I still remember where I was sitting when my brother told me he was gay. We were teenagers—just beginning to find our footing in a world that rarely explained itself to us. Growing up in the Midwest in the 1980s, I lived in a bubble of sorts. We were surrounded by cornfields, church pews, and…
In this heartfelt post, Marya reflects on her journey in raising her two sons following her younger son’s autism diagnosis. With years of perspective, she shares honest insights and helpful resources for families and siblings walking a similar path. I want to begin this post in full transparency. I didn’t do it perfectly. In fact,…
I didn’t set out to be an advocate. I was just a mom trying to get my son what he needed—a quiet place to regroup, a teacher who understood, a little more time to get from here to there. But what started as a conversation turned into a calling. Because every time I spoke up,…
A reflection on what it means to hold onto hope when the systems we trust begin to unravel—and how our belief in what is possible must carry us forward. Hope is not always easy. I almost didn’t write this post. I sat in stillness, unsure whether I had the right words—or the emotional stamina—to speak…
Noah Upchurch, Advocacy Specialist & Self-Advocates of Indiana Administrator In April, some of us at The Arc of Indiana and Self-Advocates of Indiana had the opportunity to attend the Disability Policy Seminar in Washington D.C., along with 700 other disability advocates from across the country. Here are some reflections from me, Shawn Fulton, Advocacy Engagement…
Disability rights advocates and mental health professionals — including Tom Crishon of The Arc of Indiana — gathered in Indianapolis on May 12th to speak out against the scheduled May 20th execution of Benjamin Ritchie, who has extensive brain damage due to partial fetal alcohol syndrome and exposure to multiple neurotoxins. Indiana law prohibits the…
Mike Dunn, Family Advocate Since I was young, I have always had a desire to be as independent as I possibly can be. As I approached adulthood, I had a strong desire to work. I am reminded of the song from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, “Hi ho hi ho, it’s off to work…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to pause, reflect, and advocate for what so often goes unseen. This year, I want to speak directly to families like ours—families living the daily reality of invisible differences and disabilities. Because unless you’ve lived it, it’s hard to understand how heavy invisible battles can be—and how deeply…
The other day, I had the privilege of walking through a space I never knew I needed—a quiet sanctuary tucked within the heart of a bustling airport. As I stepped into the Indianapolis International Airport Sensory Room, I felt something rare and sacred: my family was seen. And it just felt right. That moment came…
April is here—and my heart is full. Full of pride. Full of hope. Full of fire. Because Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month is more than a calendar event—it’s a living, breathing movement. It’s the heartbeat of families like mine. It’s the courageous voice of self-advocates. It’s the tireless work of organizations and creators who are…