Learn how early and ongoing benefits counseling empowers those considering work. Learn how to reject common myths about benefits and going to work.​ Understand the difference between SSI & SSDI. Understand which healthcare benefit (Medicaid and Medicare) goes with which SSA benefit. Learn asset-building options to assist with benefits. Learn about the advantages and find out how to access benefits counseling in Indiana.

Presented by Indiana Institute on Disability and Community Center on Community Living and Careers.

Free registration.

When Danilyn Rutherford and her husband Craig noticed that their six-month-old daughter Millie wasn’t making eye contact, they took her to their pediatrician. And an optometrist. Then a neurologist. Later, to a team of physical and occupational therapists. None of the doctors could give Millie a diagnosis, but it was clear that her brain was not developing at the rate it should. At an age when some children take their first steps, Millie had the cognitive ability and motor skills of a three-month-old. Three years later, Craig died suddenly of a heart attack and Danilyn found herself on the precipice of her anthropology career as a widow and single mother, still trying to solve the puzzle posed by Millie’s inaccessible mind.

Now in her twenties, Millie has never been able to express herself verbally, but she has a thriving social environment rooted in the people around her and in things her companions and family can see, hear, smell, and feel. Life in Millie’s world is far richer than might be immediately evident to those who think and communicate in conventional ways.

Beautiful Mystery explores what it means to be a person in the spaces between what we can and cannot say, and how we can fight to care for those we love when they don’t have the language to fight for themselves. Through her unique lens as a mother and an anthropologist, Rutherford tells the story of arriving in Millie’s world, what she found there, and how Millie showed her that words aren’t always what makes us human. Enlightening and deeply felt, Beautiful Mystery proves that you don’t have to understand someone to love them—a lesson that, if we all learned it, might allow us to live together in a fractured world.

The lecture will last about 40 minutes, with a discussion and reception following.

Sponsored by the Purdue University Department of Anthropology.

Join Civitan for a Pumpkin Party at the Patch on October 21 1pm - 3pm.

Pick out a pumpkin and enjoy a light snack.

Sponsored by the Greater Lafayette Civitan Club.

Parking available behind the church.

This chapter of Self Advocates of Indiana meets the second and fourth Thursdays each month. All self-advocates are invited. You do not need to be a client of Wabash Center.

For more information contact Rhonda Hicks, rhicks@wabashcenter.com.

Meet new friends for good conversation!

The group meets the 2nd Thursday each month at Cafe Literato in West Lafayette.

For more information contact Rachel at 815-353-0985 or rndebelak@gmail.com.

The Center on Community Living and Careers is proud to deliver Family Employment Awareness Trainings (FEAT) to Hoosier families, their young adults with disabilities, and the professionals who support them.

Indiana is one of five states offering FEAT as a way to increase expectations and support for competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. FEAT’s goals are in keeping with those of the state of Indiana, which supports Employment First—real work in the community for real wages—as a first option for young adults transitioning from high school.

FEAT Indiana is designed to increase family, student, and professional knowledge of state, federal, and community resources that support employment. Training includes individual and group activities, discussions, pullout sessions for young adults, and presentations from local employers, entrepreneurs, and community resource agency members. FEAT training facilitators follow up with technical assistance sessions to support participants in taking steps toward achieving competitive integrated employment.

Topics covered include:

• Indiana’s Employment First policy;

• Outside-the-box employment possibilities;

• Success stories;

• Family/parent role in supporting employment;

• Transition to adulthood (healthcare, work, postsecondary education/training);

• Employee and employer resources;

• Information to support gaining and maintaining employment; and

• Antidiscrimination laws.

Join us for these upcoming sessions:

• Monday, September 29: A New Path - High Expectations for Employment

• Tuesday, September 30: Individual Employment Possibilities

• Wednesday, October 1: Employer and Employee Supports

• Monday, October 6: Maintaining Employment Resources and Medicaid

• Tuesday, October 7: Benefits

• Wednesday, October 8: Local and State Agency Presenters

All sessions are 6-8pm.

Presented by Indiana Institute on Disability and Community Center on Community Living and Careers.

More information and free registration.

This training offers valuable insights into the tools, technologies, and resources that enhance independence and quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments. Whether you are a healthcare provider, vocational rehabilitation counselor, professional supporting individuals with disabilities, or someone personally navigating mobility challenges, this session will provide practical knowledge and strategies you can use right away.

By participating in this FREE training, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of mobility solutions and how to match the right tools to individual needs. You’ll also strengthen your ability to empower individuals with greater independence while enhancing your own professional expertise. This training is an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge, stay current with best practices, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you support.

This event will also be streamed live via Zoom and can be accessed at www.eastersealstech.com/live. Registration is required for both in-person and online webinar attendance.

Presented by Easterseals Crossroads.

Click here for more information and to register.

The Center on Community Living and Careers is proud to deliver Family Employment Awareness Trainings (FEAT) to Hoosier families, their young adults with disabilities, and the professionals who support them.

Indiana is one of five states offering FEAT as a way to increase expectations and support for competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. FEAT’s goals are in keeping with those of the state of Indiana, which supports Employment First—real work in the community for real wages—as a first option for young adults transitioning from high school.

FEAT Indiana is designed to increase family, student, and professional knowledge of state, federal, and community resources that support employment. Training includes individual and group activities, discussions, pullout sessions for young adults, and presentations from local employers, entrepreneurs, and community resource agency members. FEAT training facilitators follow up with technical assistance sessions to support participants in taking steps toward achieving competitive integrated employment.

Topics covered include:

• Indiana’s Employment First policy;

• Outside-the-box employment possibilities;

• Success stories;

• Family/parent role in supporting employment;

• Transition to adulthood (healthcare, work, postsecondary education/training);

• Employee and employer resources;

• Information to support gaining and maintaining employment; and

• Antidiscrimination laws.

Join us for these upcoming sessions:

• Monday, September 29: A New Path - High Expectations for Employment

• Tuesday, September 30: Individual Employment Possibilities

• Wednesday, October 1: Employer and Employee Supports

• Monday, October 6: Maintaining Employment Resources and Medicaid

• Tuesday, October 7: Benefits

• Wednesday, October 8: Local and State Agency Presenters

All sessions are 6-8pm.

Presented by Indiana Institute on Disability and Community Center on Community Living and Careers.

More information and free registration.

The Center on Community Living and Careers is proud to deliver Family Employment Awareness Trainings (FEAT) to Hoosier families, their young adults with disabilities, and the professionals who support them.

Indiana is one of five states offering FEAT as a way to increase expectations and support for competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. FEAT’s goals are in keeping with those of the state of Indiana, which supports Employment First—real work in the community for real wages—as a first option for young adults transitioning from high school.

FEAT Indiana is designed to increase family, student, and professional knowledge of state, federal, and community resources that support employment. Training includes individual and group activities, discussions, pullout sessions for young adults, and presentations from local employers, entrepreneurs, and community resource agency members. FEAT training facilitators follow up with technical assistance sessions to support participants in taking steps toward achieving competitive integrated employment.

Topics covered include:

• Indiana’s Employment First policy;

• Outside-the-box employment possibilities;

• Success stories;

• Family/parent role in supporting employment;

• Transition to adulthood (healthcare, work, postsecondary education/training);

• Employee and employer resources;

• Information to support gaining and maintaining employment; and

• Antidiscrimination laws.

Join us for these upcoming sessions:

• Monday, September 29: A New Path - High Expectations for Employment

• Tuesday, September 30: Individual Employment Possibilities

• Wednesday, October 1: Employer and Employee Supports

• Monday, October 6: Maintaining Employment Resources and Medicaid

• Tuesday, October 7: Benefits

• Wednesday, October 8: Local and State Agency Presenters

All sessions are 6-8pm.

Presented by Indiana Institute on Disability and Community Center on Community Living and Careers.

More information and free registration.

Saturday Social events are FREE and open to anyone regardless of whether or not they attend services at Wabash Center. Light snacks or meals are provided at each event and your RSVP helps us plan appropriately.

Free.

RSVP here.

The Center on Community Living and Careers is proud to deliver Family Employment Awareness Trainings (FEAT) to Hoosier families, their young adults with disabilities, and the professionals who support them.

Indiana is one of five states offering FEAT as a way to increase expectations and support for competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. FEAT’s goals are in keeping with those of the state of Indiana, which supports Employment First—real work in the community for real wages—as a first option for young adults transitioning from high school.

FEAT Indiana is designed to increase family, student, and professional knowledge of state, federal, and community resources that support employment. Training includes individual and group activities, discussions, pullout sessions for young adults, and presentations from local employers, entrepreneurs, and community resource agency members. FEAT training facilitators follow up with technical assistance sessions to support participants in taking steps toward achieving competitive integrated employment.

Topics covered include:

• Indiana’s Employment First policy;

• Outside-the-box employment possibilities;

• Success stories;

• Family/parent role in supporting employment;

• Transition to adulthood (healthcare, work, postsecondary education/training);

• Employee and employer resources;

• Information to support gaining and maintaining employment; and

• Antidiscrimination laws.

Join us for these upcoming sessions:

• Monday, September 29: A New Path - High Expectations for Employment

• Tuesday, September 30: Individual Employment Possibilities

• Wednesday, October 1: Employer and Employee Supports

• Monday, October 6: Maintaining Employment Resources and Medicaid

• Tuesday, October 7: Benefits

• Wednesday, October 8: Local and State Agency Presenters

All sessions are 6-8pm.

Presented by Indiana Institute on Disability and Community Center on Community Living and Careers.

More information and free registration.

The Center on Community Living and Careers is proud to deliver Family Employment Awareness Trainings (FEAT) to Hoosier families, their young adults with disabilities, and the professionals who support them.

Indiana is one of five states offering FEAT as a way to increase expectations and support for competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. FEAT’s goals are in keeping with those of the state of Indiana, which supports Employment First—real work in the community for real wages—as a first option for young adults transitioning from high school.

FEAT Indiana is designed to increase family, student, and professional knowledge of state, federal, and community resources that support employment. Training includes individual and group activities, discussions, pullout sessions for young adults, and presentations from local employers, entrepreneurs, and community resource agency members. FEAT training facilitators follow up with technical assistance sessions to support participants in taking steps toward achieving competitive integrated employment.

Topics covered include:

• Indiana’s Employment First policy;

• Outside-the-box employment possibilities;

• Success stories;

• Family/parent role in supporting employment;

• Transition to adulthood (healthcare, work, postsecondary education/training);

• Employee and employer resources;

• Information to support gaining and maintaining employment; and

• Antidiscrimination laws.

Join us for these upcoming sessions:

• Monday, September 29: A New Path - High Expectations for Employment

• Tuesday, September 30: Individual Employment Possibilities

• Wednesday, October 1: Employer and Employee Supports

• Monday, October 6: Maintaining Employment Resources and Medicaid

• Tuesday, October 7: Benefits

• Wednesday, October 8: Local and State Agency Presenters

All sessions are 6-8pm.

Presented by Indiana Institute on Disability and Community Center on Community Living and Careers.

More information and free registration.

The Center on Community Living and Careers is proud to deliver Family Employment Awareness Trainings (FEAT) to Hoosier families, their young adults with disabilities, and the professionals who support them.

Indiana is one of five states offering FEAT as a way to increase expectations and support for competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. FEAT’s goals are in keeping with those of the state of Indiana, which supports Employment First—real work in the community for real wages—as a first option for young adults transitioning from high school.

FEAT Indiana is designed to increase family, student, and professional knowledge of state, federal, and community resources that support employment. Training includes individual and group activities, discussions, pullout sessions for young adults, and presentations from local employers, entrepreneurs, and community resource agency members. FEAT training facilitators follow up with technical assistance sessions to support participants in taking steps toward achieving competitive integrated employment.

Topics covered include:

• Indiana’s Employment First policy;

• Outside-the-box employment possibilities;

• Success stories;

• Family/parent role in supporting employment;

• Transition to adulthood (healthcare, work, postsecondary education/training);

• Employee and employer resources;

• Information to support gaining and maintaining employment; and

• Antidiscrimination laws.

Join us for these upcoming sessions:

• Monday, September 29: A New Path - High Expectations for Employment

• Tuesday, September 30: Individual Employment Possibilities

• Wednesday, October 1: Employer and Employee Supports

• Monday, October 6: Maintaining Employment Resources and Medicaid

• Tuesday, October 7: Benefits

• Wednesday, October 8: Local and State Agency Presenters

All sessions are 6-8pm.

Presented by Indiana Institute on Disability and Community Center on Community Living and Careers.

More information and free registration.

Save the date for the 10th Annual Indiana AAC Summit!

Presented by Indiana AAC Summit.

This chapter of Self Advocates of Indiana meets the second and fourth Thursdays each month. All self-advocates are invited. You do not need to be a client of Wabash Center.

For more information contact Rhonda Hicks, rhicks@wabashcenter.com.

Indiana Family to Family's Heart to Heart Conference is back for it's 9th year in 2025! This conference is to provide families and those caring for or serving children or youth with diverse health and mental health needs and/or disabilities with information in language they can understand.

As parents ourselves, we know it can be difficult to commit to a full day of learning. Our virtual platform allows you to pop on and off sessions as needed, and all registrants will have access to session recordings for a month following the conference.

Our goal is to share timely and accurate information that will help you and your family better care for your loved ones.

Visit https://www.inf2f.org/heart-to-heart-conference.html for more information and for free registration.

For families who have an adult child with an IO Waiver, SELF Waiver or Level One Waiver, focusing on Homemaker Personal Care (HPC), Ohio Shared Living (OSL), Adult Day Services, Transportation, Respite and more.

We will cover:

• The realities of long-term caregiving after school ends

• Services and supports for adults who have DD Waivers

• Tackling the lack of qualified DSPs

• Creating a daily schedule

• Tips and resources for success

This webinar is based in Ohio and talks about Ohio HCBS Waiver services. Still, there may be some wisdom and ideas for Indiana families.

Presented by Ohio Family to Family.

Free registration.

WHAT:   Webinar on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (DST)

WHERE:    Register Online. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/affordable-housing-misconceptions-myths-tickets-1554162845909?aff=oddtdtcreator

Note: A Zoom Link will be sent to your email by 12 noon on September 24th to connect you to the webinar.

SPEAKER:  Matt Rayburn, Deputy Executive Director & Chief Real Estate Development Officer & State Disaster Housing Manager, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA)

MODERATOR:  Michael Hicks, Advocate, Inclusion Institute of the League

OVERVIEW:          

Affordable housing programs can be complicated, and each program has its own unique rules and quirks.  In this webinar, we will debunk some commonly held misconceptions and myths about affordable housing programs, including:

• questions about the range of income eligibility

• rent limits and accommodations

• locations of housing

• accessible features

 This webinar will also include a “101” introduction on various affordable housing programs and the differences between them.

INTENDED AUDIENCE:

People with disabilities and families, advocates for disability rights, community living organizations representatives, affordable housing associates, service coordinators and others seeking to connect people with integrated, affordable and accessible housing opportunities.

ACCOMMODATIONS: To request, email Deb McCarty at dlmccart1@aol.com or call 317-638-2392 by 12:00 noon on September 22, 2025.

Presented by The Inclusion Institute of The League.

This event is made possible by the generous support of the AWS Foundation.

Join us for this 90-minute online event to learn about what’s happening with federal housing programs for people with disabilities. We’ll talk about new and ongoing threats to important programs like Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), HUD Section 811, HOME, and more. We’ll also talk about rule changes that could add unfair time limits or work requirements, as well as other threats to community integration.

You will learn what’s at stake, ask questions, and get the necessary information to take action. Whether you are a disabled person, a family member, an advocate, or an ally, you’ll leave with clear steps to help protect affordable, accessible, and inclusive housing in your community and across the country.

ASL interpretation and captioning will be available.

Hosted by The Kelsey.

Co-hosted by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, The National Council on Independent Living, and New Disabled South.

Free registration.

Book Life is a book club which focuses on reading, friends, and fun!

Adults (ages 18 & older) with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers are invited to join our book club.

Presented by the Tippecanoe County Public Library.

For more information:

Maggie Andrejko, Head Youth Librarian
Tippecanoe County Public Library
765-429-0120
mandrejko@tcpl.lib.in.us

Wabash Center’s Self-Advocates Group will be hosting a car wash fundraiser to help support their work! This event is completely led by the Self-Advocates and they would greatly appreciate your support!

Event Details:
Date: Friday, September 19th
Time: 12p-2:30p
Location: Wabash Center (2000 Greenbush St., Lafayette, IN)

We’d love for you to stop by, get your car washed, and support the important work that the Self-Advocates Group does.  

Please note that all donations are cash only. 

Special Needs Planning Conference with All Needs Planning and the 7Q Foundation.

Topics include:

• Special Needs Financial Planning

• Estate Planning

• Social Security

• and so much more!

Registration opens soon.

For more information visit All Needs Planning.

This event is CANCELLED because we did not have enough RSVPs in time.

Join your friends at OASIS for a guided Prairie Discovery Walk at Prophetstown State Park.

Cost is $2/person. Tell the gate attendant you're there for the OASIS program and you won't need to pay the entrance fee.

Meet at Prairie View picnic area. Bring your water bottle. Snacks will be provided after the walk.

RSVP by September 15 to programs@oasisforlife.org or call 765-267-3808 (no texts).

Noble’s Parent Cafe is designed to give caregivers, supporting a family member diagnosed with a disability, the opportunity to spend time with others who may share similar feelings and experiences. 

Guided by our café and table host, we will have conversation around our theme “Cup of Calm – Self-Care & Mental Health” . 

To hear more about our Parent Café in general, feel free to contact Johnda Knight, Family Services Coordinator @ j.knight@mynoblelife.org.

Free registration.

Equipping a home with a smart home system and technologies specifically designed to enhance its safety and efficacy can help increase independence and autonomy for older adults and people with disabilities. However, smart homes remain unattainable to many due to the high cost of these systems and technologies. There are resources, such as the State Grant for Assistive Technology Program, that can help individuals acquire smart home devices. There are also other demonstrative models, such as Oklahoma’s Smart Home Demonstration Sites and the Illinois Smart Home Demonstration Center, that can show how affordable assistive technology could transform a home into a smart home.

Presented by ACL’s Housing and Services Resource Center.

Free registration.

This chapter of Self Advocates of Indiana meets the second and fourth Thursdays each month. All self-advocates are invited. You do not need to be a client of Wabash Center.

For more information contact Rhonda Hicks, rhicks@wabashcenter.com.

Meet new friends for good conversation!

The group meets the 2nd Thursday each month at Cafe Literato in West Lafayette.

For more information contact Rachel at 815-353-0985 or rndebelak@gmail.com.

Wabash Center is excited to share an invitation to our September Social, which will be a little different this month! Instead of meeting on Saturday, we’ll be gathering on Sunday, September 7th for a special Movie Night at Loeb Stadium in Lafayette.

📽️ Movie: Lilo & Stitch (live action – chosen by community vote!)
📍 Location: Loeb Stadium, Lafayette
📅 Date: Sunday, September 7th
⏰ Time: 6PM-8PM
🍿 Snacks: Light snacks will be provided

This event is open to individuals served, families, guardians, staff, and the entire IDD community in Lafayette. We’d love for you to join us—and we encourage you to share this invitation with the individuals and families you work alongside.

Thank you for helping us spread the word and supporting opportunities for connection, fun, and community building.

RSVP  here: https://form.jotform.com/252254399868070