Disability rights advocates and mental health professionals — including Tom Crishon of The Arc of Indiana — gathered in Indianapolis on May 12th to speak out against the scheduled May 20th execution of Benjamin Ritchie, who has extensive brain damage due to partial fetal alcohol syndrome and exposure to multiple neurotoxins. Indiana law prohibits the…
Mike Dunn, Family Advocate 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…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to pause, reflect, and advocate for what so often goes unseen. This year, I want to speak directly to families like ours—families living the daily reality of invisible differences and disabilities. Because unless you’ve lived it, it’s hard to understand how heavy invisible battles can be—and how deeply…
The other day, I had the privilege of walking through a space I never knew I needed—a quiet sanctuary tucked within the heart of a bustling airport. As I stepped into the Indianapolis International Airport Sensory Room, I felt something rare and sacred: my family was seen. And it just felt right. That moment came…
April is here—and my heart is full. Full of pride. Full of hope. Full of fire. Because Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month is more than a calendar event—it’s a living, breathing movement. It’s the heartbeat of families like mine. It’s the courageous voice of self-advocates. It’s the tireless work of organizations and creators who are…
We are excited to share that we are launching a new blog, “A Time for Hope” – A Community for Families Navigating Disability, in partnership with Marya Patrice Sherron. Marya serves on The Arc of Indiana’s board of directors and is the mother of two amazing children with disabilities. This space will feature personal stories,…
The Arc of Indiana, the state’s leading advocacy organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is committed to empowering people with disabilities and their families to become leaders in their lives and communities. In 2025, this vital mission will receive significant support through a generous grant from the CareSource Foundation focused on growing…
“I realized when you look at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know.” Mitch Albom Dear Mom, With my recent job change in the field of disability, I have found myself pondering more intensely your journey as a mother to a son who happens to have a disability. Your…