Indiana Disability Rights

02/20/2026

Have a New Years resolution to learn how to advocate for your disability rights? Wondering where to start? Watch this video created by Disability Rights Florida that explains the basics of becoming your own advocate. This is your year to advocate for your disability rights!

People with disabilities face a lot of barriers. Whether it's because places we want to go aren't accessible, we can't get the resources or technology we nee...

02/13/2026

Breadcrumbs DDARS BDS Policies Current: DDARS Draft Policies for Public Comment DDARS Draft Policies for Public Comment Public Comment for Waiver Amendment1915(b)(4)  1.28.26TBI Waiver 1.28.26CIH 1.28.26HW 1.28.26FS 1.28.26First Steps Part C Grant Application Public Comment Announcement 2025Part C...

02/13/2026

Some complain that Valentine’s Day was created by corporations to make money by selling chocolate, cards, and flowers. Others deck themselves out in pink and red and reserve a booth at the trendiest restaurant weeks in advance. No matter how you feel about the holiday, remember the people in your community who want to celebrate human connection, acceptance, and appreciation, but feel alone. Today is a great day to connect with a neighbor, friend, or older adult who may be alone. Alt Text of Reel: “Happy Valentine’s Day” and the quote by Selma Blair, “Every person on this Earth needs just one person who sees them and roots for them,” on a pink, glittery background with hearts floating. IDR’s flame logo is at the bottom.

02/09/2026

Have you seen this?! This ad from Apple features college students with disabilities living a typical college experience, using accessibility tools along the way. One line really speaks to the purpose of and – “I need stuff like you need stuff and that stuff is not the same!” YES!

Apple products are designed for every student. Accessibility features like Magnifier on Mac, Accessibility Reader, Braille Access, VoiceOver, Sound & Name Re...

02/03/2026

Do you want to advocate for yourself during this Legislative session? Here are steps you can take to get started:
1. Learn more about the Legislative Process on the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities’ resource page at https://www.in.gov/gcpd/past-projects/publications/the-legislative-process/
2. Read the text of the bills introduced this session. Visit https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills
3. Talk to your Representative and Senator about your concerns. Find contact information for your state representative and senator. Visit https://iga.in.gov/information/find-legislators
4. If you want to testify for or against a bill, you’ll need to reserve your spot! Reserve your spot by completing the form at https://iga.in.gov/2026/committees/testify

Website for Indiana's General Assembly

02/03/2026

Weather-related eLearning days do not excuse schools from their obligations to students with disabilities. Schools should plan ahead to ensure that they still provide necessary services, supports, and accommodations when doing eLearning so that students with IEPs or 504 plans receive a free appropriate education and do not fall behind. Parents should make sure their student's IEP addresses how the student will receive services during eLearning.

BREMEN, Ind. — Students across Michiana are mostly back in the classroom after a stretch of snow days and virtual learning over the past two weeks. For some families with children who have disabilities, those lost learning days may come at a higher cost.

01/28/2026

The 2026 Legislative Session is in now progress. This will be a short session and will end by March 15! Now is the time to talk to your legislators about the issues that are important to you! The Arc of Indiana, Down Syndrome Indiana, the Autism Society of Indiana, and INSILC are hosting a VIRTUAL Day of Action tomorrow, Thursday, January 29. Learn more by visiting www.arcind.org/news/statehouse-day-of-action-jan-29/

Due to weather concerns and in the interest of everyone’s safety, the joint Day of Action at the Statehouse will take place virtually.

TAKE ACTION FROM HOME JANUARY 29!

Visit https://www.arcind.org/day-of-action/ for more info.

01/28/2026

NAMI Indiana is hosting its Annual Legislative Meet & Greet at the Indiana Statehouse on Thursday, February 5, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET. This annual event brings NAMI advocates face-to-face with policymakers to share lived experiences and urge mental health care to remain a priority in Indiana. Visit their website to learn more and register. https://www.namiindiana.org/events/meet-greet

NAMI Indiana members, we must engage our local policymakers -- and next Thursday is our time to do so. Join us at the Indiana Statehouse on Thursday, Feb. 5 for the annual NAMI Indiana Legislative Meet & Greet.

Share your story and help advocate for mental healthcare to be a priority in our state. Your presence matters. Register to let us know you're coming at: https://www.namiindiana.org/events/meet-greet

11/25/2025

The Thanksgiving season encourages us to reflect on what we are grateful for. At IDR, we are grateful for the rights and laws that empower individuals with disabilities to live freely and thrive in our communities. What disability rights or laws are you most thankful for? Share with us! [Image, Thanksgiving motif, says "Thankful, Grateful, Appreciative. IndianaDisabilityRights.org"]

11/20/2025

Today's the day! There's still time to register for today's webinar focused on disability and discipline in Indiana schools. We'll see you there at 5:30 p.m.!

Don’t forget to join WFYI for part two of our virtual webinar series, School Discipline and Children with Disabilities, on Thursday, November 20. The webinar will feature a panel discussion designed to help families understand how they can support and advocate for their children.

The conversation will include a presentation of WFYI data showing the disproportionate suspension of students with disabilities. The panel discussion will be moderated by WFYI Investigative Education Reporter Dylan Peers McCoy. Panelists include Jim Hutton of Indiana Disability Rights, Mimi Huybers of Ability Allies and Laura Swanson of IEP-Hope, inc. Learn more at wfyi.org/events/webinar-part-two-school-discipline-and-children-with-disabilities

The webinar will be recorded for later viewing. Disclaimer: This presentation is not legal advice.

11/18/2025

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new digital advocacy resource! When receiving inpatient mental health treatment, understanding your rights is the first step toward self-advocacy. This free tool offers clear guidance on treatment planning, preparing for discharge, and rights while receiving inpatient mental health treatment. Know your rights. Make your voice heard. Access the resource today and share it with someone who needs it: https://www.in.gov/idr/files/Know-Your-Rights-Adults-Receiving-Inpatient-Mental-Health-Treatment-in-Indiana-25.10.31.pdf

11/17/2025

Do you have questions about how students receiving special education services are disciplined? WFYI is hosting a webinar on November 20 at 5:30 p.m. EST, about the state of discipline in special education. Get answers to YOUR questions about this important issue.

Join WFYI for part two of our virtual webinar series on special education support on November 20 at 5:30 p.m.