In 2010, The Arc of Indiana launched Building Pathways to Empowerment — a bold campaign to reimagine Indiana’s system of programs and services for Hoosiers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This effort brought together stakeholders who developed a forward-thinking plan: A Blueprint for Change.

The results were transformative. Key recommendations from the Blueprint were implemented, including the elimination of long waiting lists for services and a stronger emphasis on employment opportunities for people with IDD.

Now, in 2025, the conversation is changing once again. As our population ages and individuals with IDD are living longer, healthier lives, their desire for independence, inclusion, and choice continues to grow. At the same time, the Medicaid system is under increasing pressure at both the state and federal levels.

Indiana stands at a crossroads, and once again, The Arc of Indiana is taking action to help shape the path forward. Now more than ever, we need open, creative minds to help identify ways to continue supporting people with IDD and their families while reducing reliance on a Medicaid system that is rapidly evolving. That is why we have pulled together key stakeholders – people with IDD, family members, and professionals in the IDD field – to shape the next Blueprint for Change.

Blueprint for Change Committee

Co-Chairs
Dick Rhoad,  IDD Professional
Cody Mullen, Sibling & The Arc of Indiana Past President

Self-Advocates
Melody Cooper – The Arc of Indiana Self-Advocate Specialist
Shawn Fulton – The Arc of Indiana Advocacy Engagement & Education Manager
Erin McGuire – Self-Advocates of Indiana President
Samara Pfeifer – The Arc of Indiana Board Member
Noah Upchurch – The Arc of Indiana Advocacy Specialist & SAI Administrator
Lexi Westerfield – Self-Advocates of Indiana Sergeant-at-Arms

Parents & Siblings
Adam Brown – The Arc of Indiana Secretary
William Hawkins – The Arc of Indiana President
Kylee Hope – DDRS Past Director
Alan Kaffenberger – The Arc of Indiana Board Member
Marya Sherron – The Arc of Indiana Board Member

IDD Professionals
Karen Brummet – IPMG CEO/President
Nash Dunn – KCARC President
Donna Elbrecht – Easterseals Northern Indiana CEO/President
Yolanda Kincaid – Sycamore Services CEO
Andy Kirby – ILADD Executive Director
Wendy Kirtz – The Arc of Bartholomew County Executive Director
Jason McManus – Wabash Center/The Arc of Tippecanoe County CEO/President
Dr. Derek Nord – IIDC Director
Katy Stafford Cunningham – INARF CEO/President
Tammy Themel – accessABILITY CEO
Pam Verbarg – The Arc of Greater Boone County Executive Director
Dr. Jim Wiltz – Kestrel Behavioral Health Co-Founder
Wade Wingler – Noble/The Arc of Greater Indianapolis CEO/President