Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services Self-Advocates of Indiana Indiana Resource Center for Autism - Indiana University

06/24/2026

🌟 What's Next? Navigating the Transition to Adulthood 🌟

The journey to adulthood is filled with new opportunities, challenges, and important decisions. For individuals with autism and their families, having the right information and support can make all the difference.

Join us for our next Let's Talk LCC Series as we discuss Navigating the Transition to Adulthood with Mary Pearson, Ph.D., Assistant Research Scientist at the Center on Community Living and Careers (CCLC).

This free virtual session will explore transition planning, available resources, and strategies to help individuals with autism build independence, pursue meaningful goals, and thrive in their communities.

📅 July 16, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EST

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, professional, self-advocate, or community member, this conversation is for you!

🔗 Register today: https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Hands in Autism Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Indiana Resource Center for Autism - Indiana University Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services

06/11/2026

Join us today at noon for another informative Let's Talk LCC Session with Kari Sheward on the evolution of ABA and current best practices. See you there!

Send us a DM to get the Zoom Link or click the link https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg

Hands in Autism Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Self-Advocates of Indiana Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services

06/10/2026

🚨 Happening Tomorrow! 🚨

How has Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) evolved over time, and where is it headed next?

Join us for the June Let's Talk Local Community Cadres (LCC) Series as we explore Understanding Applied Behavioral Analysis with special guest Kari Sheward, Vice President of Behavioral and Clinical Services at Tangram.

Today's ABA is more than behavior change—it emphasizes:
✅ Person-centered approaches
✅ Evidence-based practices
✅ Data-informed decision-making
✅ Collaboration with families and communities
✅ Continuous learning and growth

Whether you're a professional, educator, caregiver, self-advocate, student, or community member, this conversation offers an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect with others interested in autism and disability-related topics.

📅 Tomorrow, June 11, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
🎤 Speaker: Kari Sheward, VP of Behavioral and Clinical Services, Tangram

📲 Register here: https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg

Let's come together to discuss how ABA continues to evolve through research, innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to improving outcomes for individuals with autism and related disabilities.

Hands in Autism Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services Self-Advocates of Indiana

06/02/2026

📢 Join Us for our June Let's Talk LCC Series! 📢

Interested in learning more about Applied Behavioral Analysis and its role in supporting individuals with autism and related disabilities?

Join us on June 11, 2026, from 12:00 PM–1:30 PM for an engaging discussion on "Understanding Applied Behavioral Analysis."

We are excited to welcome Kari Sheward, Vice President of Behavioral and Clinical Services at Tangram, who will share insights, practical knowledge, and real-world perspectives on ABA and its application across different settings.

The Let's Talk LCC Series brings together community members, professionals, educators, caregivers, self-advocates, and others interested in autism-related topics to network, learn, and share resources in a welcoming and collaborative environment.

Mark your calendars!
📅 Date: June 11, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
🎤 Speaker: Kari Sheward, VP, Behavioral and Clinical Services, Tangram

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or click on the link https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg to register and learn more!

We hope you'll join us for this informative conversation and opportunity to connect with others in the community.

Hands in Autism Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services Self-Advocates of Indiana

05/18/2026

🌟 May Let’s Talk LCC Recap! 🌟

This month, HANDS in Autism® Let’s Talk Local Community Cadres (LCC) Series focused on “Integrating Mental Health and Autism Resources.”

💬 We explored what it really takes to support individuals with co-occurring autism and mental health needs—and why services don’t always connect. From system barriers and long waitlists to the reality of families carrying the coordination burden, the discussion highlighted key challenges across systems.

🎤 A big thank you to our featured speaker, Jessica Hamlyn (LCSW, NADD-CC) of Meridian Health Services, who shared valuable insights from over a decade of experience in integrated care and crisis services.

✅ Key takeaways included:

-The importance of autism-informed mental health care
-Coordinated, cross-provider communication
-A “one person, one plan” approach
-Practical strategies like adapting therapy, addressing sensory needs, and involving families

💡 Together, we continue working toward connected, person-centered systems of care that better serve individuals and families across Indiana and beyond.

📢 Missed it or want to share your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you!

You can also watch the recording here https://iu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/t/1_vsndflkh

Hands in Autism Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Self-Advocates of Indiana Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services