Center on Community Living and Careers

Center on Community Living and Careers We are committed to bringing positive change to people with disabilities and their families.

Hands in Autism is hosting its 16th Autism Art Expo on April 24 and 27, 2026, at the Indiana Memorial Union Oak Room. Th...
04/03/2026

Hands in Autism is hosting its 16th Autism Art Expo on April 24 and 27, 2026, at the Indiana Memorial Union Oak Room. The theme for 2026 is “Art of the Mind.” HANDS offers the Autism Art Expo to help promote and celebrate Autism Acceptance Month (formerly Autism Awareness Month), which is dedicated to fostering inclusion, understanding, and support for autistic individuals.

Learn more about the expo: https://handsinautism.iu.edu/partnerships/community/art-expo/index.html

For more information, contact the team via email at hands@iu.edu.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. Awareness is a great start, but true support for our autistic family members, colle...
04/02/2026

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. Awareness is a great start, but true support for our autistic family members, colleagues, and students requires real action.

Through CCLC Learning Academy, we offer two courses designed to give you the tools and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in the classroom and the workplace.

1. Foundations of Autism
This course covers autism within the community, diagnostic criteria, and the neurodiversity movement. You will also learn how to apply Universal Design principles to create inclusive environments that benefit all people throughout their entire lifespan.

2. Autism: Transitioning to Adult Life
This course explores transitioning from high school to a fulfilling adult life for autistic individuals. You will learn about ASD characteristics, cultural perspectives, and career training to help young adults achieve quality employment and navigate adulthood successfully.

🔗 Register today: go.iu.edu/8sQQ

💰 Cost: $75
⏰ Duration: 5 hours
📝 Credits: 6 CRCs, .5 CEs, 5 PGPs, 5 SHRM PDCs
🗓️ Schedule: May 1–31, 2026

03/31/2026

Want to attend the next Southwest Indiana Community Family Network meeting? Fill out the interest form at go.iu.edu/8tnk

The Southwest Community Family Network helps families in Vanderburgh, Posey, Warrick, and Gibson counties navigate disability by promoting social inclusion and building supportive communities. This initiative is funded by the Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities and partners with Indiana Family to Family, IN*SOURCE, and The Arc of Evansville.

This program is not sponsored by Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library.

[Video Description: [VD: Mike Nevins, a man with a grey beard and glasses wearing a plaid shirt, stands outside in front of the Evansville Vanderburgh Central Library sign. He introduces the Southwest Indiana Community Family Network. The video cuts to a meeting room inside the library where a diverse group of people, including individuals in wheelchairs, are seated around long tables. An individual in a bright pink top walks across the foreground. Attendees are seen talking and taking notes while meeting with city officials. A group photo shows about a dozen smiling participants posed together in the library. Mike is then shown from behind, walking towards the library building entrance. The final screen displays a collage of the group photo and a link: go.iu.edu/8tnk, followed by the Southwest Community Family Network logo.]

Last Saturday, the Southwest Indiana Community Family Network met with the city of Evansville's traffic engineers and st...
03/27/2026

Last Saturday, the Southwest Indiana Community Family Network met with the city of Evansville's traffic engineers and street maintenance team to discuss accessible streets and safe travel routes. 🚧

Members shared their firsthand experiences navigating the city and offered practical suggestions for improvement. Various individuals also shared photos and videos of locations that require attention. These accounts gave city officials a clear look at the infrastructure issues that need to be addressed to make Evansville more inclusive.

We are grateful to the city officials for listening and to our members for being advocates for the Evansville community!

Want to attend our next meeting? Fill out the interest form at go.iu.edu/8tnk

The Southwest Community Family Network helps families in Vanderburgh, Posey, Warrick, and Gibson counties navigate disability by promoting social inclusion and building supportive communities. This initiative is funded by the Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities and partners with Indiana Family to Family, IN*SOURCE, and the The Arc of Evansville.

💡 Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!If you’re a parent, a student with a disability, or a special educator looking for ex...
03/26/2026

💡 Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

If you’re a parent, a student with a disability, or a special educator looking for extra support, CCLC is here for you. Join us for our Virtual Office Hours every Thursday! This is your dedicated time to meet our team, chat through your ideas, and get answers to your questions in a relaxed, virtual setting.

• When: Every Thursday
• Time: 2:30–4:30 p.m. ET
• Join us on Zoom: go.iu.edu/8q12

No appointment needed, just hop on and say hi! We can't wait to see you there.

03/23/2026

News Release: Bloomington Police Department Launches Blue Envelope Program to Support Drivers with
Autism

The Blue Envelope Program is an informative tool for both law enforcement and drivers with autism. The Blue Envelope Program equips drivers with autism with a blue envelope and a window cling for their vehicle depicting an image of a blue envelope on it. Participation in the Blue Envelope Program is voluntary and confidential. The Bloomington Police Department does not maintain a database of participants in the program.

What is the purpose of the window cling and the envelope?
The window cling alerts law enforcement and other first responder personnel that the driver of the vehicle is on the autism spectrum before an interaction occurs during a traffic stop, motor vehicle crash, or motorist assist. The envelope provides instructions for the driver and for the first responder, and it provides a singular location for the driver to keep important documents such as a copy of photo ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. This will make it easier for the driver to provide the first responder with everything they need, reducing stress and promoting effective communication between parties.

What do I do with my blue envelope?
Drivers with a blue envelope can store a copy of their photo ID, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and contact information for a loved one. The driver can store this envelope in their vehicle in an easily accessible location, such as in the glove compartment or center console.

Will this prevent me from being cited for a traffic violation?
Participation in the Blue Envelope Program does not prevent a driver from receiving a traffic citation.

Do I have to provide medical information to get a Blue Envelope?
No, you will not be asked to provide medical information in order to receive a blue envelope. The Bloomington Police Department located at 220 E Third Street is now providing blue envelopes and window clings free of charge.

Those interested in obtaining the Blue Envelope Program materials can do so at the following locations:
Bloomington Police Department Headquarters, located at 220 E Third Street
Bloomington City Hall (front desk), located at 401 N Morton Street

Read the full release by following this link: https://bton.in/g3oGx

Teachers are among the busiest professionals we know. So, when an experienced educator like Bridget Lueken says our trai...
03/23/2026

Teachers are among the busiest professionals we know. So, when an experienced educator like Bridget Lueken says our training was worth her time, we take it to heart. Despite her years in the field, Bridget walked away with new strategies to support her students.

The CCLC Learning Academy offers practical, evidence-based courses designed for the real-world challenges you face every day. Whether you are helping a student navigate a career path or supporting an individual with a disability, we provide the tools you need to help them succeed.

Our next cohort begins Friday, May 1.

Why choose the CCLC Learning Academy?
• Flexible: Self-paced, 5-hour courses that fit your schedule.
• Affordable: Only $75 per course.
• Accredited: Earn CEUs and a certificate of completion.
• Relevant: Specialized topics including autism, brain injury, trauma-informed care, anxiety, and more.

Register today: go.iu.edu/8sQQ

Today is World Down Syndrome Day! 💛💙🧦This year’s theme is "Together Against Loneliness." While we’ve made strides in phy...
03/21/2026

Today is World Down Syndrome Day! 💛💙🧦

This year’s theme is "Together Against Loneliness." While we’ve made strides in physical inclusion, many individuals with Down syndrome still face social isolation. True inclusion means more than just a seat at the table; it means meaningful connection, shared laughter, and genuine friendship.

Commit to breaking the barriers that lead to loneliness by checking in, reaching out, and visiting worlddownsyndromeday.org for additional resources.

For students transitioning to adulthood, navigating doctor’s visits, medication management, and health tech is a vital s...
03/19/2026

For students transitioning to adulthood, navigating doctor’s visits, medication management, and health tech is a vital step toward independence. As an educator, you can provide the tools students need to find information and the confidence to ask the right questions.

Start building these lifelong skills today. Read Tuesday’s Transition Tips for practical classroom strategies: go.iu.edu/8rDN

03/19/2026

Join IN*SOURCE and Dr. John Andresen, director of interdisciplinary training at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University (IIDC), for an in-depth exploration of the IIDC’s mission. Dr. Andresen also provides an overview of the resources available through each of its centers.

Already familiar with IIDC? Skip to the 17:29 mark to learn more about CCLC's work.

🌟 Preparing for Life After High School? Join Hands in Autism for a 3-Day Transition Intensive! 🌟Are you supporting a you...
03/19/2026

🌟 Preparing for Life After High School? Join Hands in Autism for a 3-Day Transition Intensive! 🌟

Are you supporting a young person with autism or related disabilities who’s preparing to transition from high school to adulthood? HANDS in Autism® offers a 3-Day Intensive Training focused on Transition to Life After High School—designed to equip families, educators, and support teams with practical, person-centered tools for planning and success!

Learn how to connect goals with real-world supports, strengthen systems of support, and build confidence as your student moves into the next chapter.

📌 What’s Covered:
• Transition assessment and planning
• Using strengths, interests, and preferences to guide goals
• Mapping post-secondary options (education, work, community)
• Tools to support independence and meaningful participation

This in-depth training blends evidence-based practice with real-life application so teams can plan with purpose and clarity.

Register here: https://handsinautism.iu.edu/training-services/training/training-options-list/three-day-transition.html

Early bird discount of $250 off is available until April 7.

Empower your students with the ultimate superpower: self-advocacy. Read today’s Tuesday Transition Tip to learn more abo...
03/17/2026

Empower your students with the ultimate superpower: self-advocacy. Read today’s Tuesday Transition Tip to learn more about teaching self-awareness, personal rights, and effective communication skills.

Ready to transform your lesson plans with practical strategies for the classroom? Read Today’s Tip: go.iu.edu/CdV1nX

Address

2810 East Discovery Parkway
Bloomington, IN
47408

Website

https://instrc.indiana.edu/

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