Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council - INSILC

10/22/2026

Our next Disability Town Hall will take place virtually on December 1st from 1-3 PM ET! Learn about the issues INSILC will be advocating for during the 2027 Legislative Session of the Indiana General Assembly and how you can get involved!

ASL interpreting and CART services will be provided. Please request additional accommodations when registering.

Register FREE 👉 https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ai6QdVjRhslM1gQI1ulsZr6EwCGekFjX7atovjj9C0Wmz8Y_Bq0b~AsGg4kzT2wAs0skIQl7nqGpywQtIMDF6WRA8f4Jb_q77pk6ymO4-skZ9fA

We hope to see you there!

Image description: Graphic promoting the Disability Town Hall webinar on preparing for the 2027 Indiana Legislative Session, held December 1 from 1:00-3:00 PM ET via Zoom. Features the Indiana Statehouse dome with American and Indiana flags and the website INSILC.org.

10/21/2026

Planning to vote in the upcoming election? Here are some friendly reminders:

✅ Request your mail-in absentee ballot by TOMORROW, 11:59 PM on October 22, 2026, if applicable.

✅ The ABS-VPD application for voters with print disabilities must also be received by TOMORROW, 11:59 PM on October 22. Here is the application: https://forms.in.gov/Download.aspx?id=15195

🚨 Any applications received after the deadline cannot be processed, even if they were postmarked before the deadline.

After you have your ballot, return it to your county election office BEFORE 6:00 PM on November 3, 2026.

⚠️ Important reminders: A voter may not receive assistance completing their absentee ballot, but may receive assistance sealing the envelope. Only the voter, the voter's attorney-in-fact, a bonded courier, an immediate household member, or a family member may hand-deliver a completed absentee ballot application or ballot. For further questions on absentee voting, visit: https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/voter-information/ways-to-vote/absentee-voting.

Not interested in voting by mail? Early voting is also available!
📍 Find early voting locations and hours here: https://vote.indy.gov/early-voting/

Image description: Graphic with a light blue background that reads, “Vote By Mail Reminders: Applications Due TOMORROW.” Additional text reminds voters to request a mail-in absentee ballot by October 22 and return the completed ballot so it is received by the county election office by 6 p.m. on November 3. A “Vote Early” graphic appears in the top right corner, and an illustration of a person mailing a letter into a red mailbox appears in the bottom right.

10/21/2026

What is a disability? How do you know if you have one? 🤔

While there is no one-size-fits-all definition, our latest blog explores how disability is defined through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and the Independent Living movement.

👉 Blog link: https://insilc.org/what-is-a-disability/

Image description: Graphic with a light purple background and decorative dark purple corner borders. A dark purple banner near the top displays the text, “What Is a Disability?” in large white letters. Below the banner is a large dark purple question mark. A small illustrated person stands at the base of the question mark looking upward. The graphic serves as an introduction to information about disability definitions and understanding disability.

10/19/2026

You are invited to help shape our work for the next three years!

State Plan Activities Brainstorm Forum
Monday, October 26, 2026
6:00-7:00 PM ET
➡️ Register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/p7O8ztQ_RGO_-wcwsRJkew

✔️ How can we improve community inclusion for Hoosiers with disabilities?
✔️ How can we offer Independent Living services to more people?
✔️ How can we advocate for disability representation and systemic change?
✔️ How can we strengthen Indiana's Independent Living network?

The State Plan for Independent Living is a roadmap of goals and activities to improve independence, choice, access, and opportunities for Hoosiers with disabilities. Join this hour-long Zoom meeting to brainstorm state plan activities that will help people with disabilities live independently and participate fully in their communities.

ASL interpreting and CART services will be provided; request additional accommodation upon registration.

Image Description: Graphic promoting a brainstorming forum for the 2027-2030 State Plan for Independent Living. The image features the text "Join the Brainstorm Forum" at the top, a pink brain icon with a yellow lightning bolt through the center in the middle, and the text "for the 2027-2030 State Plan for Independent Living" at the bottom. The design has a light gray background with a yellow rounded border.

People with disabilities, family members, advocates, professionals, and members of the public are invited to give their input on the next State Plan for Independent Living—a roadmap of goals and activities to improve independence, choice, access, and opportunities for people with disabilities in I...

10/17/2026

ONE MONTH until the Rally to Protect Community Living! 📢

Join us on November 17th and show Indiana lawmakers that the disability community stands united in protecting home and community-based services.

Mark the calendar, spread the word, and make your voice heard!

👉 Register for Rally & Preparation Call: https://indianadisabilityalliance.org/rally-2026/

Image description: Graphic promoting the Rally to Protect Community Living. Event details include November 17, Indiana Statehouse, and 11AM-12:30 PM ET. Advocacy signs at the bottom display messages supporting home and community-based services, including “Save HCBS,” “Community Not Institutions,” and “Protect HCBS Protect Lives.” The graphic uses blue and gold branding colors.

10/16/2026

Have ideas to share? Join our virtual State Plan Committee Meeting on October 19 from 2:00-3:30 PM ET, where we will accept public comments.

Click here for Zoom Webinar Information: https://zoom.us/j/97079219236?pwd=PVPTgOhMmd41aSUb8kPcAw1uTgHgsx.1

For accommodation requests, please email [email protected]

Image description: Blue and yellow promotional graphic for a State Plan Committee public meeting. Large text at the top reads “Public Meeting,” with “State Plan Committee” below. Meeting details include “October 19,” “2:00-3:30 PM ET,” and “Zoom.” A microphone held in a yellow-sleeved hand appears in the lower right corner, emphasizing public participation.

10/16/2026

The recent loss of actor and disability advocate RJ Mitte is a reminder of the reality we face. According to the CDC, adults with disabilities are between 2 and 3 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or attempts than those without disabilities.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to connect with the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Information on deaf and hard-of-hearing services is available at the link below. There is always hope. 🫂

More information & HoH Services: https://988lifeline.org

Image description: A purple graphic with the message “There Is Always Hope.” in large white text at the top. Below the text is a white line drawing of two clasped hands, symbolizing support and connection, with radiating lines above them representing hope and encouragement. At the bottom, the graphic reads, “Call or text 988 for support.” in white text. The overall design promotes su***de prevention awareness and encourages people to seek help through the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

10/09/2026

Join the Indiana Disability Alliance for an Advocacy in Action training! Learn how to connect with legislators using YOUR personal story.

📅 October 13, 2026
⏰ 7:00-8:30 PM ET
📍 Zoom

Register Today 👉 https://indianadisabilityalliance.org/advocacy-in-action-training-events/

Graphic for Indiana Disability Alliance’s Advocacy in Action Training on October 13 from 7:00-8:30 PM ET on Zoom. Participants learn how to use personal stories to connect with legislators. Presenters are Rachel Deaton of Autism Society of Indiana and Dr. Macy Pohl of Down Syndrome Indiana. The graphic includes the message, “Together we can strengthen community living in Indiana.” The design uses blue, yellow, green, and purple geometric shapes.

10/09/2026

The Arc of Indiana tells 13 Investigates nearly 2,000 Hoosiers with disabilities may be reassessed following the state’s pause of Medicaid waiver determinations.

10/06/2026

Thank you to our panelists, Cathy Robinson and Holly Wimsatt; our facilitator, Kim Dodson; our snack sponsor, Molina Healthcare; our exhibitors; and everyone who attended for making our Disability Town Hall such a success!

If you weren't able to join us, you can watch the recording, access the transcript, and find a discussion summary organized by topic for easy reference. Topics include:

✅ Eligibility Standards and Waiver Access
✅ Institutionalization and Community Living
✅ InterRAI Rollout and Quality Assurance

🔗 Recording and Summary: https://insilc.org/greater-indianapolis-town-hall-september-29-2026/

Image Description: A graphic from the Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC) featuring the INSILC logo at the top. Large blue text in the center reads, “Thank You for a Great Disability Town Hall!” Below, a yellow banner highlights “Get Recording & Discussion Summary.” An illustration of a podium with microphones appears in the lower right corner. The graphic uses a blue, gold, and gray color scheme with decorative blue and gold accents around the border.