Evansville-Vanderburgh Advisory Board on Disability Services

09/19/2026

08/29/2026

📣 JOIN US IN SEPTEMBER!

Advocacy in Action: Understanding Public Policy & Making Your Voice Heard.

Your voice matters! 🗣️💙

Join the Indiana Disability Alliance (IDA) for an interactive training designed to help participants better understand Indiana’s legislative process, discover meaningful advocacy opportunities, and build the skills needed to communicate effectively with policymakers.

Participants will learn how to:
✔️ Understand Indiana’s legislative process
✔️ Identify opportunities for meaningful advocacy
✔️ Effectively communicate with policymakers
✔️ Build confidence in making your voice heard

📍 Monroe County Library — Bloomington, IN
📅 September 8
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM

Whether you are new to advocacy or looking to strengthen your skills, come learn, connect, and be part of positive change.

Register at: https://indianadisabilityalliance.org/advocacy-in-action-training-events/

07/27/2026

Join Board Member Cassandra at the event below!

💚 Growing Through Grief: Healing What Loss Leaves Behind 💚

Grief is a journey we all experience, but we don’t have to walk through it alone. EAAM is proud to share community resources and events that support healing, wellness, and connection.

Join Soul Writers Guild and Zion Women’s Ministry for an evening of restoration, reflection, and renewal as Cassandra Raine-Francis, Grief Coach with Life After Love LLC, guides us through a conversation about healing, growth, and finding strength after loss.

📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Zion Missionary Baptist Church
1800 S. Governor St.
Evansville, IN 47713

✨ All are welcome.
Light refreshments will be served.

For questions, contact Cassandra Raine-Francis at 812-518-9607.

07/23/2026

07/13/2026

Have you signed up for the 25th Annual S.M.I.L.E. Mile? Scan the QR code below or follow the link to register. Interested in volunteering, sponsoring, or vending? Comment below or send us a message. We're so excited about this EXTRA special S.M.I.L.E. Mile! It's BIG NEWS! Please like and SHARE!

104FM WIKY Uncle G’s Lemon Smashers Apex Behavioral Services Youth First, Inc.Bloodfin Garrison - 501st Legion Vanderburgh 4-H Center Eyewitness News WEHT WTVW Evansville Regional Airport Evansville-Vanderburgh Advisory Board on Disability Services Songbird DJ Service Warrick County Chamber of Commerce Reitz Memorial High School Charles & Charles - Elder Law Attorneys Evansville Christian School Alcoa Warrick Operations Deaconess Women's Hospital Stephen Libs Candy Co. The Hope Gallery Tri-State

06/24/2026

The disability community needs our support and affirmation!

The Arc of Indiana is proud to stand with our partners in the Indiana Disability Alliance in reaffirming that community living is not just policy. It is about real people, real families, and the supports needed to live meaningful, self-directed lives in the communities they call home.

A recent legal opinion from the U.S. Department of Justice raises serious concerns about how those protections may be interpreted and enforced moving forward. While this does not overturn Olmstead, repeal the ADA, or eliminate Section 504, it is a reminder that disability rights must continue to be protected, defended, and understood.

Read the full joint statement and share your HCBS story:
https://www.arcind.org/news/share-your-hcbs-story/

06/11/2026

Join us on July 6 at 7:00 PM for a virtual presentation, Preparing for Adulthood on the Autism Spectrum, where we'll explore important steps families and caregivers can take to prepare for the future.

Topics include:
✅ Financial planning tools
✅ Supported decision-making and guardianship options
✅ Government benefits and services
✅ Long-term support resources
✅ Planning for greater independence and quality of life

Whether your loved one is approaching adulthood or you're planning ahead, this session will provide valuable information to help you navigate the journey with confidence.

📅 July 6, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM ET
💻 Virtual

Register at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/autismsocietyofindiana/event/preparingforadulthoodontheautismspectrum-july2026/

05/31/2026

Splash into summer with Monthly Mingle!
• Burdette Park Swimming to cool off
• High Score Player Two Classic Arcade for retro vibes
• Walther’s Golf & Fun for mini golf and more
Mark your calendar and tag your crew because your Evansville nights just got fun!

05/12/2026

We’re proud to share that Indiana’s leading disability advocacy organizations, including The Arc of Indiana, have come together to launch the Indiana Disability Alliance, a new statewide coalition dedicated to advancing policies that promote independence, inclusion, and opportunity for people with disabilities and their families across our state.

This coalition comes at a critical time as advocates nationwide monitor discussions around Medicaid funding and policy changes that could impact access to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Protecting these essential supports is vital to ensuring individuals can live, work, and thrive in their communities.

The Alliance brings together these respected organizations:

Autism Society of Indiana
Down Syndrome Indiana
FUSE
Independence Indiana, an association of Indiana Centers for Independent Living
Indiana Family to Family
Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council - INSILC
Self-Advocates of Indiana
The Arc of Indiana

Read the full announcement here: arcind.org/news/indiana-disability-alliance/