Ability Allies

06/18/2026

Parents: Check out this great event from Magical Moments ABA Therapy
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dom2HiySz/

06/17/2026

Alert! Special education program oversight and protection of the civil rights of students are both moving out of the U.S. Department of Education, according to a June 16th administration announcement. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education programs. The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights will move to the U.S. Department of Justice. Read more about this announcement, the plans for these programs, and the concerns of education advocates.

Advocates for students with disabilities fear that moving special education out of the U.S. Department of Education will undermine support for vulnerable students.

06/13/2026

Helpful information for youth with autism who are preparing for adulthood. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JxSpsvzHT/

Join us on July 6 at 7:00 PM for a virtual presentation, Preparing for Adulthood on the Autism Spectrum, where we'll explore important steps families and caregivers can take to prepare for the future.

Topics include:
✅ Financial planning tools
✅ Supported decision-making and guardianship options
✅ Government benefits and services
✅ Long-term support resources
✅ Planning for greater independence and quality of life

Whether your loved one is approaching adulthood or you're planning ahead, this session will provide valuable information to help you navigate the journey with confidence.

📅 July 6, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM ET
💻 Virtual

Register at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/autismsocietyofindiana/event/preparingforadulthoodontheautismspectrum-july2026/

06/12/2026

Data shows educational outcomes declined for Indiana students, unfortunately. See more details in the 2026 National KIDS COUNT® Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1UQQPoHvjZ/

06/11/2026

Margaret Jones, Ability Allies attorney, is at Kaleo Speech and Language's Ohana Outreach Day today, 6/11, until noon. Stop by to meet Margaret, and find out how Ability Allies assists families who have special education concerns and provides presentations about special education issues.

06/08/2026

Ability Allies has grown! We’re excited to welcome Rorye Hatcher as our new Outreach Administrative Assistant. Rorye’s background and experience will help us reach more families and advance our mission.
Find out more about Rorye and her interest in Ability Allies’ work: https://abilityallies.org/rorye-hatcher

06/05/2026

For the first time in 20 years, federal officials will study how schools spend special education funding on students with disabilities. The study will analyze questions like these:

- How much is actually spent on educating students with disabilities? How does this compare to spending on their nondisabled peers?
- Does special education funding reflect student needs? Or is influenced by where they live or attend school?
- What services and supports does it pay for, and what role does IDEA play?
- How close is the federal government to meeting its long-standing IDEA funding promise?

Learn more in this K-12 Dive article. If you have education concerns regarding your child with a disability, contact Ability Allies.
https://www.k12dive.com/news/federal-special-education-spending-study-IDEA-students-with-disabilities/819107/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSKvzNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFvb0czaG9MaXp3bmZNNlBCc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHg34F5MpNltURHjDc9TTRkyrcDIqoXD1CgU7GHJ46gMlDF2yt4JxxpDj2EwF_aem_YWdncwCy49PEzwJyEDTYIWW1orFm&brid=YWdncwHWmnESWwZW0W16vzAoc9ac

The National Study of Special Education Spending will be the first comprehensive, federally supported look into IDEA funding in two decades.

06/04/2026

Important information for those with autism in Indiana: https://www.facebook.com/share/194bTHPmA3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration on Tuesday announced it will pause enrollment of new autism therapy providers for at least six months, beginning Saturday.

REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/06/02/indiana-pauses-autism-therapy-provider-signups/

06/04/2026

Summer fun for kids with disabilities and/or sensory challenges at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis! Sensory-friendly night is Tuesday, June 16th from 4-7 pm for $8 per person (members attend free; Access Pass applies). Ticket sales are currently open, so buy yours today.

Sensory modifications include:
· Limited capacity
· Quiet area with sensory items
· Some music turned down or off
· Edited lighting effects in some areas

The following exhibits and experiences will be open: Power of Children, Playscape, Carousel Wishes & Dreams, Mini Masterpieces, and ScienceWorks. https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/42

05/27/2026

Recently, Ability Allies board member, Raechelle Mills, shared a touching reflection about her son with autism on social media. With her permission, we’re honored to share it with you:

This picture, taken five years ago during quarantine, reflects a time of uncertainty held together by unconditional love. While in ABA therapy at Bierman Autism Centers, my Ausome boy was learning how to use words to communicate his needs and learning how to play with peers.

5 years later he is playing basketball, riding his bike over friends house, and in advanced math. I’m so proud of how far he has come!

My love and passion for autism advocacy drive my role as a board member with Ability Allies. Together, we are dedicated to creating a more inclusive society for all abilities!