Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities

09/05/2026

Medicaid Waivers help people with disabilities live in their own homes, help keep families together, and support people with disabilities across the lifespan.

Hoosiers who receive support through Indiana's Medicaid Waiver have more opportunities to learn, grow, work, play, and thrive while making valuable contributions to our communities.

There is a lot of conversation about Indiana's Medicaid Waiver system right, making the opportunity to learn about Medicaid Waivers more important than ever.

Please help share this critical information with policymakers, community leaders, and your friends and family who may not know how Medicaid Waivers help make "Home Sweet Home" a reality for people with disabilities.

09/05/2026

We first met Leilah at a community market in Chicago, where she and a friend were surrounded by a beautiful display of handmade crochet pieces, from hats and coasters to capes and so much more. Every item reflected creativity, care, and intention.

As we spent time with her, we learned that crochet first entered her life as a way to manage anxiety. What began as a personal practice has grown into a source of connection, creativity, and community. Today, Leilah uses fiber art to create welcoming spaces where others can experience the calming, healing power of making something with their own hands.

Growing up in East Chicago, Indiana, Leilah was influenced by a family committed to serving others. Her mother has worked alongside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than a decade, and that spirit of care is woven into Leilah’s own work. Through workshops, community art gatherings, and youth programs, she continues to share her gifts while helping others discover theirs.

Leilah reminds us that joy can begin with something as simple as a ball of yarn, a hook, and a welcoming community.

Everyday practices like creating, teaching, and gathering become threads that strengthen belonging.

09/05/2026

In Fort Wayne, joy shows up through relationships, choice, purpose and possibility.

In this Common Threads story, we hear from people who find joy in supporting others, spending time with family and friends, making people laugh, developing new skills and dreaming about what comes next.

Monty Rogers Williams shares what more than 20 years of working alongside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has taught her, especially the importance of people having the space to use their own voice and say what works for them. We also hear dreams of acting, modeling, writing music, going to college and pursuing careers in nursing and emergency medical services.

These are the everyday gifts, relationships and aspirations that Common Threads: Portfolios of Joy and Possibility is documenting across Indiana.

Because a good life includes more than services. It includes being heard, having people you trust, contributing your gifts and having opportunities to pursue the future you imagine.

09/05/2026

What happens when we take the time to discover someone’s gifts?
Anything is Possible.

DJ Jesus knows what brings him joy. Music. Technology. Making people happy. Making people dance.

He started DJ Jesus Indy in 2022 and taught himself how to mix and remix music. His dreams stretch beyond the DJ booth too. Jesus wants meaningful work where he can use his skills in technology, lighting and production.

During our conversation, he shared something that stayed with us:
“People or businesses don’t invest time getting to know me more and discover my skills.”

That is one of the questions at the heart of Common Threads: Portfolios of Joy and Possibility. What opportunities become possible when people with developmental disabilities are known through their gifts, passions, relationships and dreams?

Jesus is already contributing. He is building a business, serving his community, creating joy through music and continuing to imagine what comes next.

His story invites us to pay closer attention to the gifts already present in our communities and create more room for those gifts to be used.

Common Threads: Portfolios of Joy and Possibility�In partnership with the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities.

08/06/2026

Make your voice heard this August! Our partner INSILC is reaching out to people with disabilities to hear what changes would make life more accessible and inclusive in communities across Indiana.

Join a Disability Virtual Input Forum and help shape efforts that will impact Hoosiers with disabilities. Registration is free, and multiple dates are available.

Learn more and register: https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https://insilc.org/summer-2026-virtual-input-forums/___.YzJ1OnN0YXRlb2ZpbmRpYW5hOmM6bzo3YzIzODZhNmYxZDY0MThjZjdlYTI5NWMwMDFkYzRlZTo3OjM2MzQ6OTk5YTA0ZmRiZGYyZmQ0NmI1NzgzMzc2YWFmZDNmZjJkYjY1MmFmNjBkYzUzYWM3ZmNhYjVhNjE5ZDk2MTVlYTp0OlQ6Tg

Image Description: Square promotional graphic from the Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC) inviting people with disabilities in Indiana to participate in virtual input forums. The graphic features a large blue circle with the headline, “We Want to Hear From You!” and text stating that INSILC wants to hear from people with disabilities in Indiana about their needs and priorities.

A yellow circle contains an icon of a wheelchair user speaking through a megaphone. A schedule titled “Summer 2026 Virtual Input Forums” lists four sessions:
• Saturday, August 1 at 11:00 AM ET
• Thursday, August 6 at 11:00 AM ET
• Friday, August 14 at 2:00 PM ET
• Thursday, August 20 at 6:00 PM ET

The words “Register Free” appear beside a QR code for registration. The INSILC logo and website, INSILC.org, are displayed at the bottom of the graphic.

08/06/2026

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) wants to hear from you. We are asking people to complete a short survey about Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organizations. Whether you have used P&A services or are simply familiar with them, your feedback is important. Your responses will help us better understand public awareness of P&A organizations and identify ways to improve access to services, increase awareness, and strengthen the P&A network.

The survey is voluntary and takes about 15–20 minutes to complete. Your responses will be combined with others and will not be linked to you personally. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback by Friday, August 7, 2026.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6t2K1VNQgEqEmbpNlEkQ34LB2O7mJ4FBkaoImxaHWx9UQzQ5R05SN0ZEUjMzRTBKWUhWUEMyMVNDVS4u

08/04/2026

Everyone deserves safe access to their own home.
When Everett’s HOA refused to allow him to build a wheelchair ramp—even though he couldn’t safely enter or exit his house—Indiana Disability Rights stepped in. Thanks to IDR’s advocacy, the HOA reversed course and approved the ramp. Everett can now enjoy his yard and access his home safely and independently.
IDR is here for Hoosiers when barriers get in the way of basic access and autonomy.

IDR staff intervened on “Everett’s” behalf after his HOA refused to allow him to build a wheelchair ramp, even though Everett couldn’t enter or exit his home or use his yard safely. Thanks to IDR’s advocacy, the HOA approved Everett’s request, and Everett can now enjoy his yard and safely enter and exit his home.

08/04/2026

Indiana Disability Rights is Indiana’s Protection & Advocacy System — here to uphold, promote, and advance the rights of Hoosiers with disabilities.
From investigating abuse and neglect to protecting civil and voting rights, IDR ensures people with disabilities have the support they need to live, learn, work, and participate fully in their communities.
Learn more at IndianaDisabilityRights.org or call 800-622-4845.

08/03/2026

IDR monitors facilities that serve Hoosiers with disabilities. Last fiscal year, IDR staff conducted 117 monitoring visits at 42 facilities. Advocates were able to identify and address risks such as inadequate staffing, unsafe environments, or lapses in care standards as they advocate for health and safe environments for Hoosiers receiving services.