Center on Community Living and Careers

11/04/2025

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and we take this time to honor the incredible dedication of family caregivers. To those supporting loved ones with developmental disabilities: your commitment is tremendously important. You seamlessly manage multiple roles and provide essential love and support daily. We see you, we honor you, and we thank you.

11/03/2025

📣 Your Voice Matters! 📣

Indiana is working to improve disability services so people can live more independently in their homes and communities — and they want to hear from YOU! 💬✨

Join the Indiana Waiver Reset Collaborative Conversations on:
🗓️ November 17th or 19th, 2025
🧑‍🦽 For individuals with physical disabilities (under 60), intellectual or developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries

These virtual sessions will gather feedback on:
✅ What’s working well
✅ What needs to change
✅ What you want future services to look like

Make your voice part of the solution!
🔗 Register for a session:
• Nov 17: https://shorturl.at/Goiey

• Nov 19: https://shorturl.at/o1yKv

📌 Learn more about Indiana’s Waiver Redesign: https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddars/bds-waiver-redesign/

We encourage everyone eligible to join and help shape the future of services in our state! 💙

10/29/2025

What a great event! Mike Nevins was happy to be on the panel and CCLC hopes to support this event and its mission in any way possible next year.

10/28/2025

Happening tomorrow at 11:30am. It’s not too late to register, visit go.iu.edu/8rg0.

Final Opportunity: Let's Talk Benefits! (Last Training of the Year)

Stop guessing about disability benefits and work! Join our free, two-hour benefits information training on Wednesday, October 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET.

This is the last time we're offering this crucial training in 2025. If you are a parent, caregiver, or individual with a disability, register now to get the expert insights you need to navigate work and life.

In this session, we will:
• Clear up common myths about benefits and working.
• Distinguish between SSI and SSDI.
• Map health care benefits (Medicaid/Medicare) to specific SSA benefits.
• Explore asset-building options.
• Show you how to access benefits counseling in Indiana.

Don't wait! Register now at go.iu.edu/8rg0.

10/22/2025

Indiana Launches Major Initiative to Boost Success for Students with Disabilities

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has launched a bold new initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities across the state. The Indiana State Personnel Development Grant (IN-SPDG 2025), billed as the CELL School Leadership Initiative, will focus on strengthening school leadership, teacher collaboration, and family partnerships.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Education, this five-year project awarded to the Center on Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL) at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University, will help build the capacity of Indiana’s principals and teachers to create inclusive, supportive learning environments where every student can thrive.

Learn more in the article linked below.
🔗 www.iidc.indiana.edu/news-events/news/index.html

News

10/22/2025

This week we take the time to recognize and learn more about supporting those with invisible disabilities. Awareness is the first step to providing support, whether they are a loved one, colleague, or student. Find out more from the Invisible Disabilities Association: https://invisibledisabilities.org/seminarsandevents/invisible-disabilities-week/

10/21/2025

We’re excited to offer a new and improved Transition Miniseries. This free 7-course online training teaches transition professionals, teachers, and interagency teams the cyclical planning process for creating quality Transition IEPs and Portfolios. It's useful for schools, Vocational Rehabilitation and adult services staff, and families. You can complete the full series for up to 18 professional contact hours or take individual courses to enhance your skills.

Courses in the Transition Miniseries include:
• Self-Determination in the Transition Process
• The Transition IEP
• Adult Services and Supports after High School

Register for one or all seven courses today: go.iu.edu/8vQ7

10/21/2025

The Early Childhood Center (ECC) invites you to submit a proposal for the 2026 Indiana Early Intervention Conference that will be held in-person from June 11-12 in Bloomington, IN. Submit your proposal at go.iu.edu/8uxe by November 1st. For more information about the conference, go to the ECC website at https://earlyint.iu.edu.

10/20/2025

Final Opportunity: Let's Talk Benefits! (Last Training of the Year)

Stop guessing about disability benefits and work! Join our free, two-hour benefits information training on Wednesday, October 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET.

This is the last time we're offering this crucial training in 2025. If you are a parent, caregiver, or individual with a disability, register now to get the expert insights you need to navigate work and life.

In this session, we will:
• Clear up common myths about benefits and working.
• Distinguish between SSI and SSDI.
• Map health care benefits (Medicaid/Medicare) to specific SSA benefits.
• Explore asset-building options.
• Show you how to access benefits counseling in Indiana.

Don't wait! Register now at go.iu.edu/8rg0.

10/16/2025

Effective communication transforms transition planning! INSTRC’s Seamless Transition Pilot revealed that clear, consistent, and collaborative communication builds trust and empowers families, students, and teams. Start early, include every voice, and keep the dialogue going.

In this week’s transition tip, you can explore 3 strategies and various tools to strengthen your team’s impact. Let’s make transitions seamless—together!

🔗 Read Tuesday’s Transition Tips: go.iu.edu/8vQ3

10/16/2025

It’s officially October! 🍂 Along with crisp air and fall colors, this month brings opportunities to recognize and learn about several important causes. Check out what’s being celebrated and take a moment to engage with each.

10/15/2025

nToday we honor the independence, mobility, and achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired. When you see someone using a white cane, give them space or ask how you can help.

Together raise awareness about the importance of the white cane, and promote safer, more inclusive communities for all. To learn more about White Cane Safety Day, visit https://nfb.org/programs-services/blind-equality-achievement-month/white-cane-awareness-day