Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities

06/13/2026

It's a beautiful and breezy day at the Special Olympics Indiana Summer Games in Terre Haute!

Come say "HELLO!" and visit the Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities and Indiana Disability Rights table in the Family Games tent.

Pick up your favorite Council sticker and create a fan to show off your voter rights moto!

06/13/2026

Ari’s Joyful Journey + A Trip to McDonald’s | Common Threads Indiana

Ari’s story begins with a simple, meaningful moment: ordering her own McDonald’s meal and practicing independence one choice at a time.

Her mom, Jaleesa, shares how Ari experienced a stroke as a baby and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Doctors were uncertain about what her future would look like, but Ari has continued to grow, learn, communicate, move through the world, and show who she is in her own way.

In this Common Threads profile, Ari shares the things that bring her joy, including TikTok, having fun, McDonald’s, movies, friends, and wanting to be more independent. Her story also shows how accessibility matters in everyday life, from parking to ramps to places where people can take breaks and fully participate in community events.

Through Ari and Jaleesa’s conversation, we see a young girl learning to embrace who she is while still wanting the same things many kids want: fun, friendship, freedom, and the chance to do more on her own.

Common Threads in this story:

• Joy through TikTok, food, fun, and everyday routines
• Independence through small choices and real-life practice
• Belonging through friends, movies, school, and community spaces
• Accessibility that goes beyond minimum requirements
• Family support that encourages confidence and growth
• Self-acceptance in being “a little different”

Common Threads: Portfolios of Joy and Possibility is a community storytelling collaboration with the support of the Indiana Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. This work documents the everyday practices, relationships, gifts, and supports that help people with disabilities live full, connected, and meaningful lives across Indiana.

06/13/2026

Shawn Coleman reminds us that contribution can look simple and powerful at the same time.

In his Common Threads conversation, Shawn talks about wanting a job, his own apartment, a yard to barbecue in, and a life where he can take care of his responsibilities. He also shares how much he values a clean environment, from picking up trash in the community to helping around the house and keeping things neat.

The people around Shawn describe him as loving, joyful, clean, and full of light.

His story is a reminder that belonging is built through everyday care, support, responsibility, and the gifts people bring to their communities.

Patti Scott DeAmon Listener Harges Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities Simone Jenkins Wildstyle Paschall Le'Deana Brown

06/03/2026

Hello Columbus, IN! Stop by the Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council - INSILC Town Hall and make your voice heard on issues that matter to people with disabilities. While you're here, come say hi and connect with us!

05/28/2026

Check out our Stories of Joy, collected by the Learning Tree!

https://zurl.co/K2V3a

Watch Joy Stories and Common Threads, projects highlighting belonging and joy in Indiana by The Learning Tree and partners. Experience inspiring stories now.

05/27/2026

🌟 Case Management Transition Webinar – For Individuals & Families 🌟
Our friends at DDARS want to help individuals and families learn about the upcoming changes to waiver case management in Indiana. The Bureau of Disabilities Services is hosting two virtual webinars where you can get clear, simple information about what’s changing and what you may need to do.

✨ Who is staying as approved case management organizations?

• Aging & In-Home Services of NE IN, Inc.
• Indiana Professional Management Group
• Inspire Case Management
• Unity of Indiana
• The Columbus Organization

These organizations will provide services statewide for the following waivers:
• Family Support Waiver
• Community Integration & Habilitation Waiver
• Health & Wellness Waiver
• Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver
• Path Ways Fee‑for‑Service
• Money Follows the Person

👍 If you already use one of these organizations, you don’t need to do anything.

⚠️ If your case management provider is NOT listed, you must choose a new one between June 1 and July 15, 2026.

Only the organizations above can continue providing services starting August 1, 2026.

🖥️ Webinar Dates
• May 29, 2026 – Noon ET click here https://zurl.co/Z7dTP
• June 22, 2026 – 4 p.m. ET click here https://tinyurl.com/2j4r65n8

Please join one of these sessions to learn what the changes mean for you and your family.

05/27/2026

Chris’s story is a beautiful reminder that joy and independence can grow together.

In his Common Threads: Portfolios of Joy and Possibility story, Chris shares what brings him happiness, from dancing, music, sports, work, friendships, and dreams of traveling to Japan and meeting Lady Gaga.

His story also reflects something deeper: the importance of support systems that make room for adulthood, choice, contribution, and freedom.

With trusted staff, family support, meaningful work, and relationships that honor who he is, Chris is living a life filled with joy, purpose, and possibility.

Common Threads in Chris’s story:

• Joy through music, dancing, sports, and everyday experiences
• Independence supported by trusted relationships
• Self-advocacy and the freedom to make choices
• Purpose through work and contribution
• Family growth through honoring adulthood and possibility

Chris reminds us that a full life is built through opportunity, relationships, support, and the freedom to experience joy.

05/27/2026

Check out what our friends over at INSILC have upcoming!

You are invited to join us at the Disability Town Hall! Come connect with resources and be part of the conversation!

Date: June 3, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: The Commons, Columbus, IN

What to Expect:
🎤 Panel of Local Leaders
Learn how government and organizations can work to ensure people with disabilities can fully participate in community life.
🗣 Community Conversation Tables
Join an open discussion on Indiana’s Medicaid Waiver Reset and share your experiences.
🤝 Community Resource Exhibits
Connect with organizations like ours offering programs, services, and supports.

✅ Register here: https://zurl.co/ClEr5

Image Description: Graphic promoting a Disability Town Hall with the headline “Share Your Voice.” Event details read: Wednesday, June 3, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at The Commons, 300 Washington Street, Columbus, Indiana. The design features abstract blue, yellow, and gray shapes, with the INSILC logo and an outline of the state of Indiana in the bottom right corner.

05/19/2026

📣 Supporting Collaboration Across Indiana’s Disability Community

The Council applauds the launch of the Indiana Disability Alliance and the strong advocacy energy it represents. This coalition is bringing important focus to Medicaid‑funded disability services, and we appreciate the commitment of community partners working together on behalf of Hoosiers with IDD.

As a federally funded agency, the Council's mission is broad and centers on statewide systems change, community inclusion, belonging, and empowerment for all Hoosiers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We value the many efforts across Indiana that uplift disability voices, strengthen community connections, and promote meaningful participation. We remain committed to working alongside partners whose work contributes to a stronger, more inclusive future for people with disabilities and their families.

We’re grateful for all organizations working to build stronger, more inclusive communities. Together, we move Indiana forward!

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/

05/13/2026

Great visit today with our friends at the ARCSWIN, thank you for having us today.