In 1985, Jeff and Sue traveled to Riley Hospital in search of answers about their three-year-old son, Kurt. The diagnosis they received, autism, came with a long list of everything doctors said Kurt would never do. They were even told he could be placed in an institution that very day. Jeff and Sue didn’t hesitate.…
Blog
The Arc of Greater Indianapolis – Tribute to The Arc of Indiana
Noble/The Arc of Greater Indianapolis, founded in 1953, is proud of its long history as a chapter of The Arc. For 70 years, The Arc of Indiana has been an incredibly powerful advocate for people with disabilities and their families, driven to protect the rights that are an intrinsic part of the human experience. More…
Evan’s Story – The Power of Belief
In 2004, at the age of 40, Carole was overjoyed to be pregnant for the first time. Although she understood the potential risks, prenatal testing was never something she considered. This was her child, and she embraced whatever the future would bring. When Evan was born with Down syndrome, Carole continued forward exactly as she…
The Arc of Indiana Statement on WSJ Reporting on Autism Therapy Medicaid Billing
Kim Dodson, CEO The Arc of Indiana is a nonprofit organization that advocates on issues important to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We represent the people currently utilizing Medicaid and Medicaid Waiver services, as well as those who are waiting for these services. The recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporting on…
Bobbie Jo’s Story – Given a Chance
The Arc of Indiana took a chance and hired me as their front desk coordinator. I was a team member from April 2014 to April 2019. I had been out of the administrative field for 4 years and was seeking with all my heart to find something. The Arc came along and gave me a…
Photo Gallery – Valentines Day at the Statehouse 2026
Valentine’s Day at the Statehouse 2026
Valentine’s Day at the Statehouse 2026! A big thank you to chapters of The Arc of Indiana, Self-Advocates of Indiana, and other organizations for joining in Valentine’s Day at the Statehouse, where connections are made with legislators and state leaders to thank them for their work and raise awareness of The Arc and SAI. ADEC/The…
When We Stop Hiding, Change Begins
For years, I hid. Not because I was ashamed of my son—but because I was exhausted by the judgment. The looks. The unsolicited advice. The quiet assumptions that if I just disciplined him more, corrected him sooner, or tried harder, the behaviors would disappear. People only saw what was happening on the outside. They didn’t…
Abby’s Story – What Advocacy Made Possible
When Abby entered the world, not many people gave her a chance. Born at 29 weeks, one of triplets, she battled the challenges of both prematurity and a heart defect, something common in babies with Down syndrome. One doctor said if she survived, she’d be a “vegetable.” This wasn’t the 1950s – it was 2003.…
Self-Advocacy in Action Toolkit
Staying engaged in the advocacy process is vital, especially for individuals with disabilities and their families. You are the expert in your own life. Your voice matters. By sharing your experiences, you can help shape policies that improve not only your life but also the lives of others in your community. Self-Advocates of Indiana, in partnership with The Arc…