Everybody Counts Center for Independent Living

04/09/2026

Speros Batistatos has been a strong supporter of the disability community for many years, and a friend to Everybody Counts. As the founder and leader of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Association, he was a true visionary. After he was abruptly fired after decades of service, we shared our concerns with the remaining board of directors. They then refused to work with us on pending projects that would have substantially improved access to the community. Below is the latest update on the related litigation.

The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority’s legal bills have now blown past the $1 million mark in its ongoing lawsuit with its former leader.

08/15/2025

"‘I try, and I never quit.’ Raymond Fletcher lived those words every day. Born with a rare condition, he shattered barriers, becoming IU Northwest’s first student body president with a disability and a fearless advocate for inclusion. Hammond, IN lost a fighter and a hero. He was 48. 💙 He will be missed.

"I try, and I never quit fighting," Raymond Fletcher said in 1994. "I have to do things on my own. I don't really know how I do them. I've always been this way, so I just have my own way of doing things."

07/29/2025

From the article: Everybody Counts Founder Teresa Torres said the focus of their work is advocating for systemic changes and helping [people with disabilities] achieve their goals. Walking them through the healthcare system is awful when it’s working. With Governor Mike Braun’s Senate Enrolled Act 2, it’s worse. ...

" ... We’re walking them through a maze of mustard and molasses,” Torres said.

Nearly 268,000 Hoosiers are about to lose Medicaid, 128,000 of them are about to lose SNAP benefits, and everyone is going to pay the price for the cruelty, warn the very people who’re going …

05/22/2025

Larry and Julie had a wonderful time at the Portage Senior Health Fair on Tuesday. Thanks to the Mayor's Senior Advisory Committee for hosting this event and for inviting us to come talk with folks about independent living.

Portage Indiana Government Page

The City of Portage hosted its annual Senior Health Fair on May 20th. By: Garrett Spoor

05/19/2025

Join us on Tuesday, May 20th at 9am, Oakwood Hall for our Annual Senior Health Fair. We are excited to share that there will be over 60 vendors at this years event! The first 200 senior citizens in attendance will receive a FREE sack lunch and an entry into our Door Prize drawings! Don't forget, there will also be free health screenings: hearing, blood pressure, diabetes, muscle & joint strength, balance & posture. No appointments needed! Contact nlaboy@portage-in.com for more information.

02/21/2025

Check out the latest edition of Indiana Recreation Guide -- featuring our own Jordan Musenbrock

10/28/2024

RIDE 'N' ROLL TO THE POLLS is about so much more than just giving or getting a ride. It's about knowing your rights as a voter with disabilities and having a place you can call with any questions about the voting process.

Various Northwest Indiana organizations will offer rides to polling locations to help voters cast their ballots in the upcoming election.

10/24/2024

Everybody Counts is partnering with Northwest Indiana NOW and the NOW Foundation to provide free accessible rides to the polls for people with disabilities in Lake, LaPorte and Porter Counties.

We are also here to talk about voting rights when voting with a disability, and to answer questions about the voting process.

Call 219-769-5055 or email jstorbeck@everybodcounts.org

National Organization for Women: NWI NOW

08/20/2024

Just one piece of the media coverage from The Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice 2024 's stop in Indianapolis last week.

Disability rights isn't a partisan issue. It's a civil rights issue, and a human issue.

We fight for the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act -- because NO ONE should ever be institutionalized against their will.

INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosiers joined together Wednesday to address stereotypes and discuss the importance of supporting legislation for people with disabilities. The Caravan for Disability Freedom …

08/12/2024

Excited to join The Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice 2024 on Wednesday in Indianapolis! See you there!

Celebrate the history of the disability rights movement and the people who made it happen when The Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice 2024 comes to Indianapolis! We'll be recognizing the Members of Congress who have signed onto the LaTonya Reeves Freedom Act, registering voters, sharing stories, and CELEBRATING each other with music, food trucks, and more!

And it's all provided at no charge! See you there!

08/12/2024

Last week, while we were hosting a Low Vision Roadshow inside the Hammond Library, two of our navigators were across the way at the Regional Block Party. Multi-tasking for equality!
Click on the gallery -- our table is the very first photo.
Go Hammond The Chicago Lighthouse

Regional Health Systems invited the Hammond community for its annual block party event. The party took place at its State Street campus on Thursday, August 8.