Our stories hold power. When we choose to share them—even the most painful ones—we transform personal suffering into collective advocacy. Speaking out is how silence breaks, how systems change, and how children are finally protected. This month, I will release a new book, “14 Minutes: A Call to End Restraint & Seclusion.” Our title comes…
Families of medically complex children, together with The Arc of Indiana, and lawmakers joined Governor Mike Braun on Wednesday, August 27, to celebrate the official signing of H.B. 1689. H.B. 1689 was introduced to address the issue of parents and spouses being reimbursed through the Medicaid Waiver program to provide attendant care to family members…
On July 2, an Indiana mother opened the letter she had dreaded. Medicaid had denied the waiver services her son depended on for nursing care. Her choices were unthinkable: quit her job to provide care full-time or risk her child’s health without the support they’d been promised. This is what “policy change” looks like—not in…
Changes Coming to Medicaid Funding The U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the federal budget bill on May 22, 2025, with nearly $880 billion in Medicaid cuts. The Senate followed on July 1, advancing its version to the House for final consideration ahead of a self-imposed July 4 deadline. The Senate bill includes…
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has announced, effective July 1, 2025, the launch of a statewide training curriculum, platform, and direct support professional registry. This initiative is aimed at maintaining a diverse, stable, and well-trained workforce to provide quality person-centered home and community-based services and support. At this time, this applies to employees…
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…
Mike Dunn’s Story – 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…
Ilene Younger Qualkinbush, the “founding mother” of The Arc of Indiana, passed away on May 14, 2020 at the age of 93. Inspired by her daughter Susan, who was born with severe developmental disabilities, Ilene helped establish The Arc of Indiana in 1956. Along with her friend and colleague, Dorothy Burnside, Ilene served as the…