Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University

08/26/2026

Dolly Parton proved that Tennessee hospitality is legendary. The Eppley Center's National Center on Accessibility (NCA) is proud to partner with Tennessee State Parks to deliver foundational accessibility training to park staff across the Volunteer State, focusing on accessibility verses usability, inclusive programming, and practical strategies to eliminate physical and communication barriers.

As Dolly said, "If you see someone without a smile, give 'em one of yours." We are honored to work to make sure everyone has a reason to smile outdoors.

Learn more about the NCA: https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/eppley/our-programs/nca/index.html

Image courtesy of Tennessee State Parks.

08/26/2026

Hey educators, plan now to join Hands in Autism this Friday during lunch for this free, informative conversation on K-12 in-school supports and accommodations.

🚨 Mark your calendars for Friday, August 28, from 12:00-1:30 PM EST! 🚨

We’re excited to bring you the first session in our Education Series! 🎉

This time, we're diving deep into Supports & Accommodations in K-12 Schools, featuring insights from Maggie Hampton, from the Indiana Department of Education, Office of Special Education.

✨ Bonus? It’s completely FREE to attend! ✨

Whether you're a caregiver, educator, or community advocate, you won't want to miss this! 🙌

🔗 Register now and be a part of the conversation! https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b2usIWtbcHiDuR0 Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Indiana University Ability Allies Spedacts Indy

08/14/2026

Hey, whatcha doin' for lunch today? Here's a great idea on a rainy Friday: Join Hands in Autism for this valuable webinar today from noon to 1:30 p.m. ET and add some knowledge to that brown bag. 🍽📕🛍

🚨 Mark your calendars for Friday, August 14, from 12:00-1:30 PM EST! 🚨

We’re excited to bring you the next session in our Family-Caregiver Support Series! 🎉

This time, we're diving deep into Charting the LifeCourse, featuring insights from Brie Moore & Jessica Hightshoe from IPMG - Indiana Professional Management Group.

✨ Bonus? It’s completely FREE to attend! ✨

Whether you're a caregiver, educator, or community advocate, you won't want to miss this! 🙌

🔗 Register now and be a part of the conversation! https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b2usIWtbcHiDuR0

Indiana University Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Project ECHO

07/28/2026

The IIDC is seeking feedback to better understand training needs, credentialing interests, and how people find disability-related resources. Your input in our short survey (10 minutes to compete) will help guide future learning opportunities from the IIDC and make our information easier to find. Please note: You may see this survey more than once if you follow multiple IIDC Center social feeds.

Visit https://go.iu.edu/iidctrainingsurvey or scan the QR code below to access this important opportunity to share your interests.

🗓Survey closes August 9.

07/28/2026

The IIDC team is constantly out in the community and across the state, making impact and effecting research-based change. Share our vision to build a world for all abilities! Contact the IIDC at [email protected] to see how we can work with your organization to improve accessibility and support individuals with developmental and physical disabilities.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Terre Haute on Friday, July 17, for the second session of Indiana Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT). We’re incredibly grateful to the organizations and community partners who shared valuable resources and information with our participants.

Couldn’t make it? You can still join us in Indianapolis or even virtually!

• Register for in-person or virtual sessions in English: go.iu.edu/8tCv
• Register for virtual sessions in Spanish: go.iu.edu/8r90

Indiana FEAT is proudly presented in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

07/27/2026

Tune in to Life Style Live this morning at 10 a.m. ET! 📺
The IIDC's Mike Nevins, Center on Community Living and Careers research associate, will share more information about Indiana Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT). Indiana is one of only five states to host this important program!
Where to watch:
• Livestream at lifestylelive.tv
• Indianapolis WISH-TV 8
• Chicago WRJK-TV 22.8
• Louisville WMYO-TV 24.2
• Fort Wayne WLMO-TV 2.8
Indiana FEAT is proudly presented in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.


Center on Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL) Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands Indiana Resource Center for Autism - Indiana University Early Childhood Center Hands in Autism Center for Collaborative Systems Change

07/24/2026

Happy 36th Anniversary to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! Did you know that the ADA National Network is a free resource that provides information and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act? Learn more about the resources you can access here: adata.org/national-network

Center on Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL) Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands Indiana Resource Center for Autism - Indiana University Center on Community Living and Careers Early Childhood Center Hands in Autism Center for Collaborative Systems Change

07/23/2026

The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community is proud to congratulate IIDC Executive Director, Derek Nord, Ph.D., on being named a recipient of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) Sesquicentennial Policy Award.

The award recognizes individuals whose contributions have advanced the field in research, service, policy, practice, advocacy, and leadership as AAIDD celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Dr. Nord's commitment to advancing disability policy reflects the Institute's mission to improve the lives of people with disabilities through research, education, and community engagement. We are honored to see his work recognized alongside leaders from across the field. Award recipients were recognized during AAIDD's 150th Annual Meeting in June in Chicago.

Congratulations, Dr. Nord! 👏👏🏿👏🏽👏🏻

Center on Community Living and Careers Center on Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL) Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands Hands in Autism Center for Collaborative Systems Change Early Childhood Center Indiana Resource Center for Autism - Indiana University

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day! 🎇 🇱🇷
Please keep in mind there (at least) 250 ways to celebrate today. Here’s some tips for managing your own experience or supporting others who may celebrate differently.

☀️ 🏖️ Summer is the perfect time to attend parties, festivals, and social gatherings. But the loud music, bright lights, and massive crowds can easily lead to sensory overload.

What is your go-to strategy for managing sensory overload? Share your tips in the comments!👇

Want more ideas? This month’s issue of What’s Next? dives deeper into how you can advocate for your needs and design your own sensory-friendly spaces. Read the full issue: go.iu.edu/6YTNQd

Lea ¿Qué sigue? en Español: go.iu.edu/9wb6QH

07/02/2026

The IIDC, all Centers, and the The Library at the Indiana Institute will be closed Friday, July 3, in honor of Independence Day. Normal business hours will resume Monday, July 6. On behalf of the entire staff, have a safe and enjoyable July 4!
Center on Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL) Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands Indiana Resource Center for Autism - Indiana University Center on Community Living and Careers Early Childhood Center Hands in Autism Center for Collaborative Systems Change