Throughout Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month we celebrate the achievements of people impacted by a developmental disability. Meet Mark Hublar, who shares his story and achievements as a public speaker, “My name is Mark Hublar and I have Down syndrome. During my life I have worked, earned a living, graduated from college, lived on my own,…
Posts
Celebrating Achievement – Jamie Beck
Throughout Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month we celebrate the achievements of people impacted by a developmental disability. Learn about the amazing journey of Jamie Beck, the first Indiana resident to use a Supported Decision Making agreement in place of guardianship and regain decision-making rights. Jamie’s story begins several years ago, when Achieva, The Arc in Wayne…
Celebrating Achievement – Katie Boland
Throughout Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month we celebrate the achievements of people impacted by a developmental disability. Katie Boland Early on in life Katie Boland, honored with the 2020 Darcus Nims Self-Advocate of the Year Award, learned that self-advocacy would help her live her best life. Katie was born with Williams Syndrome; a rare genetic condition…
Social Injustice Statement
It is Time for Action As we have all watched the news across the country over the past several weeks, the social injustice that continues to take place in our country can no longer be denied. It is wrong, it is heart breaking, it is frustrating, and it is terrifying. For anyone in America to…
In honor of Jackie Robinson and Carl Erskine
Jackie and Jimmy – my two best buddies – live out a simple truth that we are all equal and that the dignity of the individual is paramount in a healthy world. – Carl Erskine Very powerful words from a smart, accomplished, kind, and generous man. We know him as Carl Erskine, friend of The…
An Open Thank You Letter to My Mom
“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…
Imagine – A Gift of Grace
Sometimes it is the people who no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine. The movie The Imitation Game shares the story of mathematician Alan Turing, who works to break the German’s enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians. Turning is portrayed as an individual who may be on…
Our Voice Counts!
My experience at this year’s Disability Policy Seminar was very good, just to see people come together for a very good time. It is very good just to sit and learn and listen about all the discussions and things going on across the country. Being in DC is also very good. I look forward to…
Ned’s Sister
By Kate Barrow, “Ned’s Sister” There is a long running joke among my friends and family that started when I was a kindergartner in Charlottesville, VA. My younger brother was in the pre-k class for children with special needs at the same school, and on occasion some of the fifth graders would help out in…
Advice from Someone Who was Bullied
On July 26, I went to the Bullying Conference, sponsored by the Children’s Coalition of Indiana. They talked about the kids in the school and how they are getting bullied in the school, in the cafeteria. I look around me and I know what it is like to be bullied. And it is not fun. The…