HANDS in Autism Local Community Cadres

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

05/11/2026

🧠💬 May Let’s Talk LCC Series

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, join us for our May Let’s Talk LCC Series as we dive into the integration of autism and mental health services — and why it matters.

This session will feature Jessica Hamlyn, Director of Behavioral Health Services at Meridian Health Services, who will share insights on building more connected, responsive systems that support individuals and families across both autism and mental health care.

🗓 May 14, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
📡 Virtual (Zoom)

🧩 What You’ll Gain from This Session
• A clearer understanding of why autism and mental health services often operate separately
• Insight into how historical system design still affects access, coordination, and outcomes today
• Practical perspectives on what integrated, person‑centered care can look like in real‑world settings
• Language and strategies to better navigate, advocate, and collaborate across systems of support

👉 Register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or clicking the link https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg
📩 Questions? [email protected]

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

05/04/2026

On April 16, we came together for a meaningful Let’s Talk LCC conversation centered on autistic voices and real‑life experiences.

Our panelists— Levy Grant, Nancy Garner, and Tina Anderson shared honest reflections on what inclusion really looks like in everyday spaces like classrooms, workplaces, and communities.

One message came through loud and clear: support works best when it’s shared by everyone. Panelists talked about self‑regulation, sensory overload, and why inclusive spaces should build in flexibility instead of singling people out. When regulation strategies are normalized for all, stigma loses its power.

🎥 Watch the full conversation:
https://iu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/t/1_63j0xb87

📅 Looking ahead to May:
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, our May Let’s Talk LCC Series will feature Jessica Hamlyn, Director of Behavioral Health Services at Meridian Health Services, discussing the integration of autism and mental health services and why coordinated, inclusive care matters.

👉 Register for our May session:
https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg

Hands in Autism Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services

04/13/2026

As part of Autism Awareness Month, HANDS in Autism Local Community Cadres warmly reminds you to join us for a powerful and timely virtual conversation centering autistic voices, lived experiences, and authentic representation.

🗓 Date: April 16, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
📡 Format: Virtual (Zoom)

This dialogue brings together self‑advocates, parents, advocates, and professionals with lived and professional experience across autism and disability systems:

Panelists

Levy Grant – Autistic Self‑Advocate and Parent
Nancy Garner – Founder, Dove Support Ministry, Inc.; Autistic Self‑Advocate, Parent, Advocate & Life Skills Coach
Tina Anderson – Advocate and Life Skills Coach

Together, our panelists will share personal insights, challenge misconceptions, and explore how awareness can lead to meaningful inclusion and action.

🧩 Discussion Themes

Lived Experience & Identity
Representation in Media & Society
Inclusivity, Accessibility & Daily Life
Awareness to Action

👉 Register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or clicking the link:
https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg

Come ready to listen, learn, reflect, and move awareness toward acceptance and action.

📩 Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, HANDS in Autism Local Community Cadres invites you to a powerful and timely conversation that centers autistic voices, lived experiences, and the realities behind autism representation in our society.

🗓 Date: April 16, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
📡 Format: Virtual Meeting on Zoom

This Autism Awareness Month dialogue brings together self‑advocates, parents, advocates, and professionals with lived and professional experience across autism and disability systems:

Levy Grant
Autistic Self‑Advocate and Parent

Nancy Garner
Founder, Dove Support Ministry, Inc.
Autistic Self‑Advocate, Parent, Advocate & Life Skills Coach

Tina Anderson
Advocate and Life Skills Coach

Together, our panelists will share personal insights, challenge misconceptions, and explore how awareness can evolve into meaningful inclusion and change.

🧩 Discussion Themes
Lived Experience & Identity

Representation in Media & Society

Inclusivity, Accessibility & Daily Life

Looking Ahead: Awareness to Action

👉 Register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or clicking the link https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg
Come ready to listen, learn, reflect, and move awareness toward acceptance and action.

📩 Questions or inquiries: Contact us at [email protected]



Self-Advocates of Indiana Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services

04/02/2026

In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, HANDS in Autism Local Community Cadres invites you to a powerful and timely conversation that centers autistic voices, lived experiences, and the realities behind autism representation in our society.

🗓 Date: April 16, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
📡 Format: Virtual Meeting on Zoom

This Autism Awareness Month dialogue brings together self‑advocates, parents, advocates, and professionals with lived and professional experience across autism and disability systems:

Levy Grant
Autistic Self‑Advocate and Parent

Nancy Garner
Founder, Dove Support Ministry, Inc.
Autistic Self‑Advocate, Parent, Advocate & Life Skills Coach

Tina Anderson
Advocate and Life Skills Coach

Together, our panelists will share personal insights, challenge misconceptions, and explore how awareness can evolve into meaningful inclusion and change.

🧩 Discussion Themes
Lived Experience & Identity

Representation in Media & Society

Inclusivity, Accessibility & Daily Life

Looking Ahead: Awareness to Action

👉 Register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or clicking the link https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg
Come ready to listen, learn, reflect, and move awareness toward acceptance and action.

📩 Questions or inquiries: Contact us at [email protected]



Self-Advocates of Indiana Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services

03/09/2026

This Thursday, Kim Dodson, CEO, Arc of Indiana will be joining us at our March Let's talk LCC Series as a speaker on the topic " Facilitation of the LCC Vision: From Policy to Practice."

She will be sharing about the importance of building relationships with policy makers, effectively telling our story, and being a resource. You don't want to miss this.

📅 Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Click on the link below to register https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg

Hands in Autism Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services Self-Advocates of Indiana

02/26/2026

Earlier this month, we hosted an insightful panel discussion on family–professional partnerships during our February Let’s Talk Local Community Cadres meeting.

The conversation brought forward meaningful perspectives on strengthening collaboration and supporting families across systems. Watch last month's session here https://iu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/t/1_mdt3s9tk

Looking ahead, next month’s session will feature critical legislative updates from Kim Dodson, CEO of The Arc of Indiana, offering an important look at policies shaping autism services statewide and the roles we can all play in advancing change.

Mark your calendar for March 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM.
Register here to attend: https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg

See the event flyer for full details.


Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services

02/13/2026

Our Let's Talk LCC Series for the month of February took place yesterday, February 12, 2026, on the topic "Family and Professional Partnerships" which featured amazing panelist:

• Margaret Jones, Esq.
CEO, Ability Allies
• Jessica Hamlyn
Director of Operations, Meridian Health Services
• Mendi Cooley
Founder & CEO, CoolAbilities
• Sarah Cassavaugh
Director of Family Services, IN*SOURCE

Together, they brought lived experience, professional insight, and advocacy-driven perspectives to help move partnerships from intention to impact.

In this clip, Sarah Cassavaugh, Director of Family Services, IN*SOURCE shares helpful strategies professionals can use to ensure that family voices are genuinely centered in decision-making processes.

Watch full video here https://iu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/t/1_mdt3s9tk

If you would like to join the conversation, it's not too late to do so. You can register to attend one or more of our sessions by clicking the link https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg

Hands in Autism Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services

02/09/2026

👀 Sneak Peek: What to Expect at February’s Let’s Talk LCC Series

What happens when families and professionals truly partner, not just in theory, but in practice?

Join us on February 12, 2026, at 12:00 pm for an engaging, interactive session focused on building trust, strengthening communication, and creating real collaboration across the autism support ecosystem. This isn’t just a panel; it’s a conversation designed to spark ideas, connections, and action.

🎤 Panel Highlights

Our panelists, Margaret Jones, Esq., Jessica Hamlyn, Mendi Cooley and Sarah Cassavaugh will dive into timely and thought‑provoking questions, including:
• What does an effective family–professional partnership really look like in autism-related services?
• Where do collaboration efforts most often break down—and how can we overcome those barriers?
• How can professionals genuinely center family voices in decision‑making?
• What builds (and sustains) trust and transparency across systems like education, healthcare, community, and legal services?

Together, they’ll bring lived experience, professional insight, and advocacy-driven perspectives to help move partnerships from intention to impact. Register now by scanning the QR code or clicking here:
https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg



Hands in Autism Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services IN*SOURCE Ability Allies Self-Advocates of Indiana

02/02/2026

Join us on February 12, 2026, for a powerful session of the Series, where and come together to strengthen collaboration, deepen understanding, and build supportive pathways for individuals with autism.

This month’s event features an inspiring panel of leaders whose work reflects deep commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and equitable access to services:
• Margaret Jones, Esq.
CEO, Ability Allies

• Jessica Hamlyn
Director of Operations, Meridian Health

• Mendi Cooley
Founder & CEO, CoolAbilities

• Sarah Cassavaugh
Director of Family Services, IN*SOURCE

Together, they will share practical strategies, lived experiences, and systemic insights to help strengthen partnerships across the autism support ecosystem.

📅 Date: February 12, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
📍 Virtual on Zoom – FREE Registration

This event offers an important opportunity for families, educators, clinicians, and community partners to build stronger, more inclusive relationships that truly make a difference.

Scan the QR code on the flyer or click the link https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ba8dZlsijkvLQNg to register. Looking forward to seeing you there!



Hands in Autism Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services