Self Advocate Resources and Links

Alliance for Full Participation

Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
2853 East Tenth Street
Bloomington, IN 47408-2696
Phone: 812-855-650
Email: iidc@indiana.edu

Overview: Indiana Alliance for Full Participation State Team

The Indiana Alliance for Full Participation State Team is an emerging coalition of key stakeholders in the developmental disabilities community in Indiana committed to increasing employment outcomes for people with disabilities.

Indiana’s Alliance for Full Participation State Team includes the voices of Hoosiers with disabilities, families, employers, policy makers, providers, researchers, and community builders and is organizing in response to the National Alliance for Full Participation in promoting employment outcomes in Indiana.

The National AFP and the Indiana State Team are setting a goal to double the employment rate for those with developmental disabilities from 22% nationally to 44%. Here in Indiana, we are a little ahead of the national average (about 28-30%) according to 2008 data received from David Braddock and Indiana’s Day and Employment Services Outcome System. Indiana’s Team is promoting a goal of achieved 50% employment for people with developmental disabilities by 2015. In October of this year, the Indiana Commission on Developmental Disabilities adopted a resolution supporting the goals established by the Alliance for Full Participation employment campaign at the request of the Indiana’s AFP State Team. The Resolution (SCR0004) passed both chambers of the Indiana legislature in March, 2010!

Arc of Indiana

107 N. Pennsylvania Street, Suite 800, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Phone: 317-977-2375
Toll Free: 800-382-9100

Fax: 317-977-2385

The Arc of Indiana was established in 1956 by parents of children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities who joined together to build a better and more accepting world for their children.

Now in their 53rd year of service, the work of The Arc continues to:

  • Empower families with information and resources to assist them in their journey

    of raising a child with a disability to lead a full and meaningful life.

  • Empower people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to be

    self sufficient and independent to the greatest extent possible.

  • Inspire positive change in public policy and public attitudes.

  • Reduce the incidence of disabilities.

  • Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for families and their loved ones.

The Arc of Indiana is a member of The Arc of the United States and is proud to work with our local Arc chapters, serving families, children and adults throughout the state.

They are home to The Arc Master Trust, the nation's premiere Special Needs Trust, serving Hoosiers of all disabilities since 1988.

From its humble beginnings, The Arc has blossomed into the State's most well-respected and leading advocacy association for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families.

For additional information click here.

Best Buddies Indiana

8604 Allisonville Road, Suite 165
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(317) 436-8440 - Phone
(317) 436-8438 - Fax

Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,400 college, high school and middle school campuses across the country and internationally. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States. We have accredited international programs on six continents with additional country programs under active development.

Best Buddies has six formal programs – Best Buddies Citizens, Colleges, e-Buddies®, High Schools, Jobs and Middle Schools – will positively impact more than 400,000 individuals this year. Best Buddies also is systematically implementing our 2010 initiative that will witness the organization's continued significant growth, both domestically and overseas. Best Buddies volunteers annually contribute services to the community that equate to more than $70 million USD.

Even though Best Buddies has advanced tremendously in our short existence, many areas of the country and many regions of the world still lack programs to help people with intellectual disabilities become part of mainstream society. Our goal is to continue expanding nationwide and at the local community level, while more broadly engaging the global community through our programs.

For more information click here.

Buddy Walk

To learn more about the Buddy Walk click here.

CYACC: Center for Youth and Adults with Conditions of Childhood

The Center for Youth and Adults with Conditions of Childhood (CYACC) provides consultative services for youth and young adult patients 11-22 as well as adult patients with developmental disabilities and serious chronic illness.

Contact: 317-278-0061
Toll free 866-551-0093
Fax 317-278-7577
cyacc@iupui.ed

For more information click here.

Damar

6067 Decatur Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46241
Telephone: 317-856-5201
Fax: 317-856-2333

For more information click here.

Down Syndrome Indiana Logo and Apparel Items

We know you'll find something for the entire family.  Each item features a high-quality, professionally-stitched Down Syndrome Indiana logo.

For more information click here.

Easter Seals Crossroads Teen Night

Easter Seals Crossroads

4740 Kingsway Drive Indianapolis, IN 46205
(317) 466-1000
(317) 479-3232tty
(317) 466-2000 fax

Easter Seals Crossroads has partnered with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation to offer Teen Night Out - a respite option for families with individuals ages 13-17 with a disability or special need.  Teen Night takes place at The Monon Center - 1235 Central Park Drive East - Carmel, IN.  There will be swimming, games, crafts and a snack.  Scheduled dates for the spring and summer 2010 include April 23, May 14, June 25, July 23 and August 20.  Registration is required; download a registration form here.  Download a flyer here.  Download a ParentCare Services Agreement form; download a deposit agreement form. (pdf documents)

For more information click here.

Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, Inc.

1635 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222
(317) 524-4313
TTY (317) 524-4309
Fax (317) 524-4336

Goodwill is a community resource that offers employment and educational services to adults and young people throughout central Indiana. Through a variety of services, Goodwill helps people find jobs and helps young people prepare for life and work.

For more information click here.

Indiana Institute on Disability and Community

2853 East 10th Street
Bloomington, IN 47408-2601
(812) 855-6508

The mission of the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC) is to work with communities to welcome, value, and support the meaningful participation of people of all ages and abilities through research, education, and service.

The Institute collaborates with community agencies, schools, advocacy organizations, government, institutions of higher education, and other community partners to effect improvements in quality of life.

This is the core of our mission. It defines outcomes for diverse individuals, including people with disabilities, in all life spaces: schools, employment, home, and community settings.

For more information click here.

Janus Developmental Services

1555 Westfield Road
Noblesville, Indiana 46062
Phone: 317-773-8781
Fax: 317-773-8798
Company E-Mail: abilities@janus-inc.org

Janus provides individuals with disablities the opportunity to participate and contribute within the community. We are recognized as the partner of choice for individuals with disabilities, their families and the community.

Thier clients are defined by their abilities and Janus offers opportunities for education, employment training, independent living and information to individuals and their families. Our activities promote the confidence and choice that will result in a sense of achievement.

For more information click here.

The Monon Center

1235 Central Park Dr E
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 848-7275

For more information click here.

National Down Syndrome Congress – More Alike than Different Campaign

We’re More Alike Than Different.

It’s the theme of the new NDSC Down syndrome awareness campaign.

As resources mount we will bring that message to doctors, teachers, employers and your neighbors. It’s a simple, compelling and, ultimately, essential message delivered by self advocates – their stories told in their voices.

Each time the message appears on TV or in newspapers, the world will be reminded that people with Down syndrome are more like everybody else than different. That they love to dance, bowl, have pets and jobs. That they cope with everyday challenges and dream big dreams. That like all people, they deserve respect and a fair break.

The NDSC has produced a total of nine powerful television public service announcements – five in English and four in Spanish. You can preview all nine by clicking here. And, copies of all nine spots can be ordered by contacting the NDSC Center.

Or, contact us – by phone, toll-free, at 1-800-232-NDSC or via email at info@ndsccenter.org.

For more information click here.

National Down Syndrome Society

Noble of Indiana

7701 East 21st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46219
PH: 317.375.2700

For 56 years, Noble has reshaped public policy and pioneered innovative services to create opportunities for thousands of people with developmental disabilities to live meaningful lives. See them in action.

From cradle to grave, Noble gives Central Indiana families the confidence and tools to achieve their dreams and set higher goals:

  • Each year we serve over 2,000 children, adults and their families.
  • Approximately 600 people with disabilities work in the community through our School-to-Work and employment services.
  • Individuals hired through Supported Employment average nearly 5 1/2 years in their jobs.
  • We partner with over 150 organizations and employers to open opportunities for people with disabilities.
For more information click here.

Postsecondary Education

Self Advocates of Indiana

To learn more about Self Advocates of Indiana click here.

Special Olympics Indiana

To learn more about Special Olympics in Indiana click here.

Think College!

Think College is an initiative of the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston. ICI has been a leader in the area of postsecondary education for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities for over ten years. As interest in postsecondary education for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities has expanded, so has the need for research and training in this area. ICI currently has three federal grants designed to conduct research, training, and technical assistance for professionals, families, and students related to postsecondary education for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

To learn more about Think College click here.

Resources

Not sure what it means to have Down syndrome?  

Down Syndrome and You is a great booklet made by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society that will help you understand what it means to have Down syndrome.

Financial Guide

 Making Plans: A Financial Guide (link coming soon)

Self Advocate Tools

(link coming soon)

Welcome to Adult Life

To learn more about becoming an adult  click here